Art Cañez, Sr. (Tudy) was born on September 23, 1953 in Phoenix, AZ and suddenly passed away on March 12, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Armida, his sisters, Marylou and Arthmisa, and his son, Art Jr. (Doobie). He is survived by his daughters, Annette and Courtney, his son, Kevin, his sisters, Lena, Eva, Josie, and Cruz, his brothers, Mike, Charlie, Roman, and Alex as well as many nieces and nephews who all loved and admired him greatly.
Art’s father taught him and his 4 brothers “The Cañez Tradition” of Masonry at a very early age and Art went on to perfect it. His father educated them in the art of masonry and provided them with the skills they needed to become Master Masons.
Art was extremely talented and creative in both carpentry and masonry. His career consisted of 42 years in the masonry business with the last 20 years spent with Top Quality Masonry, Generation Masonry (which he co-owned), Generation Group (which he co-owned) and CJS Enterprises where he was currently the Masonry Division Manager. He enjoyed being a part of the Masonry Apprentice Program where he assisted many young men with their aspirations of becoming a mason. Art loved teaching the trade and mentored everyone who worked for him. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and sincerely wanted everyone to succeed. Art always strived to be the best and enjoyed competing in events such as the Regional and National Bricklayer 500 and the Fastest Trowel on the Block. Throughout his career, Art won many awards from competitions with men half his age. Most recently, Art participated in the 2013 Regional Bricklayer 500 and won 2
nd
place as well as being awarded the Craftsmanship Award.
Art’s other interests included playing golf, exercising, watching movies, and most of all, entertaining his family and friends in his home. You were sure to have a good time singing and dancing with “Art-Art” as he kept the party going all night long with great company and good music, especially his favorite, Tejano music and Karaoke.
Art was a very loving and caring person who always lived life to the fullest. Even if you only met Art once, he would greet you with a smile and open arms to make you feel as if you knew him forever. He was a very generous man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need who crossed his path. Art was truly an inspiration to us all and will be deeply missed by all of his family, as well as his many friends and colleagues.
Visitation will be held from 6-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm, Wednesday, March 19
th
at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00am, Thursday, March 20
th
. Interment to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. “Loved By Many, Missed By All…”