Brian McCann

We are saddened to announce that Brian passed away on February 17, 2021. He leaves behind his wife Cathy Alexander, daughter Eliza, sister Deirdre Corcoran (Ron), brothers Dermot (Elizabeth Peddie), Bart (Marina Baker), sister-in-law Jane Alexander (Mike), brother-in-law Tom Alexander (Carolyn), and nieces and nephews Jesse McCann, Jessica and Adam Hare and Caitlyn, Sam and Charles Alexander. When Brian was 10 years old, he immigrated to Canada from Belfast, Northern Ireland with his parents Rose and John, and his siblings. The family first settled in Maryhill, Ontario, and then in Guelph. Brian attended Sacred Heart primary school and then spent a year at what is now Bishop Macdonell high school before beginning his training for the priesthood, attending several seminary facilities in the U.S. for the remainder of high school and the first year of university. He left the seminary system before being ordained, returning to Canada to complete his undergraduate degree at St Jerome's College in Waterloo. Brian went on to study law at Osgoode Hall in Toronto, then articled with Montgomery, Castles in Toronto. He first set up practice in Guelph with Toole, McNeil & McCann, then with Runions, Brewster & McCann and finally with Sorbara, Schumacher, McCann, where he spent the majority of his career, and continued to practice until his passing. Brian took great pride in his firm and in the practice of law and was renowned as a superb family law lawyer. His partners revered him for his expertise, dedication, loyalty, and friendship. He was known by his clients as a tireless, no-nonsense, yet caring and compassionate advocate, who was a fierce defender of their best interests. Lawyers "on the other side" knew him as a formidable opponent. Judges respected his intelligence, exceptional command of the law, meticulous work ethic, and commanding performance in the courtroom. He was recognized by his peers multiple times as one of the top 50 family law lawyers in Canada. Beyond the practice of law, Brian's interests included keeping up with world affairs, reading biographies, listening to jazz, travelling, and especially spending time at the family cottage, where he loved entertaining, boating, paddle boarding, sitting on the dock and just generally relaxing. Brian's treasured friends and family members knew him for his gregarious nature, his storytelling, and his witty, sometimes irreverent sense of humour. Those lucky enough to be close to him experienced his remarkable kindness and generosity. More than anything, Brian lived for his "girls", Cathy, Eliza and Lily, the family pup. They will forever miss him, and his love and devotion, more than words can say. A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 11 am at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. Due to covid-19, in-person attendance will be limited, and will be restricted to family and invited guests only. Others are welcome to attend remotely (access the Zoom link from the Wall-Custance website in Brian's notice). Memorial contributions to the Hospice Wellington would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Brian McCann in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.