Ray R. Canning family papers, 1892-2004

Ray R. Canning (1920-1994) was born in Afton, Wyoming. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in France and Germany. He received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Oakleaf Clusters, and three Purple Hearts. Before his tour of duty, Ray earned a bachelor's degree from Utah State in English and Literature, and after he returned stateside, he completed his education, with a master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Utah. He taught for thirty-nine years, beginning his career at Brigham Young University, and then accepting a position at the University of Utah. Ray R. Canning and Lois C. Canning were married for fifty-three years, and had four children, Craig, Curt, Russel, and Robin. Three years after Ray's death, Lois published his book, My Continuing Quest: Sociological Perspectives on Mormonism, a treatise on his views about the Mormon Church.