Anibal Canales, Jr.

Anibal R. Canales, Jr., age 72, died in his home in Parker, CO on September 7, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Laredo, TX, Anibal was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy and received his Associate of Arts degree in business in 1961 at Laredo Junior College. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Spanish, as well as meet his beloved wife Anna, at Texas A&I University. He graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA in 1973 and completed his doctoral studies in social work at the University of Denver, ABD.

Anibal’s interests throughout the years included an enormous talent for singing in bands, volunteering (often as the president) for countless academic and community organizations that benefitted veterans and children, and serving as a certified police reserve officer. He worked with his family's business, ARC Forwarding, as well in the medical field, as a teacher of college courses and served in the Veterans Administration for 20 years, including a role as Assistant Regional Manager for Contracts where he oversaw 11 states.

Mr. Canales is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anna, his children Anibal “A.C.” Canales, III (Amanda Tipton), Ana Laura Holbrook (Cody Holbrook), Araceli “Chelley” Canales, Alejandro “Alex” Canales, his two grandchildren, Marco and Elisa “Ellie” Holbrook, his father, Anibal Canales, Sr., ten cherished siblings, several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Evangelina Canales Guerra.

Mr. Canales will be laid to rest on October 4th at Horan & McConaty Memorial Gardens in Centennial. A mass at St. Thomas More will precede. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to contribute to Prostate Cancer Foundation ( www.pcf.org ).

Anibal’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone whose lives he touched. He will forever be remembered for giving his full attention to everyone he spoke to, making them feel special, seen, and loved, and leaving them with his favorite line to depart with, “God Bless You.”