Roderick MacKenzie "Rod" Cann

Cann, Roderick MacKenzie "Rod", died peacefully at home in Greenwich, N.S. with MAID on Oct. 12, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born in Annapolis Royal, N.S. and grew up close by, in Clementsport. After attending Acadia University, where he graduated with a BA, he went on to study engineering at Queen’s. He then worked for two years as a surveyor for the NS Department of Highways, living in a farmhouse on Creignish Mountain in Cape Breton and working the land with his beloved horse, before returning to Acadia to obtain his BEd. Years of teaching included a stint on East Ironbound Island where he boarded with local residents and taught multiple grades in a one-room schoolhouse. At the Annapolis Royal Regional Academy, he developed a program and taught young people with academic learning and behavioural challenges. Ever a person who bristled at bureaucratic constraints and feeling unable to teach on his own terms, he went on to work as manager of Eos Energy Foods in Wolfville, where his business sense and creative ideas contributed to the growth of the store. The improvements he made were noticed by many in the community.

A lengthy and eclectic career followed in construction, which involved designing, collaborating, overseeing, and hands-on carpentry, from which his reputation for innovative and singular work emerged. He learned many skills during his years with Birds Eye Builders before striking out on his own and founding Spectrum Woodworking and Design. Rod was known throughout the community for his innate intelligence in design work and attention to detail, which often resulted in unique, whimsical structures. When the building inspectors occasionally discovered what they considered a flaw in his design, he would call up his engineer friend Francis, who would illuminate how Rod’s design was out of the ordinary but still safe and structurally sound, so Rod could proceed. Whether building entire houses, undertaking extensive renovations, or tackling other projects large and small, Rod’s intuitive sense of integrity was present in everything he created. The myriad of projects he undertook covered a wide spectrum, and it has been said that some of Rod’s more unique projects could be described as wood art. In Greenfield on the South Mountain, he built his own house, which eventually evolved into a complex of quirky structures (barn, cabin, etc.) known affectionately as Rodville. Many work parties happened in the community, where neighbours, friends, and family would trade labour for food, music, and social connection.

While he was involved with Katimavik, he led groups of young people on various adventures and undertook community projects, always willing to share his knowledge and teach new skills. Later he taught kayak building and safe handling, and demonstrated kayak building at the Liverpool Boat Festival. Naturally, he built his own kayak.

When he and Margaret joined forces twenty-three years ago, she was living in a less-than-desirable small house with many structural issues, leaks, damage, and aesthetic shortcomings. When the design he created evolved and became a reality, it utterly transformed her “shack” (as her daughters affectionately referred to it) into the funky, offbeat structure it is today, referred to by many as the “hobbit house” of Greenwich. To quote Rod when he referred to this project, “My best work in creating honey from dogshit!” He worked with Al Fitch, Eric Clem, and so many others over the course of his construction journey.

Over the past seven years, he had a part-time job at Railtown in Wolfville where he carried out his responsibilities as superintendent and forged many new relationships with the people there. He enjoyed his frequent chats and the occasional sit-down over a coffee. The quality of his work was respected, and his easy-going nature was appreciated. He developed a good rapport with Graham Howes, the building manager, and together they often collaborated to solve the multitude of concerns that arose around plumbing, electrical, structural issues, etc. Railtown is a community unto itself, and Rod felt an integral part of it.

Rod was a musician for much of his life. He played the guitar for many years and later frequently noodled on his guitalele, but most of his musical energy was devoted to drumming. Early in life, when he joined cadets, he often marched in the military band dressed in uniform, a snare drum slung over his shoulder. As the years went by, he was involved with a number of local bands covering various genres and was widely respected for his drumming ability. Numerous gigs took place over the years, including many at the Wolfville Farmers Market, Edible Art, the Port Pub, and other venues. For a few years he was the drummer for Jazz Mannequins and they had a weekly gig at The Blomidon Inn. Before his stroke, if he was stirred by the music, he loved to dance! And could he dance! Debonair as he glided, a mover and a shaker.

Rod was a free spirit always but came especially alive when communing with nature. There were many hiking and camping trips through scenic locales across Canada. There were also many canoe trips (some lasting days!) through lake systems in NS, mostly with his friend Phil. He spent many winters in the Florida Keys, living with friends Peter and Cindy, sailing up and down the coast on his beloved boat Morning Glory. During the summers, as much time as possible was spent at his property on Fisher Lake. A huge open Lunenburg Foundry cast iron woodstove, which Rod lugged hither and yon for many years, eventually found its resting place as the heart of Fisher, providing a cozy, warm ambiance. He loved to sit out on the water at the end of the long dock he built, observing the sun on the water, the shifting shadows, and all manner of wildlife. That time was cherished, and his natural affinity for untouched wilderness was profound.

