Plato George Kanell

Plato George Kanell passed on March 31, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born March 9, 1927 to Greek immigrants, George Kanell and Angelina Chipian Kanell, the sixth of seven children. His first ‘job’ was to help in the family grocery store. In his little red wagon before he went to school, he picked up fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market for the daily sales. He stocked shelves and did inventory and ordering. Plato delivered groceries on his bicycle to what he called the “sweet neighborhood ladies” and learned to be a butcher from Uncle Angelo Chipian. With his older brothers he delivered newspapers. He loved singing in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Choir as a young man and later in life. After graduating from South High School in 1945 he enlisted in the US Army. Dad was very proud of his service in World War II, Army Airborne in Japan. On his return he joined his brother, Ernie at Kanell TV Sales and Service, one of the first of its kind in the western US. He married Dixie Meyrick in 1950, divorced in 1965 after having 2 daughters, Kim and Jill. From the 50s his focus in the TV and appliance store turned to furniture where he has been for 75 years as Kanell’s Furniture and of course Plato’s Pillows, the original pillow chair which he claims since the 60s! He owned a Rex Motorcycle dealership, Silhouette exercise and weight management equipment company, and had 5 furniture locations over the years. However, always and forever, his favorite location was the original on 7th South, one block west of the grocery store. Plato was honored to serve as a delegate to the National Convention of Blinded Veterans and President of Salt Lake Retail Chapter of the Intermountain Electrical Association during his lifetime. In the 70s his Wholesale Buying Group, Associate Buyers Company, (ABC) was a model for what we now know as Costco and Sam’s. And let’s never forget his Banana Chairs! Always creating, always selling, always innovating, the mantra at our house was “SELL SOMETHING KID!” Dad so enjoyed time off at the cabin in Samak, fishing, boating, skydiving, motorcycle hill climbs, skiing, cars (so many great cars), beautiful Utah sunsets, spending time with friends and family! So loved, so loving, he is survived by daughters Kim Nielsen, Jill Knutson, 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, sister Georgia Evans, many nieces, nephews, and greats and great-great nieces and nephews. Leo and Linda Briggs feel more like siblings than cousins. We will honor his memory on May 8, 2023 at his beloved store, Kanell’s (711 S 300 W) from 5 PM to 8 PM with an open house celebration. May his memory be eternal! Special thanks to the George E Wahlen Veteran’s Hospital for the wonderful care they provided for more than 30 years!

Plato George Kanell

March 9, 1927 - March 31, 2023