Alfonso Canales - July 31, 1944 - September 11,2021

Alfonso “Al” Homero Canales, resident of Salem, Oregon, passed away on September 11, 2021, at the age of 77 after a fierce and courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Al was the most loving father and grandfather, and a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam war. 

Al was born on July 31, 1944, in Bishop, Texas to his parents Tomas and Simona Canales. Al was the youngest of 11 children and spent most of his childhood in Texas. He moved to Oregon with his family as a teen, graduating from Vale High School in 1964. He was drafted into the United States Armed Forces in 1966 and served until 1968; fighting in the Vietnam War and earning the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement and the Soldiers Medal for heroism. After serving in the Army, Al returned to Oregon and began a career with the State of Oregon, retiring in 2002 from the Employment Department.

Throughout his entire life, Al held an unwavering faith in God, and was a faithful prayer warrior for his family. Al’s legacy lives on in his three sons and four grandchildren. Al was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed attending their concerts, sporting events, and cheer competitions; and he volunteered with the Salem Academy Football Team for several years. Al never missed an opportunity to tell friends how proud he was of his kids and grandkids. In addition, Al also loved wood carving, working in his yard, playing the guitar, and spending time at The Brick and Stonefront Tavern with his friends. 

Al was predeceased in death by his siblings: Maria “Mary” Cardenas, Diamantina Canales, Uldina "Dina" Ruiz, Antonio "Tony" Canales, Ramon Canales, Manuel Canales, Manuela “Nellie” Cuellar, Yolanda Padgett, and Joemma “Jo” Hernandez. He is survived by his sister Elma Ritter; his three sons, Danny, David, and Logan Canales; his four grandchildren, Madelin, Emma, Lukas, and Caralina Canales; along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. We all feel blessed and honored to have had Al in our lives. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by many family members, friends, and loved ones.

Al is to be interred at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. He will be laid to rest with military honors in a private, graveside service. Because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be hosting a memorial service at this time. Please share your memories, pictures, and condolences on this website as the family would love to read your favorite memories of Al. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.