By John Wallace
Steve Cannon, 68, passed away May 11, 2025. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and worked in healthcare for 45 years. When he wasn’t working, he loved to ride his motorcycle and work on his farm. He is survived by his wife, Becky Cannon; son, Preston Cannon; daughter, Amber (Steven) Guarino; and four grandchildren – Phoenix, Rocco, Allie, and Vinny.
Dave Francoeur, president of medical equipment service at Downtime Trace, shared news of Steve’s passing with colleagues in a heartfelt email.
“It is with a heavy heart that I let you know our dear friend Steve Cannon passed away on May 11, 2025. His loss is felt deeply by all of us who were lucky enough to know him,” Francoeur wrote. “Steve was more than a colleague or a friend – he was a true companion, a confidant, and a constant source of light. His kindness, his humor, and the genuine care he brought to every relationship left a lasting impact on all of us. I will forever cherish the memories we shared and carry his spirit with me.”
“Words can’t fully express the influence Steve had on my life – both personally and professionally. He challenged me to think more deeply about who I am and how I contribute to the growth of others. He reminded me that writing isn’t just a task – it’s a powerful way to communicate intent and shape how others see us,” he continued.
“Steve was an incredible sounding board. He listened, offered feedback, and helped me shape ideas that I believed could change the professional world we live in. He was supportive, but never afraid to offer a reality check – and always encouraged me to push beyond what felt comfortable,” Francoeur added.
Steve enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the healthcare technology and the asset management industry. He held executive leadership positions at Sun Health and Premier, one of the nation’s largest GPOs. He served as the inaugural president at AllParts Medical, and held executive leadership roles at Aramark, Philips Healthcare, Sodexo and Althea U.S.
MD Publishing President and Founder John Krieg says the world lost a leader and gentleman who inspired everyone he met.
“Having known Steve for over 25 years, it is easy to see the love and outpouring of support for him and his family. His presence was felt immediately when he entered a room. He was a man of great strength, morals and fiercely loyal. His handshake is all you needed to know about the quality of the man he was,” Krieg said. “He was a pillar in our industry, someone who helped forge the path for so many great people and companies. He touched lives in more ways than one could count, anyone who spent time with him was better off, and he will be deeply missed.”
Tim Riehm, executive vice president with U.S. Medical Equipment Consultants Inc. (USMEDIC), first met Steve in 2002 and soon thereafter moved to North Carolina where the two men worked together to create an Aramark training center.
“Steve was very detail focused and always put 100% into everything he did. There were no short answers when you asked Steve a question. He always provided a well thought out and super detailed response because he truly cared,” Riehm said.
Lexicon MedParts CEO Scott Kinkade also first met Steve in the early 2000s.
“The first time I met Steve was in 2003 when he was a vice president at Aramark and I was a sales rep for ReMedPar calling on Aramark,” Kinkade said. “I had the privilege of working for Steve two different times. The first time was in 2006 when AllParts Medical was founded and the second time was in 2018 at Althea. Both times were a blessing and I learned a great deal from a great man.”
Tri-Imaging Senior Vice President of Business Development Wanda Legate met Steve when he was the president of Aramark.
“Steve was a great person and would help anyone in need of help or guidance,” Legate said. “Steve will be missed by all. I personally will miss the text messages with songs and words of wisdom.”
“Steve was a man among men. He was a great friend and I will miss him dearly. Some people in our lives will never be replaced, but their presence never leaves us either,” Trust Medical President Chad Fowlkes said. “I hope to give love and offer friendship like Steve did. I am truly blessed to have had him in my life. He will be greatly missed!”
Rick Staab, CHTM, met Steve when he was with AllParts and then Aramark.
“I will always remember how open Steve was with me and honest about the industry and his thoughts,” Staab said. “I will also always think kindly about Steve and images that include motorcycles, cows, and big equipment at his farm.”
Eric Wright, CEO and co-founder at Tri-Imaging Solutions met Steve in 2009 when he became president of AllParts Medical.
“The thing I remember most about Steve is how he could control a room and a meeting. When Steve spoke, the room became quiet and people focused on him,” Wright said. “One thing that Steve said multiple times that I will always remember is, ‘Hope is not a strategy.’ ”
“Steve and I traveled together during our time at AllParts, and we shared many dinners and rounds of golf,” Wright added. “He was always someone I enjoyed being around, and I will cherish the conversations we shared, both professionally and personally.”
“I met Steve Cannon for the first time at an AMSP meeting that was being held at AllParts just following the Phillips acquisition in 2011,” AMSP Business Operation Manager John Snyder said. “Being his generous self, Steve allowed us have our meeting at his facility. I will always remember how professionally he carried himself. Despite working for a big OEM, Steve, believed in the value independents (ISOs) brought to the diagnostic imaging service industry. Honesty and concise communication were his trademarks!”
Snyder also shared examples of Steve’s unselfish nature and the impact he had on his career.
“Steve was a man of unique character and I’m forever grateful to him for what he did for me,” Snyder added.
Steve was a force in the HTM industry and, more importantly, a trusted friend to many.
“While Steve was initially a great leader and mentor to me it will always be his friendship that I cherished the most,” Riehm said.
“Steve was a cornerstone of the industry, well connected and respected by all. He always treated me like a little brother offering guidance and support with genuine kindness and a sincere desire to help,” Staab shared.
“Steve will always be remembered for his work in our industry. However, I will remember him as a family-loving, Harley-riding, and farming man! He cherished his family the most, and my thoughts, prayers, and best wishes go out to Becky, Preston, and Amber,” Wright said.
Here are some words from Steve’s wife Becky Cannon.
Forever in our hearts
Steve was a lot of things to a lot of people – husband, dad, brother, papaw, uncle, and friend.
But to all of us, he was simply The Boss.
Not just because he spent his life leading big companies, but because he had a presence you couldn’t miss, a voice you listened to, and a heart big enough to carry us all.
He loved the open road on his motorcycle. He wore his Native American heritage with pride.
He had a soft spot for farm overalls as he did the farm chores and the tree work.
He loved classic country music.
He’d never let you go without always saying yes to one more drink, a little more food, or building the fire just a little higher.
Steve had a giving soul. If you needed help, he was already there.
If you needed advice, he had it.
If you needed a friend, he showed up no matter how hard things were.
He loved me beyond measure. If I wished for something, Steve made it happen.
Steve wasn’t a man of many apologies, but he showed his love and his gratitude in the only way he knew which was through action, loyalty, and showing up.
And he showed up for me always.
He adored our children, Amber and Preston, and extended that love without hesitation to Amber’s husband, Steven and Phoenix’s mother, Shannon.
He became that father figure – steady, generous, and fiercely protective – to everyone that was in his circle.
Our grandchildren – Phoenix, Rocco, Allie and Vinny were his pride and joy.
Steve wasn’t always easy – he was the boss, after all. But he loved fiercely and loyally.
And when you were part of his circle, you knew it.
So, if you knew Steve, I invite you to honor him in your own way.
Maybe with a ride down a winding road, a glass raised in the summer sun, a fire lit a little higher than usual, or even plant something in his memory.
Remember him when the wind blows just right and the sun warms your back.
That’s where he’ll be.
And just know, when we finally see him again, he will have his arms open and a list of stuff for you to do.
