With sadness, we announce the passing of the Rev. Robert Emmett McCann (1931-2024). His faithful commitment to the Diocese of California included serving on diocesean staff, chairing the diocese’s 150th Anniversary Committee, and serving as a priest in several DioCal congregations, including St. John’s, Oakland, where he was the rector from 1977-1991. St. John’s current rector, the Rev. Scott Denman, issued the following letter to the congregation on Sunday:
Dear members and friends of St. John’s—
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of the Rev. Rob McCann. Rob was surrounded by love and support and died peacefully.
Rob was rector of St. John’s from 1977-91. During my tenure, Rob remained a constant support, especially during times of loss. He readily stepped up to preach and pray at memorials for St. John’s members he had known during his lengthy tenure. As his health started to fail he chose not to join the procession, but to speak. Eventually he no longer had the strength to preach but had someone read what he had composed. This is all to say that he offered all he could to St. John’s to the very end.
Rectors till the fields and water the vision of the people and we must never forget that the present is built on the past. Rob added essential nutrients to the soil of St. John’s in areas like social justice, inclusive language, ministry in Uganda, care for the environment and mindful prayer. Such nutrients have allowed growth in all these areas of mission even today.
A memorial date has not been set. Please hold Sylvia and all of Rob’s family in your prayers. May God’s servant rest in peace,
Scott+
