Mr. Can – The Secret History of the Modern Can - a podcast by STL Creatives

THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF THE MAN BEHIND THE MODERN CAN

(In Memory of Emmanuel Ankrah 1933 - 2017)



I had the rare opportunity to interview Emmanuel Ankrah on June 17, 2017, the day after he was placed on hospice. I had grown up hearing stories of his inventions, but I had no idea just how much of an impact he had had on the modern can, including his contributions to the pop-top. More than anything, I wanted to capture his story for the world to hear before it was lost forever. Emmanuel was the epitome of humility and spent the last several years of his life, in what should have been his retirement, as a janitor at our local Walmart. He never complained and always had a smile on his face as well as an infectious laugh that immediately warmed your heart. He deserved much more than the thankless firing he had received, just one year before he was set to retire, for no other reason than to avoid paying his retirement pension. My hope is, one day, future historians will recognize him for his monumental achievements and contributions that we take for granted on a daily basis. We miss you Emmanuel and thank you for everything!

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