Oscar Canavan Obituary

Hi Betty,
My name is Robert Shelly.
I know that you do not remember me but I was in your class of 1968/69 at Lincoln High School. I saved the obituary in the S.F. Chronicle because I remembered your name as a cheerleader at Lincoln.
I want to express my deepest sympathy at the loss of your son, Oscar and to know that people like myself even far away share in your sadness. We never know in the innocence of our high school years what hand life will deal us. Life can be good but and it can also be cruel and very sad at times.
I know that losing Oscar was a tremendous loss for you but his gift to you was in his memory and the lessons of life that we just cannot read in any book. There are things that you learned from him, that you may not realize, that will help you in your life as you live on. This has been my experience from those close to me that I have lost.
I hope that my words have helped you, even in a small way.
My best wishes to you and your family.

Dear Cousin Betty,
Just searching for your phone number in St. Louis to connect; and found this horrible news about Oscar. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Angela. Please get in touch.

Dear Betty and Angela,
Words cannot express the shock and horror of having just learned of Oscar's passing. My sympathy and condolences to you and your family on this tragic loss. He was a sweet kid. I will always remember him eating about six grilled cheese sandwiches at Ft Davidson for lunch one spring day, when we had a nice day in the Ozarks.

I will miss him. A dear sweet boy. sinn fein

I am terribly sorry to hear about Oscar. My only regret is that i didn't spent more time with him. I met Oscar at logos, and every day i looked forward to seeing him. He was an amazing person, and i was lucky to have known him for what little time i did.

I am so sorry for your loss.Oscar was a very good friend of mine at Logos.I will always have good memories when I think of him,because he was a true friend to me.We always stuck together at Logos.I will miss him.

I wished i saw oscar before he passed on. The last time i saw him was when he was little, when i was still in school with angela. :) i love/miss you, oscar.

xo

Damn..Man Oscar I Remember The Fun Times At Logos When U Would Do Sumthin Funny Just 2 Make People Laugh And In The B.I Room U Used 2 Tell Me About Your Band And We'd Talk About Skateboarding Sumtimes..Man U Was Fun 2 Be Around And 2 Hang Out Wit..Summer Times Comin Up And I Was Wantin 2 Hang Out With U Sumtime Damn Why Did This Have 2 Happen? U Still Had A Long Life 2 Live....

I met Oscar at LOGOS! Soon after we met, we started dating. we were both going through some struggles and decided to part ways so that we could both deal. We were always there for eachother even after that. Oscar and I had so much in common it was easy for us to talk about anything and everything... just a couple weeks ago when I talked to him he was so happy because he thought he was about to have a new girlfriend. We talked for hours and he cheered me up so much.

R.I.P. Oscar-I love you!

oscar, i remember playing guitar with you in donnies class, and laughing and causing caos. though i havent talked to you in almost a year, ill still rememeber and miss you man

Oscar, i will miss u alot. i remember the times when we sk8ed 2gether and we talked on the phone. i will always remember the fun times we had at metro 2gether. i remember the concert that we went to at the high point. peace out dude.

Dear Betty,
Although we've never met, your columns have been part of my life for many years. I just want to say that I too am saddened by Oscar's passing. His obituary was beautiful and your handling of his illness was very touching. Thank you for sharing him with all of your readers. His memory will live on in many people.

Dear Betty, Angela and Francis,
We were so very sad to hear about Oscar...We remember fondly our visit to St. Louis and the Children's Museum. Our kids really enjoyed the time with your family. Peace be with you now during this difficult time...Love, Mel,Pat, Katie, Ben, and Ryan McAnany

Dear Betty and Angela,

We are so sorry to hear of Oscar's passing. Jake told me he had gotten a message from Angela on Facebook. We have fond memories of Oscar, I still have a picture in my office of Oscar, Angela, Jacob and Peter with "cat" faces. So cute! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sandy, Byron, Jake and Peter Whitaker

Im so sorry for your loss.
Oscar was the nicest person i have ever met. He was an incredible person. I will miss him so much.
He was caring and so sweet.
Please know that he meant alot to very many people.
I plan on making a memorial for him.
He was a unique person, he was like no one i have ever met.

