William Cano

William (Guillermo) Ibarra Cano, 89, of Millbury, formerly of Wichita Kansas, died peacefully Monday, September 5, 2011 in the Millbury Healthcare Center after a brief illness. "Bill" is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years Dorthelia M. (Moree) Cano, and his loving son Steven Cano and his wife Robin (Gerardi) Cano of Millbury. Bill (or Pow Pow as he was referred to) was grandfather to six children whom he adored; Derek, Stesha, Tristan, Evan, Trenton, and Ariadne Cano. A sister Evangelina Salinas Carreo of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, many nephews and nieces, including Adriana, Evangelina, and Lourdes, and a special cousin Guillermo Garca Cano of Monterrey, Mexico survive him. He is predeceased in death by four brothers and a sister. Bill was born in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico son of the late Alfonso Garca Cano Lpez and Adriana (Ybarra) Alonso, both of Mexico. He graduated from high school in Mexico and attended the University of Mexico in Mexico City studying art. Bill lived briefly in San Antonio, Texas before enlisting in the United States Army and becoming naturalized as a U.S. citizen. He served in the Asian Pacific Theatre during WWII and was decorated for his military service. Bill worked as an Illustrator for the Boeing Company for 36 years before retiring in 1986. He and his wife Dorthelia lived most of their lives in Wichita, Kansas before moving to Millbury in 2010 to be closer to his son's family. Bill loved working in his garden and was very proud of his specialty hot peppers! He was also a practical joker and master story-teller who could keep his audiences captivated for hours at a time. He was occasionally accused of embellishing his stories. Bill enjoyed all sports especially football and the University of Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. He played all star football at the University of Mexico in the 1940's, and enjoyed watching his son's and grandchildren's sporting events. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. There are no funeral services planned at this time according to his wishes.Friends and Relatives are invited to a Celebration of Life Reception on Saturday September 17, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM at the home of Steven and Robin Cano 4 Glover Rd. Millbury Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Southern New England Basketball Club (SNEBC), 4 Glover Road, Millbury, MA 01527, The SNEBC is a regional non-profit organization that supports student athletes. An annual scholarship will be awarded in the name of WIlliam Cano. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St is assisting the family with arrangements.