Friends Who Pass On

There’s probably not one of us in this world that hasn’t had a close friend pass on. My most dear friend Clarence Jones “C. J.” Cansler was one of those quiet, compassionate, yet remarkable, individuals who excelled in everything he touched. C.J. did so many outstanding things in his lifetime. From a high school track star, he went into the U.S. Army as a Ranger. It wasn’t before long that he was known as one of the best sharpshooters in the service. C.J. lived life to the fullest. He played hard, and he worked hard. In his hometown in Alabama, he was a general contractor and later went into electrical contracting.

However, it wasn’t until he moved to Las Vegas that he helped support the career of his wife, Dr. Kathleen Cansler, from her internship on through her establishing a practice. She is one of the finest internist in the valley. They had one daughter, and she is one of the top junior soccer players in Nevada.

During C.J.’s last years, when he was enjoying the fruits of his labor, he became one of the most successful sports photographers in the business. He had that magic of knowing how to take a picture and make it come to life on the pages.

I was honored to know C.J. for about 15 years. He was the kind of person who didn’t have to say a lot; all he needed were a few words to make his point.

And so, in remembering our friends, we can recall their important life’s highlights. C.J.’s were his pictures through boxing events, Ultimate Fighting Challenge and celebrity photo shoots. But most importantly, C.J. was such a giving person. He was known among his peers as one of the top professional instructors of photography at Community College of Southern Nevada. He was also a very charitable person and helped during holidays deliver bags of toys to less fortunate children.

One of the things I’ll remember most about him is that he listened to people’s problems. I know; I was one of those he advised on a personal basis. The truth is, if C.J. were here today, he would say that there are no shortcuts in life; that you have to work hard to reap the benefits, and most important, something he often said: “One good deed deserves another, but one bad act can bring another one your way.”

A picture is worth a thousand words, and C.J. Canslers’ photos will inspire comments for years to come.