Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM
Short, Robert McCann Age 74, died unexpectedly in his home at The Glenn on November 9, 2023. Preceded in death by his father, businessman Robert E. Short, and almost a year to the date by his beloved mother, Marion D. Short. Bob is survived by his brothers and sisters, Brian Short (Kathleen) of St. Paul, Marianne Short (Ray Skowyra) of St. Paul, Kevin Short of Hudson, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Short (Dr. Jon Floriano) of University Heights, Ohio, Carolyn Short (Joseph Torsella) of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and Colleen Short Lucke (Stephen) of Edina.
Brilliant, quirky, and quick, Bob enriched the lives of his 21 nieces and nephews, Kathryn (Sam Minow), Robert (Mary Rose), Michael (Morgan), Louis (Carolyn), Nicholas (Alexa Hunter), Meghan (Robert Worthington), Caitlin, Maura (Joseph Valdivia), Anna, Emily, Daniel, Jessica, Maureen (Thomas Drescher), Elizabeth (Ryan Miller), Travis (Camille Woodbury), Kelly (Quinn Henry), Joey, Grace, Patrick, Paul, and John; and 14 great nieces and nephews, Rory, Grace, Loretta, Teddy, Skip, Rosemary, Hannah, William, Charlotte, J.J., Elise, Logan, Reid, and Conrad.
Born on December 10, 1948, in Washington D.C., Bob grew up in Edina, Minnesota. The oldest of seven children, he thrived in a busy and bustling household, riding horses and go-carts, swimming on the Interlachen Country Club Swim Team, and tending a bountiful vegetable garden (despite a lifelong habit of not eating vegetables).
Bob graduated from Our Lady of Grace Grade School in 1962 and Benilde High School in 1966. He pursued business and accounting at St. Mary's in Winona and the University of St. Thomas.
After completing his formal education, Bob joined his father's business, where he served in various accounting and finance roles at the Leamington Hotel. He also focused on the payroll departments of the Park Towers, the Calhoun Towers, Admiral Merchants Motor Freight, and the St. Paul Flight Center.
Admired for his self-discipline and strong work ethic, Bob rarely took breaks: no lunch hour, no sick days, no vacations. He fulfilled the oft-mentioned goal of his later years: "I will work until the day I die."
A key member of the team, Bob spent as much time as was necessary to make sure the accounting records were accurate - be it the finances of the Leamington Hotel or the lease records of the Calhoun Towers.
A stickler for detail, Bob was never to be rushed. He knew that his work, if it was to be valuable, had to be accurate. That commitment and dedication carried over to almost every other aspect of his life.
Bob loved the music of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, classic television shows such as Andy Griffith and My Three Sons, and Minnesota sports. He never missed a family birthday. His annual Christmas guitar concerts, featuring such hits as Mele Kalikimaka, Little Boxes, Charlie on the M.T.A., and The Fox (Went Out On A Chilly Night) are never to be forgotten.
Life was not easy for Bob. Atypical in a neurotypical world, long before those labels became commonplace, Bob could be underestimated and misunderstood. But he was peerless in his determination, resourcefulness, and perseverance in overcoming life's obstacles.
Bob was our hero and will be sorely missed.
Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 10:30 AM, The Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436. Visitation Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, 6-8 PM at Gill Brothers Southwest Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, and also one hour prior to Mass at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or the University of St. Thomas.