Zur Person von Mathew H. Canjar:
MAN KNOWN FOR GUN DESIGN DIES AT 86
Rocky Mountain News (CO) — Wednesday, March 21, 1990
Mathew H. Canjar's name is recognized around the world, and yet he lived and worked nearly all his life within six blocks of the Globeville house where he was born.
The designer and builder of what is recognized as the world's finest trigger for firearms died March 12 in the Imperial Health Care Center in Denver. He was 86.
"It started in Globeville, ended in Globeville and went around the world," said Mary White, one of two Denver sisters who worked for Mr. Canjar and who now owns and operates Canjar Precision Triggers.
Born in Globeville on May 19, 1903, Mr. Canjar returned to Denver after World War II. He served with the Army Air Force unit that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan.
"He was a big-game hunter and award-winning marksman who designed a better trigger," said Doris Reimer, the sister who worked for Mr. Canjar the longest, 25 years.
Trained as a tool and die maker with some design experience, Mr. Canjar was working for the Gardner-Denver mining equipment manufacturer when he spent his life savings on some government surplus lathes, milling machines and drill presses.
On Aug. 15, 1947, he set up his shop in a brother's old grocery store at 500 E. 45th Ave., where the company remains today.
Within a month of opening for business, he placed an ad in a gun magazine and soon the orders were coming in from around the world. Within two years, the company was making a profit. Today the Canjar is known as "the Cadillac of triggers."
"His design eliminated the strong pull of factory-built triggers, causing the shooter to pull off target," said the Rev. John A. Canjar, a nephew. The Canjar trigger is released at about 1 ounce of pressure, while most triggers require 3 to 6 pounds of pressure to function.
Mr. Canjar never married. He was an avid skier and mountain climber who had scaled all of Colorado's peaks over 14,000 feet.
Reimer called him "a wonderful man and a wonderful person to work for. We all miss him very much."
Survivors include a brother, George Canjar, former Denver manager of safety and director of the Denver Department of Excise and License.
Contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Church, 4695 Pearl St., Denver 80216.
