One of the most sought-after lay leaders in Anglo Jewry, Raymond Cannon, who has died aged 90, was a highly regarded lawyer, history buff and trailblazer. Born in London in 1933, he was evacuated to Wales during the Second World War, and later spent his national service at an airbase in West Germany. Although he loved his experience in the RAF, he saw very little action. He spent his time, instead, travelling and building his Jewish identity under the mentorship of Rev Moshe Davis while ostensibly protecting Europe from a Russian invasion, which fortunately never happened during his watch.
The only child of working-class parents, his family took pride in the fact that he was the first in his family to get a professional qualification as a solicitor.
As a senior partner in the leading West End law firm of Peters & Peters he became one of England’s leading experts in Franchise Law. He was on the international speaker circuit long before it was common to travel to conferences and he spoke in almost every Western European country, the United States, Canada and Mexico. On his retirement from the firm, he spent two years in Hong Kong working for Hutchinson Telecom. Colleagues at Peters & Peters praised his personal touch and regarded him as a mentor and friend.
One of them said “Raymond was constantly supportive and was always encouraging. He was a formative example to me and I shall always be grateful in particular for his international ambition in helping to transform the firm into the global brand it has become. Raymond was a superb guide and mentor. My subsequent career owed much to him.”
Raymond and his wife Jeanette are credited with their significant role within the pioneer group that transformed Kenton Shul into one of the leading Anglo Jewish synagogue communities at the time. As an honorary officer of the United Synagogue, he chaired the education committee, the burial society and became vice president.
He was specifically dedicated to the growth and success of Jewish day schools. He was one of the strongest advocates for ensuring they were centres of excellence. He was chairman of governors at three schools, including founding board chair of the Michael Sobell Sinai School and chairman of governors at JFS. While at JFS, he was recognized as having been at the forefront of improving the infrastructure of the school and recruiting the professional leadership that was instrumental in helping the school on its journey to its new home in Kenton and to becoming the renowned educational institution it is today.
Lord Michael Levy noted that Raymond – “was a truly special man who did so much for the community and for JFS” and recalled his personal touch. Deputy head of JFS David Harris wrote that Raymond was – “on the committee that appointed me, and he was never failing in his support for what I and my colleagues were seeking to do.”
In 2002, Raymond and Jeanette realised their dream of making aliya and living in Netanya, where they were surrounded by members of extended family and friends. Raymond’s love of community and learning, particularly his encyclopedic knowledge of history and his strongly held opinions led to him becoming active in Young Israel of North Netanya, AACI (the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel) and IBCA (the Israel Commonwealth Association.) He was frequently invited to speak and debate, where he would address subjects ranging from the nuances of the British mandate in Palestine to the rules of cricket. Whatever the subject, his research was meticulous and the delivery was persuasive.
Comfortable as he was in front of a lectern, he was at his happiest sitting by the pool, eating boiling hot chips and delighting in a one-on-one conversation with an old or new friend, listening to their perspective on politics, while fearlessly opining on the future of Israel and the Jewish people.
It was a source of pride to Raymond that his own children were all involved professionally and voluntarily in Jewish communal life. It gave him the knowledge and security that his and Jeanette’s legacy would endure.
Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Cohen first encountered Raymond when interviewing for the job as Rabbi of Kenton synagogue and he and his wife Gloria remained close friends and confidants of Raymond and Jeanette.
Rabbi Cohen wrote: “With Raymond’s passing, everyone outside the family has lost either a friend, a highly intelligent and competent lawyer and counsellor, a witty, perceptive, and colourful community leader and Jewish educational activist, a courageous and outspoken critic of those he perceived as promoting misguided and/or extreme political or pseudo-religious causes, and a most attractive and persuasive public speaker and lecturer.”
Raymond Cannon will be remembered for the immense contributions that he made to understanding European law and to the Anglo Jewish community. And, particularly for the personal touches that inspired many people to follow him professionally and communally.
He is survived by Jeanette, his devoted partner for 64 years, sons Graham, Jonathan and Adam, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Raymond Cannon: born November 13, 1933. Died May 3, 2024
Graham, Jonathan and Adam Cannon
