Richard 'Dick' Canatsey

A memorial service for Richard "Dick" Canatsey Sr., 66, a lifelong Nevada resident, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Walton's Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. Canatsey died Dec. 8, 2005, in Carson City. He was born Nov. 21, 1939, in Pleasanton, Kan., to Jack and Dorothy Davin.

He was a Nevada State Highway patrolman and flew the first Highway Patrol aircraft, "Eye in the Sky." He served as chief state pilot for Nevada governors Paul Laxalt, Mike O'Callaghan and Robert List. He was also a Douglas County sheriff. He worked as a private investigator for many Nevada law firms, most recently with White, Meany & Wetherall Law Firm.

He enjoyed Nevada history and exploring rural Nevada. He enjoyed flying, kids, dogs and horses and was an avid fan of Mickey Mouse. He was a member of the Q.B., the Masonic Lodge, Genoa, and a member of the Association of Airline Pilots. He was an Episcopalian and attended Sparks Christian Fellowship in Sparks.

Mr. Canatsey served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division, 77th, Special Forces.

He was preceded in death by his father in 2005.

Among his survivors are son Richard Jr. and his fiancee Vicki Dalton of Gardnerville; son Robert L. of Medford, Ore; daughter, Christy Canatsey-Malarchuk of Gardnerville; mother and sister, Dr. Patti Davin, both of Carson City; and grandchildren Dallyn Malarchuk and Brandon Dalton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thanks and Giving, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.