Betty,

I am so sorry to read about Oscar's death. I wish I could be with you today to share your memories, your love and your grieving but I am out of town. Hope we can connect next week. You are very much in our prayers.

Please know that we are thinking of you. Your son's obituary is a testament to loving families and the plight of the mentally ill child, especially those who do not get a chance to show everyone their special gifts.

Betty-

I have read many of your columns, and I always felt like I knew you. My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time. I am so unbelievably sorry for you loss.

Betty and Angela, I don't know if you remember me, but, I taught Angela for two years at Annunziata and my son, Joey Link, is a friend of Oscar's. Joey was just talking about seeing Oscar a couple of weeks ago, over spring break. I am so shocked and saddened by the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ms. Cuniberti and Angela: I never got to meet Oscar, but the sorrow expressed by students at WGHS lets me see what a special child he was. So sorry for your loss, and thank you for the beautiful obituary to share with the students. Nothing more need be said.

Oscar you were the sweetest kid ever. You were allways great at making people laugh. Everyone will miss you so much

What a beautiful and funny tribute to someone I didn't even know. He sounds like he was quite a character whose brief life inspired many. My best thoughts to you.

Betty, Francis, Tricia, and Angela, our hearts go out to you all. We didn't get to spend a lot of time with Oscar, but it's obvious he has touched the hearts of many. You brought love and joy to each others lives and changed them forever. Hold tight to the memories and know that he has found peace.

I can't express my sorrow for your loss.
I met Oscar this semester when I went to Synergy. He was one of the first kids I met and my first memory of him was him smiling. He was always smiling, laughing or cracking jokes. He would come to my class in the morning to talk to the teacher and ask him for Pop Tarts. Thats how he got his nick-name, the "Nomad". I grew closer to Oscar the more we hung out. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. He would always help me out when I needed him, and I would do anything for him. When he held me I felt that nothing was wrong in my life, and whenever we kissed I was so happy. He was so loving and caring and offered me his coat when I was cold. Saterday night, the last time I talked to him, he told me he loved me and how he wanted to always be with me. Hopefully he'll wait for me, so we can be together again.
I love you Oscar.

Francis,

You may not remember me. I worked at Zeigler Coal. By chance, I picked up a newspaper yesterday on the Metrolink and happened to notice your son's obituary. I was so moved by it; I cried on the train. It wasn't until I spoke to Mary (Brown) McKown today that I realized it was your son.

I sincerely hope the good memories that you (and all of his family) have of Oscar, help you through the sad times. He sounds like an incredible young man!

Betty,

I am very sorry to hear of your family's loss. I can still recall the pride in your voice and your smile when you would tell me about your kids. You are in my thoughts.

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

BETTY, FRANCIS, TRISH, AND ANGELA, WORDS CAN NOT EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL FOR YOU. OSCARS SMILE WILL FOREVER BE ETCHED IN OUR MEMORIES AND HEARTS. ALL WE CAN DO IS ONE DAY AT A TIME AND WITH GODS HELP TRY TO KEEP GOING. WE LOVE YOU ALL. CHRIS, TARA, COURTNEY, AND CANNON HOWARD

I had the honor of teaching both Oscar and Angela at Clayton Academy. Oscar was a blessed soul. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Oscar was such a good person with lots of love in his heart. He will be missed dearly.

OSCAR

I remember you in Clayton Academy. You were in Ms. Meglatch's class with my brother Michael Delcau. You were the coolest kid I have known in my brothers class. I remember one time on Saturday we would go to Skateport Plaza and we would roller blade together(you were always better) Oscar you gave me a reason to believe that I could do anything I wanted if I tried. I finally remember when you,me,my brother,my my mother, your sister would go to Sam goody and you bought the CD Eifiel 65 (im blue dabba de). Oscar even though I was older you have been an influence on me to "Never give up"

David Clayton Delcau

Well i met Oscar in Clayton Academy, he was a great kid, we hung out, at school in latch key, then i left to go to highschool not knowing my old friend would soon be at my highschool metropolitan, we been through easy and tough times in school, but we always bounced back with a laugh, but i will always remember Oscar, for his funny jokes and great personality, i will really miss him.

