Alexander Cannan 1949-2022

Alex died suddenly and unexpectedly on August 13th after a long spell of ill health and finally covid. Despite his frailty, he had been planning to resume his life in his apartment and the support he would need was being organised. So his death feels untimely, shocking and sad.

He was born in London, his family then moving to a rural part of south west England. As his sister I have strong memories of our childhood with its many freedoms – playing childhood games in woods and fields with our friends. But he was a dreamy child and had difficulty fitting into school, and he avoided any competitive sports.

His interests were travel and sailing, but mainly of the armchair variety. Nonetheless as he grew up he developed his knowledge of geography and of different cultures. He went to Birmingham University in England and took a degree in West African Studies. There he met his wife and in 1978 they settled in Philadelphia where he remained after their divorce.

Alex felt strongly that we should tread lightly on the planet, living modestly and according to green and pacifist principles. He leaves behind his close friend Bernadette to whom our heart goes out.

Crescy Cannan