In Memoriam: The Rev. Robert Emmett McCann

In Memoriam: The Rev. Robert Emmett McCann

Jan 3, 2025 | #InMemoriam, #Stories

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+

In Memoriam: Deacon Donald Adolphson

Jul 11, 2024 | #InMemoriam

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Rev. Donald Adolphson, Deacon Emeritus at St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek. He died early on Saturday, July 6, due to natural causes.

Adolphson graduated from the School for Deacons and was a former metallurgist at Sandia National Laboratories. According to his online biography, he served ten years at St. Matthias, San Ramon, before joining St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek.

The rector of St. Paul’s, the Rev. Krista Fregoso, wrote that, although Adolphson’s health prevented him from actively serving in his final years, he remained “a welcoming and loving presence” at the church. On Sunday, June 30, Fregoso shared communion with Adolphson and his family. She said, “Don was joyfully present that day,” speaking of the love he felt and the love he shared with his family. He thanked God for that love and said he would never forget that day. Fregoso thanked him for preaching the Gospel.

Details for the funeral service are not yet available. Meanwhile, please keep the Rev. Don Adolphson and his beloved family in your prayers.