Obituary of Harold J McCann
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Harold was born on a farm in Smithfield, N.B. on July 13, 1928. His parents, Duel Freeman and Kathleen (McGillicuddy) McCann encouraged him to be hard working, resourceful and to cherish the company of family and friends. Harold’s life journey started in a rural community outside Harvey Station but the foundation he received on that family farm carried him Canada wide and internationally.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years (July 1, 1974), Margaret (Brown) McCann, several nieces and nephews, Marg’s much loved siblings and their children, as well as an uncountable number of devoted friends that he considered family. Besides his parents, Harold was predeceased by his Sister, Marie Price and her husband Allan.
Harold’s sense of adventure and resourcefulness gave him the curiosity to see what lies beyond the family farm. With a grade 8 education in his back pocket, he set off for Toronto job hunting. The 20 year old landed his first job pumping gas. His work ethic and the ease of meeting new people quickly led him to car sales. The natural salesman in him proved to impress his employers and he found himself as national sales manager for Willy of Canada (Willy’s Jeeps). Harold’s position coupled well with his joy for travel, as he went coast to coast setting up dealerships and service departments. In 1963, Harold joined forces with two partners and formed S.I.A. INSURANCE (former Security Service Agency Limited). In ’63 Harold joined the Canadian Progress Club (Central Service). The community minded service club welcomed Harold and very quickly benefitted from his membership. He was awarded the club’s ‘MAN OF THE YEAR’ recognition for 1967-68. While in Toronto, he had many great times at his favourite watering hole… ‘The Royal York’.
In 1989 Harold moved back to New Brunswick and settled in Douglas with Marg and his big black furry Newfie dogs. Retirement was short lived when The AUTOTRADER came calling. Initially, Harold worked in sales and completed his time with the then magazine as general manager. His next endeavour was being co-founder of the Atlantic Snowmobile Magazine. Harold represented both A.S.M. and SUPERTRACK as he travelled, worked closely with tourism and wrote articles on snowmobiling destinations, and his adventures on the white gold. His passion for sledding took him to most Canadian provinces including the Northwest Territories, the Arctic Ocean, NFLD, Labrador, and many US states. He also laid down tracks in Finland. Harold's contributions to snowmobiling were acknowledged provincially when he was honoured by N.B.F.S.C. with being included on the ‘Wall Of Fame’ (Bathurst). Nationally, The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organization presented him with the prestigious ‘SNOWMOBILER OF THE YEAR’ award in 2006.
Enjoying friends, curling, snowmobiling and serving his community certainly put a smile on his face. His full life also included many trips. It would not be a stretch to say cruising was his greatest joy. While ‘Decked’ out in his tuxedo, with Marg on his arm, they enjoyed all that Europe, the Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Caribbean and Alaska had to offer. Days at sea and the delight of sharing ports of call with new found friends proved Harold was all work and all play.
On the home front, Harold had a little vista on the hill in Smithfield known as the ‘Pig Road Palace’. Once a part of the McCann farm, the hunting camp became the centre for reunions every fall. Vehicles would roll in from Ontario “loaded” with Harold’s Ontario buddies. Local friends and family all gathered to enjoy the festivities that go with camp life and male bonding. Chef McCann would put on a big spread every day for dinner. Harold's cooking and barbequing talents were known far and wide. Turkey and hardwood fire roasted beef were favourites. His french onion soup would bring tears of joy to all who tasted it. YUM!!
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 12 noon to 2 pm at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2 pm at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel with Father Peter Osborne officiating. A reception is to follow the service. Interment will take place at St. Patrick’s Extension Cemetery, New Market, NB. Honorary Pallbearers for the service will be, Gordon Brown, Don Lockard, Jane Lockard, Peter Price, Mark Price, Ross Antworth, Daryll Stothart, Dan Cain and Jim MacLeod. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to St. Patrick’s Extension Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
A fun filled, blessed life was his. All his family and friends considered him a successful man. His success was found in his hospitality, his warm welcome and his endless love for entertaining.
