Remembering Michael "Mike" Canaday (1946–2024)

Michael "Mike" T. Canaday was born on May 12, 1946, in Albany, New York. His parents were Mary (Ermides Canaday) Menerey and Myron J. Canaday. He died on May 9, 2024, at the age of 77. His son Jay described it as a "short but valiant battle" with cancer.

Between those dates, Mike lived a full, hardworking and generous life. It stretched from a hobby farm in Altamont, New York, to a sprawling livestock ranch in California. It touched people "from coast to coast."

After serving in the United States Army, Mike became a lifelong entrepreneur. Over the years he owned and ran used-car sales, a mechanic shop, and an excavating business. He also ran snow-plowing and parking-lot-sweeping services. As his family put it, "he always had a fresh angle on a way to earn a good living."

In 1999 he began a new chapter and moved to Coalinga, California. He had met Jan (Jason) Canaday through dog trialing in the USBCHA. Friends recall that he loved to tell that story, always with a sparkle in his eye. The two married in 2001.

Together they built a full-scale livestock ranch. It grew into one of the largest grazing operations in the state, running more than 10,000 head of goats and sheep. Their business used natural, holistic land-management methods. Managed grazing took the place of mowing, disking and herbicides. That restored native grasses, cleared noxious weeds, and cut the wildfire fuel that threatens so much of California. The business operated as California Grazing and Living Systems Land Management. It served public agencies, homeowners' associations and private landowners across the state. One longtime friend and fellow handler remembered it as among "the most successful grazing businesses in the country."

That idea was paired with a technology start-up, and it also became the company Rent-A-Goat. Rent-A-Goat appeared on an episode of ABC's Shark Tank. The deal didn't close. But the Sharks were won over by Mike's tough-guy, cowboy disposition. The businesses he helped pioneer still graze hillsides across California today. Mike and Jan had recently retired, after decades of building something from the ground up. Their dreams were accomplished.

Mike's lifelong passion was breeding and training border collies to herd livestock. He started in the early 1980s. He became one of the premier dog handlers in the northeastern United States. During the 1990s he won the Northeast Border Collie Association (NEBCA) annual Championship with three different dogs: Jill, Ken and Ben. He also "three-peated" from 1995 to 1997 as the NEBCA North East Points Champion with a fourth dog, Robin. He provided sheep for many competitions, and hosted or judged many more.

He gave his time to the sport he loved. He served on the board and committees of NEBCA. He served as president of the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA), where he was instrumental in creating a competition class for cattle dogs.

Above all, Mike was remembered as a mentor. He helped many people get their start in livestock businesses of their own. Friends still share stories of the few carefully chosen words of advice he offered when asked what to do next.

In the sheepdog community, Mike was remembered as much for his character as for his record. Fellow handlers described him as an honest and ethical judge, president and friend. He judged trials fairly, including the Mid-State Fair Sheep Dog Trial for years. He welcomed newcomers warmly. He patiently answered every beginner's question, and he opened his ranch so others could learn. "A kind and generous man with a great sense of humor," one wrote in tribute; "he never asked for much but was always willing to give." He loved Border Collies and the USBCHA. By all accounts, he had the backs of the people around him.

Mike's family described his illness as a "short but valiant battle" with cancer. Many families use that phrase when a cancer is found late, or moves quickly. His story is deeply personal. It also echoes an experience shared by millions of families.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Yet many cancers are far more treatable when they are caught early. So pay attention to new changes in your body, or changes that will not go away. Keep up with the screenings recommended for your age and risk. That can make a real difference. If something doesn't feel right, it is always worth a conversation with your doctor.

For anyone walking a similar road right now, support is available. Our guides on hospice care, advance care planning, and coping with the emotions of cancer may help you and your loved ones find footing during a hard season.

If you or someone you love has a new symptom that won't go away, don't wait to have it checked. Talk with your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for your age and risk.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Jan; his former wife, Pat; their son, Jay, and his wife, Jocelyn; his grandchildren, Ty, Mackena, and Bennett; and his stepchildren, Tiffany (Joe) Mouren and Clif (Holly) Jason, along with their extended families. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Thomas M. Canaday. A memorial service is to be planned for a future date.

At the family's request, memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be made to either of the following:

• American Cancer Society — funds cancer research, patient support programs, and early-detection efforts nationwide.
• American Diabetes Association — supports diabetes research, advocacy, and care.

Mike spent his life helping others get their footing. Giving in his name is a fitting tribute, and a way to turn loss into hope for the next family facing these diseases.

In loving memory of Michael "Mike" T. Canaday, 1946–2024.