I have compiled a video of memories of Gordon. He was born in England on July 7, 1943. He emigrated to Canada with his family at the age of 13 arriving in  Toronto on July 7, 1956. He moved to British Columbia in his twenties and lived there, in various cities, but mostly in Vancouver, until he died.  
The video may be accessed at:

 Video link
https://youtu.be/4EgQstUUGEs 

I first met Gordon when he and Michael came to visit us in Barrie, Ontario.  Gordon brought a Christmas gift. It was the album Chicago.  It was in 1970.  I kept in touch with him over the years and would visit him.
I was trying to visit him last year, and every time I went to the front desk, they would say he went out biking for the day.  My brother David wanted me to drop off a gift to him, so I finally saw him.  He had told me that he was not doing very well and was upset at the doctors for saying there was nothing they could do.  I asked him to stand up, and I gave him a big hug. I wanted to go with him to the hospital to discuss this with the doctors.  I told him I would come by the next day, but he was not there.  I left my number 5 or 6 times at his door but never saw him again.
He was brilliant and very generous.  He always was very well dressed and wore a cute hat and did not look like he lived where he lived.

He once had a small MG sports car.  We were heading out to visit my parents at Christmas, so I had to put my foot over the hole in the floor so the slush would not spray in. 

 He also got into Kung Fu type stuff.  He would be very good at it.

He played the guitar and always would have bagels and lox with cream cheese if I came to visit.

He did have difficult times, but he also had good times.  He knew everyone on the street, and everyone would say hello. 
He had a talent for camera work and video as well.  This link is what he uses to put up some of his work on the internet.  https://vimeo.com/user1594975  He also would blog about funny political things.
I loved him very much.  He was like a big brother to me.
Phil



I am a historian and came across a series of powerful black and white photos taken by Gord McCann at the MPA Drop-In Vancouver in the mid-1970s. I never met Gord, but the late Geoff McMurchy, got permission from Gord for us to use his photos. I have attached an image of some of the photos - he was a talented photographer.
I am now getting ready to put the entire collection up on our website Madness Canada madnesscanada.com 
I would really appreciate some biographical information about Gord to include with the photos if someone is willing to do this for me.  You can call me on 416 575 4253 or email me daviesmj@yorku.ca
I am sorry for your loss.  Sincerely - Megan Davies


I only met Gordon a few times after we first met in England when we were nine or ten. We met briefly in Collingwood and Toronto.
The last time was in Vancouver near the Steam Clock downtown. I was showing my oldest son Chris a bit of Vancouver when Gordon recognized me and hailed us. We only talked briefly, and he pointed out the building where he was living. 
He had an infectious smile and an amiable manner. He always seemed gentle. I liked him. 

May he find the peace in the afterlife he always sought in life.

Gordon was my older brother. He used to tell me stories about a girl who lived in a cake in the pantry. He would add to her adventures and the insects she had as friends. He was lost and hurting as a teenager and that grew unbearable at times compounded by his guilt. Good bye sweet brother. 

OBITUARY

Joseph James Gordon McCann

7 July, 1943 – 9 February, 2020

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services