Robert Reese McCann

After a four year battle with a variety of health issues, Robert Reese McCann passed peacefully away on November 30, 2024, at home surrounded by a lifetime of Christmas memories.

Bob was born three months early to Robert F. and Fae Reese McCann on December 27, 1950 and was not expected to survive at his birthweight of 3 pounds. His tenacity was apparent early and he grew up the third child, with two much older sisters, Dixie Ann and Linda Gayle. They doted on their little brother. Bob remembered a happy childhood and was especially close to his Grandma Reese, who lived nearby. As a child he dealt with numerous allergies and undiagnosed lazy eye, which left him visually impaired on his left side.

Bob showed musical talent at a young age and studied piano for many years, eventually learning from Irving Wasserman. He was a popular accompanist on his mission to Sapporo, Japan and played for years in Priesthood meeting, occasional Relief Society meetings, and spent over 16 years as the Primary pianist. The kids loved him and called him “Mr Music”.

At Logan High School Bob met Marian Anderson in Chauntaires choral group and doing the sets for the musical. Bob was a talented artist and helped with backdrops and set and prop pieces. They worked together then and for the rest of their lives. Bob would decide what he wanted and she would find a way to make it. Bob and Marian were married in the Logan Temple on September 12, 1973.

Bob was an honor student in high school and college, graduating from USU in 1976 in Psychology. He started in Interior Design but the department was shuttered while he was in Japan, so he finished in Psychology. He was a natural designer with a flawless sense of color and space. He had the kind of talent that can’t be taught in school. The Psychology degree helped his career in other ways.

After graduation Bob joined his sister, Dixie, in her Interior Design business, Interiors Unlimited, in Logan. They sold that business and moved to Salt Lake City in 1991 and opened McCann Interior Concepts, which was open until 2022, with Dixie retiring in 2014. They had loyal customers both in Logan and Salt Lake City, with virtually 100% customer satisfaction. Bob was always fair, honest and fun to work with.

Bob and Marian had 4 children: Michael Robert (Melody), Daniel John, Quorra Jaan (Liana), and Patrick Sean. Daniel died shortly after birth and Patrick died in 2017. They also have 3 grandchildren.

Beside piano duties, Bob spent many years in Bishoprics as Counselor or Ward Clerk. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and great heart. He has faced the most daunting obstacles in the last few years with grace and forbearance. However, the single greatest gift was his irrepressible sense of humor. Funny remarks seemed to pour out of him and he often said that he was physically unable to control them. He was so quiet and low key that his quick and unexpected comments caught others off guard until they realized what he had said. Bob was sharp up to the end and was joking with the nurse the evening before he died. Many have expressed regret that his sly look and razor wit are gone from us.

There will be a memorial service Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 12:30 pm at the Providence 4th Ward, 155 North 100 East, Providence, Utah 84332.