Rod had a special bond with all his dogs over the years. He walked many miles with each of them as they ran free through fields and forest. He loved lattes, a fresh fruit pie, a good steak! He loved gardening wherever he happened to be living, worked the soil, planted extensive plots, and harvested copious amounts of fresh produce, much of which he shared with friends and neighbours. He loved the tradition of summer family reunion camping trips to Graves Island, the ocean, the beach fries, the campfires, the stars, the croquet and crib, the camaraderie. He loved naps, and his ability to sleep through chaos was commendable.

His relationship with his grandson Ro was particularly precious. Rod was very much a part of Ro’s life from infancy up until his fifth birthday just last month. He was visibly proud to be able to tell people he was a grandfather. One of the activities which nurtured their special bond was reading together. So many books! So many animated conversations over good stories! Sharing a book with Ro brought out Rod’s tender side. He also loved games of crib with family and friends but especially with grandson Felix. During Felix and Cleo’s annual visits, he spent many hours pushing them in the swing he would hang up in anticipation of their arrival every summer.

Rod was a human being who made everyone feel just that little bit better wherever he found himself. When he talked with you, he was engaged, genuine, and listened, never judging. He was wholly unpretentious, and you could trust him implicitly. He was never one to hold a grudge. He embraced challenges and did not dwell on the past or fret about the future, but seemed to have achieved that elusive goal of living for the day, or even the moment. His generosity was bountiful, and if you needed it, he would gladly give you his last dollar.

On August 11, 2026, Rod suffered a debilitating stroke that resulted in complete paralysis on his left side, and after a stint in hospital, he moved to the Valley Hospice in Kentville. Nevertheless, Rod loved to laugh, and his laughter came easily even after his stroke. He maintained his sense of humour until the end and was able to elicit many a hearty chuckle from friends/family who visited and the hospice staff who took such exceptionally thorough and gentle care of him. How he loved the deep sloped bathtub at the hospice and the feeling of being slowly submerged into the warm bubbly water up to his neck. He also loved to reach out his good hand to hold the hand(s) of visitors and staff. His grip was strong and lasting. Often no words were needed. The touch of connecting hands along with eye contact—those clear, blue eyes!—said it all. Thank you to all the friends and family for the time spent with Rod and the generosity of spirit he felt so deeply. Rod was a builder of community and connection. Every one of his many relationships over the years held meaning.

Once Rod was advised by his doctors that there was no viable path to recovery and independence, his choice became clear; this was a huge relief to him. While the MAID provider was explaining the process that would unfold, he reached for her hand and said “Thank you in advance.” He was very accepting and open and would tell visitors from then on that he was having MAID. He was ready, and died as he had lived, on his own terms.

Gratitude to all those who brought music to Rod during the last few weeks of his life. The joy you gave him was palpable, and if a drumstick was placed in his good hand he would often tap out the rhythm on his drum pad. Thank you to the staff at the Valley Regional Hospital who did their very best under challenging circumstances, and to the staff at Valley Hospice who went above and beyond to ensure Rod’s end-of-life comfort with their sensitive, loving care. Your unwavering support meant more than you know. Thank you to his “spirit-daughter” Hilary for spearheading the effort to bring Rod home after he expressed his wish to end his life in the house he built, in his words, with love. Thank you to the EHS staff for their expertise in transferring Rod home gently and respectfully. Thank you to Rod’s MAID provider, whose compassionate care ensured that Rod experienced the peaceful death he so desired.

Rod’s burial took place on October 13, 2026, at the Burlington Cemetery Green Burial Ground on Barley Street (plot 36). Thank you to the Middleton Funeral Home for their attentive, considerate handling of the burial. As time goes by, flowers, greenery, and an old oak tree will grow on Rod’s plot as a testament to his love of nature, and we will honour his request for a young pine tree from Fisher Lake.

He was the beloved son of Enid and Nelson Cann, and only brother of his three surviving sisters, Marge (Doug Kirk), Josephine (Robert Godin), and Maria MacKenzie-Cann. He is also survived by his partner, Margaret; step-daughters, Clara (Nicolas) and Hilary; grandchildren, Felix, Cleo, and Ro; Ro's father, Reid; nephews, Brian (Emily Richardson) and Paul; niece, Émilie (Jon Markiewicz); great-nephews, Philippe and Lowen; great-nieces, Zara, Elsa, Annie, and Audrey; cousins, Kit, Brenda, and Malcolm; and his beloved dog, Benji.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Donations in memory may be made to the Kings County SPCA. A gathering to celebrate his life will take place in early summer of 2027. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com

“For the man who is beautiful 
is beautiful to see 
but the good man will at once
 also beautiful be.”

— Sappho