Betty--I was so sorry to read about the loss of your son this morning in the paper. He sounds simply unforgettable. You interviewed me at Kaldi's when my son was leaving for the Iraqi invasion and I thought that your kids were lucky to have a mother like you. I also thought that you were really cool. I can't imagine your pain and sadness now. My thoughts have been with you today.

My deepest sympathies to your family. I worked with Oscar only for about 1 month earlier this year at Synergy as his speech pathologist. He was a sensitive and sweet young man. I am sure his spirit will remain as a lasting gift to you.

Dear Francis, Trish, Betty, and Angela, I am so sorry for your loss. The obiturary was beautifully written. I have never read something so moving. It made me laugh, smile and cry. I am sorry I can not be there, but you all are in my thoughts and prays. Kathy Voell

I Will Miss You soo Much Oscar.
You Were A Great Kid. And gym class was always amazing. "Whatd i do?" your were are great friend.
everyone will miss you.

Dear Betty, Angela, and Francis,

The deepest condolences from the entire family. That was the most beautiful obituary and I smiled through my tears as I read it. You were so blessed with his life, and he was so blessed to have had such loving parents and the most wonderful sister in the world. We will continue to pray for all of you as you cope with the pain and agony of his loss.

The saddest part of Life is the loss of a Child.
Go in Peace Oscar.

I remember Oscar from his days at Clayton Academy where he was a constant ball of energy, always amazing me. I can still see him flipping off of the swings and climber, always landing on his feet, fearless. He had many friends at Clayton Academy, and he will truly be missed.

My heart sunk, Betty, a few moments ago when Karen Tumulty called with the terrible news. I read your tribute and knew you were already trying to focus on the wonderful, happy times ... and that was the advice I wanted to give you. I remember baby Oscar at Clemson - remember when I had earphones on to listen to the Clarence Thomas hearings during the football game? And I remember the love I could feel in that house; the joy you took in your children. I cry with you and want to help somehow.

Sheila

Tricia & Francis: I enjoyed getting to know Oscar through your stories. My family wishes you and your family peace at this very difficult time. Kim, Tom, Nathan & Liz

Oscar will be missed. I was his gym teacher at Metropolitan (2005-2006) and was amazed at his awesome ability to flip. Oscar brought tears of laughter to our eyes when making witty remarks during class.

Kimberly Harris

Oscar Bill and I were so glad we got to know you for such a short time. I will always remember the Thanksgiving you spent with us and how much fun you had with Rick on the 4 wheeler and target shooting. Glad we saw you for the
Easter holidays too. It was a pleasure knowing you and you will be missed Love and Prayers
Bill and Joyce

Dear Betty and Angela,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. I'll always remember Oscar's amazing energy when we went to the beach at Lake Q. He could always bring a smile to my face with his pure child silliness.

The Brott-Hilt's (Sharon, Doug & Chris)

I did so enjoy knowing Oscar as a youngster in my neighborhood. Jack, my grandson still enjoys your wagon and is still using the booster seat. He is, just like Oscar, looking forward to being big enough to get out of the seat. We thank you Oscar.

I always enjoyed Oscar's spirit and energy in my class at Clayton Academy. You will be missed.

I had the privilege of getting to know Oscar at Clayton Academy, and will remember him with a smile as the fearless, spunky, adventurous, ball of energy that he was. I will also remember a sweet, gentle soul who never had a harsh word to say about anything or anyone.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
~ Eskimo Proverb

The deepest condolences from everyone at Metropolitan School where Oscar was well loved. We will miss his smiling face.

Oscar, we will so miss your big smile!
We remember when you used to spend the night at our house and our cat, Mindy, would sleep with you all night. We also remember you swinging off our deck on the tire swing! Not many kids did that!! We think you must have had a rubber spine!!
WE WILL MISS YOU!!!

Oscar you will be sadly missed, I'm so very glad i had the chance to know you.
Tricia, Francis and Angela, My prayers are with you, we love you very much.