Dec. 28, 2005- Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has proclaimed Thursday a period of mourning for Douglas Canton Sr.
All government departments and agencies have been ordered to lower their flags to half-staff for the day. Turnbull, in a statement Wednesday, also requested that flags on private homes and facilities be likewise flown at half-staff on Thursday from sunrise until sunset.
His proclamation stated that former Sen. Canton, who was born on St. Croix, entered the U. S. Marine Corps and was educated in construction. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to St. Croix to start his own construction business.
After many years of building homes, Canton made the transition to education where he taught carpentry and woodworking at the Vocational Education Complex. He was also involved in many community activities including being elected president of the Peal B. Larsen Elementary School Parents Teachers Association.
In 1986, Canton was elected to the 17th Legislature and served one term after which he returned to teaching at Central High School in 1988 until his retirement.
"Former Senator Douglas Canton Sr. was a public official and servant greatly admired and respected by all those with whom he interacted," Turnbull said.
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