Col. Allan Reid Canfield

On the peaceful afternoon of February 11, 2025, Colonel Allan Reid Canfield passed away surrounded by love. He leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and deep family bonds. Allan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend, whose presence will be sorely missed but forever cherished.

Born on April 27, 1937, in Washington D.C., Allan was the son of the late N.J. Congressman James Gordon Canfield and Dorothy Greenwell Canfield. He was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Canfield. Allan was raised in Patterson N.J.

Allan is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Agnes (Kramer) Canfield, and their five daughters: Debbie Bontatibus (Mike), Beckie Caldwell (Joe), Terry O’Leary (Roger Lindsey), Patty Olson (Mark), and Allison Canfield Cowperthwaite. He was a proud grandfather to Mikey Bontatibus, Jimmy Bontatibus, Jessie Bontatibus, Patrick Caldwell, Matthew Caldwell, Denis-Allan O’Leary, Kelly Burden (David), Travis Olson, Brooke Olson, Brady Olson, Tanner Olson, and Reid Cowperthwaite.  During Allan's tour of duty in Vietnam, and throughout the many times his military service took him away from home, Agnes was the steady force that held our family together. Allan often credited her constant support as the reason he was able to serve. Together, they were an incredible team!

Allan was an ROTC graduate from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and embarked on a distinguished military career with the U.S. Army, eventually retiring as a Colonel. His service earned him numerous commendations, including the Legion of Merit,  Bronze Stars, and four Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Reserve Achievement Medal, among many others. His courage and leadership were recognized not only in the United States but also through his international service, including in Vietnam.

To his family and friends, Allan was affectionately known as “The Colonel.” It was a title that defined his strength and character, one that he carried with grace throughout his life. Even those meeting him for the first time instinctively began calling him Colonel—it was who he was, and it brought a knowing smile to his face.

Beyond his military achievements, Allan was a passionate historian and a voracious reader. He was a proud 49ers fan and a man who loved his country deeply. His sense of duty, whether to his nation or his family, was unwavering, and he lived his life with integrity, pride, and humility.

A funeral service honoring Allan’s life will be held on Thursday, February 20th, at 10:30 a.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa Street, Sonoma, California 95476. For inquiries, please contact (707) 996-3655.

Interment will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on February 26, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, a cause close to the Colonel’s heart.   https://www.stjude.org/donate

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