How Bill Cannon Left a Legacy
Several years ago, Bill Cannon found himself in a role familiar to many: caring for a loved one during a challenging end-of-life journey. His wife of nearly 30 years, Sherry, was living with long-term dementia after receiving a diagnosis at age 51. After a few years as her primary caregiver, Bill needed the extra help and called Hospice of Michigan for support.
Bill was a passionate advocate for Sherry and her care. Though at first he was reluctant to ask for help, the personalized care she received and the compassion he was shown made a lasting impact, leading him to make this request:
When I pass away, contact Dr. Paletta, sell the Corvette and give the proceeds to Hospice of Michigan.
A Lifetime of Dedication
Bill and Sherry Cannon’s life together was marked by love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion. Sherry, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, and Bill, a U.S. Army Veteran, UPS driver, and Electrician, faced the challenges that come with irregular working hours and frequent time apart. Despite this, their love remained strong.
At just 51 years old, Sherry was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Over the next 16 years as her condition progressed, Bill’s commitment to her care and his love for her would only deepen. He retired early to care for her at home, educated himself about Alzheimer’s, and even started collecting informational books on Alzheimer’s so that he could share them with others. Mike Mulligan, Bill’s godson and nephew, and Martha Mulligan, Bill’s sister, both commented on Bill’s love and care for Sherry, “He showed us what it means to truly care for people you love.”
Help from a Hockey Teammate
Bill’s passion for caring for Sherry was intertwined with other passions, especially hockey and his Corvette. A lifelong hockey player and devoted University of Michigan hockey fan, Bill found comfort and connection through the sport.
When Bill realized he could no longer provide the level of support Sherry needed, he turned to his hockey teammate, Dr. Michael Paletta, Sr. VP of Medical Affairs at Hospice of Michigan at the time, to ask if Hospice of Michigan could help.
The impact of Hospice of Michigan’s care was immediate. While Bill was known for his exacting standards and fierce advocacy of Sherry, they both received wholehearted support centered on Sherry’s needs and Bill’s own health as a caregiver. Mike shared, “Hospice of Michigan made a world of difference for Bill and Sherry. It was like night and day. The care they provided made life for them so much easier.”
Cannon’s Corvette
Bill’s gratitude for Hospice of Michigan’s care inspired him to plan a legacy gift long before his unexpected passing in 2023. A skilled tradesman, Bill treasured his 1973 Corvette Stingray, a car he’d always dreamed of owning.
In 2022, Bill decided to restore the car with the intention of selling it and donating the proceeds to Hospice of Michigan. Though cautioned not to spend time and resources on a car he would eventually give away, he had already made up his mind: he wanted to continue advocating for end-of-life care and ensure other families could benefit from the same support he and Sherry had received.
Bill completed the Corvette’s restoration and proudly drove it in the 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise, fulfilling a personal goal before he passed away the following year. Just a week before his passing, Bill had repeated to Martha his plan to sell the Corvette and donate the proceeds to Hospice of Michigan.
Bill’s heartfelt gift was a testament to the care he and Sherry received, leaving a legacy rooted in gratitude. “He wanted others to feel the same benefits and value that Hospice of Michigan gave to him,” Mike shared. Bill knew he wanted to help others and pay it forward. His gift may be considered extraordinary, but that’s the beauty of legacy giving.
About Legacy Giving
Legacy giving is one powerful way to support Hospice of Michigan and give back to a cause you care about. In fact, anyone can make a legacy gift. Individuals and families from all walks of life choose to support Hospice of Michigan through their wills, trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other planned giving options.