Calgary philanthropist behind Field of Crosses receives MRU honorary degree

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The Calgarian behind the annual Field of Crosses tribute received an honorary degree at Mount Royal University on Friday.

Murray McCann, a Calgary business owner and philanthropist, founded the display on Memorial Drive that honours soldiers from southern Alberta who lost their lives in battle.

He also established the Homes for Heroes Foundation, which provides transitional housing and support for veterans, and Rosedale Hospice, an end-of-life care facility for adults.

McCann was presented with an honorary bachelor of nursing degree at a convocation ceremony at the university and addressed 328 graduating students.

“We are pleased to grant this degree to Murray McCann, whose giving spirit and work in the community exemplifies the spirit of helping and care that nurses bring to the world,” Stephen Price, dean of MRU’s faculty of health, community and education, said in a statement.

McCann described the tribute as extra significant to him because his late wife of 38 years and the mother of his five children was a registered nurse.

“I had personal experience in knowing that nurses are very special people who share considerably more care, consideration and compassion for their fellow man than is found in most others,” he said in a news release.

“I have also witnessed those traits in the oncology nurses at Rosedale Hospice. This honorary degree will encourage me to show those traits in my own life.”

Friday’s convocation was the last attended by MRU president David Docherty, whose term ends in spring 2019.

The Field of Crosses display, which features 3,400 crosses, will be in place until Remembrance Day.