William Robert McCann

William Robert McCann

August 5, 1958 – January 24, 2023

William “Bill” McCann, 64, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, surrounded by his children after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born August 5, 1958, in Bedford, the son of the late William Ray McCann and Sally Swartzwelder McCann Claar. Bill was predeceased by his father William Ray McCann; grandparents Robert Swartzwelder and wife, Edythe, and an aunt, Barbara Wilson. Bill is survived and missed by his former wife Megan McCann and their children; Tara McCann and partner Kyle Horner, Marissa McCann and fiancé Braden Thomas, and Julia McCann and partner Mark Weller. He is also survived by his only grandchild, Lucas Whetstone – son of Tara McCann. Others who will grieve his passing include siblings from both his maternal and paternal side; Brandin Claar, and Lynnette Beegle, Michelle ‘Mickey’ Fagan, and Maxton ‘Mack’ McCann. Bill will be missed by his stepfather, Carl Lee Claar; also, by cousins; Bob and Jeff Wilson, Patti Lengel and Sandie Lewis; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by his Aunt Kaye Swartzwelder Will, whom he resided with for the last several years. Throughout this time, she gave him emotional support in his battle with illness, while he helped her with daily chores and shopping. Kaye and his long-haired Siamese cat, Krazy Gracie Girl, will miss him very much.

He attended Bedford High School, class of 1976. He grew up in his grandparents’ home, which sat on approximately 300 acres of beautiful land. Bill remembered these years fondly, and in a journal outlined his memory of them:

“It (the land) had an apple orchard, cherry trees, a pear tree, and a grape arbor. The mountain had two spring hollows, little streams you could dam up to make a small pond to play in. You could also catch crawdads. (We) Spent lots of time playing Cowboys and Indians or Army.”

He enjoyed exploring here with his cousins and friends and talked of these days with immense joy. Later in life, he’d revisit the land with his children to hike, fly kites, and set off rockets – a memory deeply cherished. Bill loved camping and fishing, both hobbies he especially enjoyed doing with his grandfather, Papa. He was also a lifelong Miami Dolphins fan, a love he was able to share with his grandson, Lucas.

He was easy to talk to and became the confidant of many friends and acquaintances. He was best known for his humor. He was an avid storyteller and writer with a creative mind. Below is one of his excerpts written in his last year on earth:

“It doesn’t matter what we did

Not how or what or why

What matters is the love we shared

With those we let inside”

He loved hard and felt deeply. He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to join a celebration of life, which will be held at Merritt Pond Campground on April 15, 2023, between the hours of 1-4 pm. Following, a private scattering ceremony for Bill’s ashes will be held to honor his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bill Memorial Fund which will be used to pay tribute to Bill and support the local Bedford County Humane Society. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/d736a973.

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