March 25, 1921 - July 28, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Peter McCann announce his passing on July 28, 2015 at the Corner Brook Long Term Care. Surviving a major stroke for more than eight years with incredible fortitude, Peter leaves to honour and cherish his generous heart, Teresa, his wife of 71 years. Peter also leaves to mourn their nine children: Mary (Stephen); Ray (Marian); Arlene (Jim); Judy (Greg); Glenn (Joanne); Percy (Aicha); Peter (Liz); Ann (Theresa); Michael (Polly); 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The second oldest in a large family, Peter leaves to mourn his brothers: Bill (Edna); Edward (Anita); Ben (Philomena); sisters-in-law, Kay McCann (Denis) and Kay McCann (Phil) along with many nieces and nephews including very special friends and nephew, Danny and Mary McCann and Alonzo James. Predeceased by daughter Phyllis, parents Jerry and Agnes McCann, sisters: Nell, Beth, Bride and Anne and brothers: Patrick, Daniel, Jim, Phil, Dennis and John. Peter learned the values of resourcefulness, tenacity and creativity early in life - through experience and necessity. He was a man of many firsts. He and Teresa developed diverse skills and applied them at every opportunity in their family and often in service to others. As a part of a vibrant business, Peter supported the construction of many roads throughout NL, brought the first school buses to his community, led a water project to bring water into many homes and contributed to endless worthy projects including church, school, and community fundraisers over many years. A remarkable spirit has moved on and we are comforted by the caring memories of this special man. We treasure the legacy of strength of character, outstanding courage and consistent patience and kindness that he has left for us to emulate. Forever thankful for his lucidity and ability to be engaged up to his last days, Peter, with his unwavering sense of humor and ready smile, gave thanks daily for the gift of his mind and the use of his left hand. A hardworking businessman throughout all his years, Peter was a humble man with incredible abilities. The latest of these was another acquired skill - the ability to paint with his left hand - remarkable for someone who was right-handed! His tenacity to do this resulted in one of his paintings being chosen for the 2011 Western Health Christmas card. A very special thanks to Denise Gould, former Activity Director in Corner Brook LTC. Special thanks to all those, both staff and volunteers in LTC and all others, who have been a part of Peter's life and who have, in any way provided love, care and support through the challenging days of long term care. Even though we will never again see the twinkle in Peter's eye here on Earth we will notice it, in how he impacts the stars shining brighter in the night sky. Peter will forever live on in our hearts and in our stories. Funeral Services: Visiting with family will be from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, July 31 at Russell's Funeral Home, 57 Prince Rupert Drive in Stephenville. A Mass of requiem will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Heritage Church on Saturday, August 1 at 11 am followed by burial at Port-au-Port East. A reception will follow at the Twilight Seniors Club on Hynes Road. Both Peter and Teresa embraced a strong commitment to education and as a result a Scholarship Fund has been set up in their name. In lieu of flowers, it would be greatly appreciated if donations can be made in Peter's name to The Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Peter and Teresa McCann Scholarship Trust Fund. Donations can be made by calling 1-877-700-4081, online at "www.munalum.ca/giving/", or by cheques payable to Memorial University and mailed to Memorial University, Alumni Affairs and Development, Peter & Teresa McCann Scholarship Trust Fund, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7. The online guestbook may be signed by visiting our website at www.russellsfuneralhome.ca.