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Community Mourns Loss of Yuma's First Pediatrician

Yuma Regional Medical Center

Yuma's first pediatrician to practice full time has passed away peacefully in the care of his own colleagues, at Yuma Regional Medical Center.

The hospital made the announcement Wednesday, noting the lifetime of care he contributed to the Yuma community.

“Dr. Cannell touched thousands of lives in a positive way, not only in our community, but the state of Arizona and beyond. He will be greatly missed,” said Dr. Robert Trenschel, President and CEO of YRMC. 

While he spent 50 years of practice as a pediatrician, his life was filled with dedication to his state and his city.

Dr. Cannel initially served as a naval officer at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. At the beginning of 1969, there was Parkview Baptist Hospital, where Dr. Cannal would consult.

However, he would go on to become the first full-time pediatrician in Yuma in 1972 after graduating from the University of Arizona and becoming board certified.

From 1972 to 2002 Dr. Cannell ran his own practice. He would then go on to work for Yuma Pediatrics which later partnered with YRMC Pediatrics. But during the early 2000's he also served as a state lawmaker for the Arizona House and Senate.