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
Joseph Cull & Ian Engelberg
Stephen Moffat
Deepest sympathies to Annette and all the family. Joe was the very first FOO I ever worked with. I was a brand new troop leader and Joe ever so patiently guided me through fire planning, sitting at the edge of a copse of wood in Wainwright. Throughout the years our paths crossed numerous times, and I was always the richer for those meetings. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and I will desperately miss that wry grin that he so readily shared. Rest well, Joe.
Ken Hague
I have known Joe since the summer of 1969 when we went though Phase 2 Artillery Training together. Since he had reserve gunnery experience, he helped us through some pretty trying times. He was so passionate about being a Gunner officer that he set a great example for us to follow. I will always have a very warm spot in my heart for him, and a sense of sadness that he left us so prematurely. Stand easy, Joe. Ken
Bud Gorman
I first met Joe on the CLFCSC Kingston course and later served with him at FMCHQ. For me, Joe was the model for the quietly effective, self-effacing professional army officer. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to serve with him.
Jill Wing
My condolences to Sean and family also to Annette. May God give you peace as you grieve.
Christine Wing
There are no adequate words… pure devastation for Annette, Sean, Iian, daughter in laws and 5 grandchildren, and tremendous sorrow for those of us who knew him well.
This was an exceptional man! The world was so much better with him in it. Like a superhero, he helped and rescued so many of us. I guess we thought of Joe as invincible! But… he earned his wings much too young!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU JOE !!!
Til we meet again… ??
Sarah and John Wilson
We were so saddened to receive the news of Joe's sudden passing. He was a kind and dear friend over many years, remembered with love and gratitude. You have our deepest sympathy, love and prayers. We shall miss him and his gentle humour more than I can say. Reaching out across the miles and keeping close.
Linda Wright
There are not enough positive words to describe Joe. We met in Shilo when Annette and I were on our first posting. It was fun watching Annette chase him until he “caught” her. So many wonderful memories as we kept in touch all these years. My heart goes out to Annette, Sean, Iain and the grandchildren, you have had the most wonderful husband, father and grandfather ever. God now has the most wonderful Angel who will be looking down on you always. RIP Joe.
Luciano and Rose
Annette, Sean, Iain, Jenn, Sophie and beautiful grandchildren, Joe perched you all on his shoulders; boundlessly loving, caring, guiding and cherishing every moment he spent with you. Hearts are breaking for you. Our dear “brother & Uncle” always made us smile and laugh - not a day will go by that we won’t smile back at him. Until we stand in the light with him, we will cherish his kindness and wisdom.
To a magnificent man, rest peacefully in the hands that hold you now.
We love you.
Luciano, Rose, Alex, Eric & Paul
Jim and Phyllis MacLean
Annette, Sean, Iain, Culligan and O’ Neil family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Joe, we we deeply saddened, our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time,
Jim and Phyllis MacLean
Blessed we all were to have his presence in our lives! His passion & commitment to our family history has forever made us come even more connected! Are hearts are with you during such an exceptional loss!
Much LOVE!!! Xoxoxo