Maurice (Murry) J. Cann, Jr.
Nov 28 1933 - Oct 14 2017
Maurice J. Cann, Jr. (Murry) died peacefully at his home on October 14 after a short battle with liver cancer.
Murry was born November 28, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Maurice J. Cann and Gladyse Waldauer Cann. After attending O’Keefe Grammar School and Hyde Park High School, where he was a proud member of the Schmeggler Fraternity, he graduated in 1954 from Michigan State College (now University).
Murry’s early years growing up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood were the source of a good many humorous tales including his trip to Camp Menominee in Wisconsin. The Camp’s motto was, “The boy you always wanted comes home from Camp Menominee.” The Camp Director’s wife would kiss each of the campers every night, which particularly annoyed Murry, so he reversed his position on the cot so that she kissed his foot. He became an overnight camp sensation, a virtual legend in his own time.
Fulfilling his duty with the U.S. Army in 1957-1958, Murry was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. During the time, Murry took action on his long time interest in drama and the performing arts by joining the Karlsruhe Civic Theatre. He starred in a production of “My Three Angels”, which had a prestigious performance at the Badisches Staatstheater in Baden-Baden. While stationed in Europe, his fondest memories were traveling to St. Tropez at the height of the Brigitte Bardot sightings.
In 1959, Murry moved to San Francisco to operate a Specialist Post on the San Francisco floor of the Pacific Stock Exchange. He left his beloved Chicago White Sox as they were about to win the 1959 World Series. It wasn’t too much longer before the acting bug bit the young stockbroker again. He was recruited by the University of California Professor William I. Oliver to play the lead in Dr. Oliver’s autobiographical comedydrama, “To Learn to Love.” Playing opposite Murry in this play was a young freshman named Stacy Keach. Mr. Keach went on to become one of America’s foremost film and stage actors.
Murry loved the camaraderie of the trading floor and hated it when computers started taking over the place. He particularly loved the early morning trading hours, which allowed him and his associates to have a cocktail, or two over lunch. Murry was the major reason the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange had a softball team.
In the mid-1980’s Murry and several of his friends organized a softball team that began to play in City Rec Leagues in Larkspur and then in Corte Madera. First named the Biltwell Bombers, then later the Flatiron Flyers, sponsored by the Flatiron Bar & Grill. Murry was the starting catcher, later Manager, and was eventually designated Manager for Life. His Uniform Number 1 was retired by his teammates in 1993.
Claiming that he had played in organized baseball and softball games for nine decades (1939-2014), he still went for a record. After turning 80, he was able to say that he had gotten a hit every decade of his life. Murry enriched the lives of his teammates through his knowledge of the game, his wit, and his after-game camaraderie.
As a member of Marin Tennis Club, Murry’s dedication to his friends and his tennis is very well known throughout Marin County. Always a leader, with a mind that bordered on brilliant, his love of tennis kept him at the forefront of every special event at MTC. He served as a “Committee of One” as he created special competitions beginning 40 years ago and continuing today. Murry was truly “Mr. Calcutta” and was honored when a court was dedicated to him. His memory was incredible with an ability to quote results and players, not only from tennis matches, but also across a wide range of sports, which served him well as a contestant on Jeopardy. His many friends remember him as being extremely loyal and truly “one of a kind”.
In 1963, Murry married Gretchen Saeger and, although later divorced, she was with him to the end.
He is survived by his cousins Edward Cann of Wilmette, Illinois; Lois Zisook of Highland Park, Illinois; Judy Hasler of Sparksglencoe, Maryland and Linda Winblad of Riviera Beach, Florida.
Murry is also survived by his beloved West Highland Terriers, the incorrigible Jeeves and Wooster, who are enthusiastically enjoying their country vacation.
There will be a Celebration of Murry’s amazing life on November 28 (his Birthday) at 4 PM at Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross.