George Harry Cannon completed his B.A. at the University of British Columbia in 1948; he began working as an assistant in the Department of Physics (1947-1950). In 1954, he completed a Master of Science degree and, in 1958, he completed a Bachelor of Education both at UBC. Cannon taught mathematics and science in Vancouver elementary and secondary schools before joining the Faculty of Education in 1959. In 1961, Cannon was promoted to assistant professor and promoted to full professor in 1970. Between 1972 and 1975, Cannon took a leave of absence from UBC to work as a UNESCO advisor in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate. Cannon resumed work as a professor in the Faculty of Education until his death in June 1981. Cannon was an active member of several professional organizations, a member of the Burnaby Parks Board, and was responsible for establishing track and field and rugby clubs in the Vancouver area.