Dr. W. Phillip McCann

Dr. W. Phillip McCann, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education, Memorial University of Newfoundland, died at home in St. John’s, NL. on January 18, 2020. Dr. McCann was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Rosanne Dolimount Ruelokke McCann on July 6, 2016, his sister, Miss Eileen McCann of Birkenhead, Wirral, UK on July 24, 2016, sisters- in-law and brothers-in-law: Rita (Samuel) Almeda, Halifax, N.S., Millie (James) Sellars and Ruby (William) Vallis, all of St. John’s, NL., Margaret Sellars, Kitchner, ON., Elsie (Clayton) Rodway, Corner Brook, NL. and John (Carrie) Dolimount, Grand Bank, NL. Remembering Dr. W. P. McCann with wonderful memories are Dr. Rosanne McCann’s son Max Ruelokke and his wife Beatrice (Moore); her grandchildren (who called Phil their grandfather): Karl Ruelokke and his wife Kimberley MacLeod-Ruelokke, Ingrid Ruelokke and her husband Dr. Sean Murphy; great-grandchildren: Makenna and Danielle Ruelokke, Roan and Imogen Ruelokke-Murphy; sisters -in-law and brothers-in-law: Maude Welsh (Benjamin, deceased), Halifax, N.S., Ann King (Aubrey, deceased), Ethel Brown (James) and Frank Dolimount (Pearl), all of Grand Bank, NL., Kenneth Sellars of Kitchener, ON.; many nieces and nephews of the Dolimount family, neighbours on Prince Charles Place and Beatrice’s relatives, the family of the late Clarence and Florence Moore, Clarke’s Beach. Phillip McCann was born on August 7, 1921, to Michael and Elizabeth (Phillips) McCann of Birkenhead, Wirral, UK . He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Royal Air Force in Britain and India from 1941 until 1946. After earning a B.A. from the University of London, UK., he taught in secondary schools within London for seven years prior to being appointed Senior Lecturer in Education at Goldsmiths, University of London. Dr. McCann received his doctorate from Manchester University, UK. He was a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Dr. McCann came to Newfoundland in 1967 as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, Memorial University. Throughout his career, Dr. McCann wrote widely on the historical and social aspects of education in Britain and Newfoundland. His books included “The Educational Innovators”, Vol 1, with W. A. C. Stewart (1967, reprinted in 2000); “Popular Education and Socialization in the Nineteenth Century” (1977, reprinted in Routledge Library Editions 2007); “Blackboards and Briefcases: Personal Stories by Newfoundland Teachers, Educators, and Administrators” (1982); “Schooling in a Fishing Society 1836-1986” (1994); and “Island in an Empire” (2016). He published numerous articles in academic journals and presented papers at education conferences in the U.S., Europe, Australia and China. Dr. McCann was the driving force behind the exhibit of nine panels documenting the history of education in Newfoundland and Labrador which are on display in the main corridor, second floor of the G. A. Hickman Education Building at MUN. The McCann Centre in the Education Building was named for Drs. W. P. and Rosanne McCann in recognition of their significant contributions to the Faculty of Education. Lives well lived! Dr. McCann’s family wish to thank his family physician, Dr. Patrick O’Shea, who provided wonderful care and support to him, and guidance to Michelle and Ashley, his caregivers. Beatrice appreciates, and says a sincere thank you, to the very kind neighbors on Prince Charles Place and Toronto Street, especially Mrs. Marie Simms, and to Sharon Griffin, Phil Alcock and his friends for coming to her assistance and for the snow clearing during the blizzard and State of Emergency of January 2020, and to Paul and Doug Burt for the transportation from Prince Charles Place back to her home in CBS. Phil was a fun, spirited and adventurous grandfather. Even in his mid-90’s, his favourite day was one spent among the books with his wife Rosanne and his great-grandchildren. Being in Chapters with a Starbucks iced-coffee and stimulating conversation was a Saturday afternoon must! He thoroughly enjoyed picking out just the right books for his family, but did have some challenges with finding the best choices for his preteen great-granddaughters! He took the time to talk with people he encountered, and was genuinely interested in hearing their stories. He stressed the importance of giving back, and being charitable, especially to those in need. He stayed in the loop with trends and was eager to encourage any interests shown by the great-grandchildren, and kept up to date with their activities. However, he was a little sore when he lost a game of chess to Roan, his 8 year old great-grandson, just last year. Phil followed Manchester United enthusiastically, and just days before his death reviewed the standings on his laptop, interested in their upcoming trades. Phil enriched our lives, supported our dreams, was an advocate for life-long learning, and we will miss him terribly. Cremation has taken place, and interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Family, colleagues and friends are invited to join Dr. McCann’s family on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 1:30 p.m., in the McCann Centre, E2030B on the second floor of the Education Building, Memorial University for a celebration of his life and accomplishments. Reception will follow. Parking will be available in Area 18, in front of the Queen Elizabeth II Library. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Gathering Place, St. John’s, NL. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be sent to [email protected]