Ronald Lee McCann

Born and raised in Michigan, Ron lived with a deep sense of responsibility — to his home, his community, and most of all, his family.

Ron was a loyal husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather. The son of both of the late William H. & Ava, he is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Brenna, Kerry (Husband: Josh), and Colleen; grandchildren Zachary, Alexis (Husband: Max), Jonas, and Emma, great grandchildren Lucy and Zoe. He is also survived by his brother William A., and preceded in death by his brother Donovan (Wife: Ange) Nieces: Jennifer (Children: Cadence & Sammy), Amanda (Husband: Wade & Children Alex and Allie).

Ron’s commitment to learning and craftsmanship shaped every chapter of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Power/Electronics, followed by a Master of Science in Administration. He continued to expand his expertise throughout his career, earning a Journeyman Electrician’s Certification (UAW Card), multiple State of Michigan Department of Education teaching certifications, vocational authorizations in electronics and related occupations, and an RWD Instructor Certification. These achievements reflected not only his technical mastery but also his passion for teaching others.

Ron’s professional life spanned more than 40 years of continuous experience working with industrial machinery, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His early career began in commercial electrical construction, wiring homes and industrial buildings. He then moved into work across multiple trades — electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, tooling, and welding — gaining a rare, comprehensive understanding of all plant equipment. He became a UAW journeyman electrician in 1971 and was responsible for troubleshooting and repairing automated production systems. He helped install early computer-controlled machinery in the late 1970s and earned multiple awards for his innovations, including a $10,000 patent award.

As his career progressed, Ron transitioned into technical training, designing, developing, and delivering training materials for launching manufacturing plants across North America. He authored numerous departmental documents and procedures, many of which continued to be used decades later. His work took him into nearly every major automotive plant, supplier facility, and training center, where he taught classes — sometimes even with an interpreter — and provided expertise wherever it was needed.

Beginning in 1990, Ron spent 25 years as a senior technical training specialist supporting advanced manufacturing engineering and technical training departments. He designed, developed, and delivered custom technical courseware based on the newest technologies entering modern plants.

His courses covered hydraulics, pneumatics, air logic, mechanical systems, industrial electrical and electronic controls, resistance welding, material handling, PLCs, industrial drives, robotics, automated welding and sealing cells, test and verification systems, and more. Ron worked directly with vendors to learn emerging technologies and then transformed that knowledge into comprehensive “systems” and “cell” courses used across the automotive industry.

Ron witnessed — and helped shape — the evolution of industrial automation firsthand, from relay logic to computer-driven controls, from hard wiring to fiber optics to wireless systems, and into the era of internet-connected industry. He also taught skilled trades courses for multiple organizations and training centers, extending his impact far beyond any single company.

Outside of work, Ron was a gifted athlete and avid sports memorabilia collector — running track, playing baseball, and even competing in semi-professional hockey. His passion for sports carried into fatherhood and grand-fatherhood, where he became the family’s most enthusiastic coach and adventure guide. He taught his children and grandchildren how to swim, ride bikes, boat, fish, kayak, tube down the river, and play baseball, softball, hockey, and basketball. Every outing with Ron became a story worth retelling — full of energy, laughter, and the kind of wild fun that defined his spirit.

Ron was also well known in his community for speaking up and standing firm. He was a familiar face at the city offices, always ready to voice his opinion on projects that could affect his home or his family. Protecting them was his first job, and he carried that responsibility with pride throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Pixley Funeral Home - John Desmond Chapel: 3530 Auburn Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 on October 3, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by services at 2:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at a location to be determined, to share memories, stories, and the joy Ron brought into so many lives.

Ron’s legacy lives on in the skills he passed down, the adventures he created, and the love he gave freely. His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact he made — on his family, his community, and the generations of workers he taught and mentored — will endure.