Jose (Richard) Canizales Sr. passed away on September 2, 2017, peacefully at his home.He was surrounded by his family.Richard fought a tough battle with cancer to the very end.

Richard was born in Globe, Arizona on January 13, 1951.He lived there with his mother until the passing of his mother, Guadalupe Norman.At that time he moved to Tucson to begin a new life with his loving father, William and step-mother Lupita Canizales and 4 younger brothers, Bill, Albert, Joe and Michael who accepted him with loving arms.

He attended and graduated from Ampitheater High School in 1969.At that point in his life he felt a calling to join the U.S. Navy from August 1969 to 1972.Shortly after his return he met the love of his life Julia.He chose to move to Flagstaff where Julia was from.

His first son Gabe was born and Richard felt the need to raise a family in Flagstaff.So he moved his family back with his wife and first son.He then worked for the Carpenters Union for several years and became quite the carpenter.

Richard then had his second son, Jose Jr. (Joe) and thought it was time to do more for his family.He began working for Coconino County.Richard retired in 2011 as supervisor for the Public Works Department.

Richard enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and golf with family and friends.He was active and a life time member of the Flagstaff Archers where he created and enjoyed the camaraderie established with his archery buddies.He had a definite passion for the outdoors which he ultimately taught his family about.You could always find Richard in the bleachers of his grandchildren's sporting events.The grandchildren would always look up to make sure Tata was there to cheer them on.

Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years, Julia Canizales, son Gabriel (Jori), son Joe and grandchildren Karissa, Stephen, Luke and Laila, and countless family and friends.

Services will be held in Flagstaff on Friday, September 8th at San Francisco De Asis Catholic Church beginning with visitation of 11:30, a Holy Rosary at 12:30 and a funeral mass at 1:30. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery.