October 27, 1962 �" February 7, 2014
Gary Cann passed away in Arcata, California on February 7, 2014. Having lived with HIV for decades, a debilitating case of shingles and a weakening heart finally proved too much for his body to bear. A longtime resident of San Francisco, he worked for several years in the Castro at Moby Dick, where he was best known by his nickname, Debbie.
Gary was valedictorian of his graduating class at Cloverdale High School in 1979 and attended San Francisco State University and Heald College. Subsequently, he enjoyed a successful career as a law librarian in Los Angeles and San Francisco. He was also a talented oboist and had a lifelong passion for the arts �" particularly opera, musical theatre, and classical music.
Gary watched with pride the numerous accomplishments of his niece, Melissa Cann. He was predeceased by his parents, Phil and Barbara (Foster) Cann, and by his sister, Deon.
Donations in honor of Gary's life will be gratefully accepted by Maitri Compassionate Care, 401 Duboce Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94117.