With sadness we announce that Joseph Culligan, our husband, father and grandfather passed away unexpectedly on August 9th, 2021. He was born in Brantford, Ontario and educated there, attending St John’s College. He then attended McMaster University in Hamilton. He is also a graduate of the Pakistan Army Command and Staff College and of the Royal Military College of Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife Annette O’Neill, originally from Glace Bay, Cape Breton.
He was predeceased by his parents Raymond John Culligan, originally of Douglas, Ontario, and Marion M. Culligan (nee Gore) of Brantford and one brother James Raymond Culligan.
He is mourned by his sons Sean (Jennifer) and Iain (Sophie) and his five adored grandchildren Colin, Amy, Aidan, Emaline and Willow, all of Ottawa. He is also survived and mourned by his brother Bob (Barbara), his niece Elizabeth (Brodie) Reid and their son Real, all of Woodstock. He is survived and mourned as well by Annette’s brothers Reg (Jean Ingraham), North Sydney, NS and Lorne (Lynne) of Sydney River, NS, as well as several nieces and nephews of the O’Neill family.
Following graduation from McMaster University, he served a full career in the Canadian Armed Forces, a proud Gunner in the Royal Canadian Artillery, retiring in the rank of Colonel. During the early 70s he met and married Annette, the love of his life, while they served together in Shilo, Manitoba.
They carried on from rural Manitoba, serving with 1 RHA in the British Army in West Germany and at the RSA Larkhill, in the UK. Later they served across Canada in Gagetown, St Hubert, and Shilo as well as Ottawa. He served as Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Artillery Battle School from 1984-1987. Joe went on to graduate studies at the Royal Military College of Canada. In 1997 he was invested in the Order of Military Merit.
After retirement, Joe engaged in a small consulting practice for a dozen years working for both private and public sector clients.
Following retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, Joe enjoyed time on the golf course with friends and family and also watching his grandchildren learn the game in the junior programme. Some needed convincing – one said to her younger brother, who was a bit reluctant “you just walk a few holes and hit a few balls and then Grampa gives you a chocolate bar.” In winters, he and Annette curled at the RCMP Curling Club in Ottawa for many years. Joe also curled in Navan.
Friends may pay respects at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Tuesday, August 17th after 12 noon followed by a memorial service in the Sacred Space at 1pm. Due to pandemic restrictions those who wish to attend must register. Interment will be held at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces.
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Royal Canadian Artillery Heritage Fund (rca-arc.org/support-the-regimental-family/) or to a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
Digital Guestbook
Karin White
Don and Clare Craig
Annette, thinking of you all and hoping our thoughts and prayers will help comfort and support you at this time. Joe touched lives in so many positive ways and will live on in our memories forever more. With deepest sympathy, Clare and Don
Yann Hidiroglou
Joe was a kind and a loving person.I had the privilege of getting sound advice from this deserving and loyal officer.Rest in peace friend and look after your family from above.
Lee and Catherine Glover
Joe was my Troop Leader when I joined 3 RCHA as a GPO in 1972. At that time I did not realize how often our paths would cross, both in and out of uniform. Always the consummate gentleman, Joe could be counted on to be the calm in any storm. You will be missed by many. UBIQUE, Stand Easy Joe
Don and Sandy Walker
It is with great sadness we learned of Joe’s passing. We always enjoyed our chats and time spent with Annette and Joe. Rest In Peace Joe and to Annette and family we pray for comfort and strength at this difficult time. Don and Sandy Walker
Lee and Phyllis Nickerson
The world has lost a gem. Joe was always the perfect gentleman. He was quiet, thoughtful, engaging and friendly. Dedicated in every way to his work, to the Regiment, and to everything he took on but nothing could out shine the love and pride he had for his family. A very wise man who knew almost instantly he had met his match in the 70’s in a young Cape Breton nurse. We, as many others, will miss you. Our hearts are with Annette and the family in these difficult times. Our most sincere condolences.
Brian and Carol Belchamber
Dear Annette and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Joe was a true gentleman. Whether curling at the RCMP Club or golfing, he was kind and humble. A true pleasure to spend time with.
Like all who knew Joe, we will miss him dearly.
Brian and Carol
Jean-Pierre Poirier
Quelle triste nouvelle. Mes plus sincères sympathies à son épouse et à toute la famille. Joe était tellement un bon officier, un gentilhomme et un ami. j'ai été honoré de la connaître et de le côtoyer. Encore il y a quelques années il était venu me rencontrer et me donner de bons conseils sur certaines tâche de mon travail. C'est une grosse perte. Repose en paix et bon courage à toute la famille.
ray barker & marielle campeau
Our thoughts and prayers are with Annette and the Culligan family at this sad time....Joe was a gentleman who always had a kind word for all. He will be greatly missed by his many friends at the RCMP Curling club. Rest in peace Joe
J.R. Digger MacDougall
We were saddened to learn of the passing of our brother-at-arms, Joseph Culligan
We extend our condolences to family, classmates, friends and all whose lives were touched by Joe.
(RMC Club has been notified)
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them
5276 Digger
J. R. Digger MacDougall
President Ottawa Branch, RMC Club of Canada
Chair, Sing Canada Harmony Legacy
Volunteer Interpreter, Canadian War Museum
Deepest sympathy Annette and family on the sudden loss of Joe. We have fond memories of your visits to Cape Breton and know how deeply saddened Reg and Mom are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Karin and Donnie White