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
Bob Chamberlain
Randy and Gloria Stowell
Joe was a straight arrow and a soldiers soldier. We did our Gunner training in Shilo and returned to serve in 3 RCHA in 1971. Joe attended our wedding in Pine Falls that August! He and Annette lived a rich life with a loving family. A good man.
Douglas J Briscoe
A friend whose company we all enjoyed. Practical, common sense, loyal and proud to have known
One of a kind
Ken Hynes
Joe was a true gentleman. He possessed a great sense of humor and much grace under pressure. It was an honour to cross paths, several times over the years. End of Mission - Stand Easy.
Fredrick Keith LaForge
Rest Good Gunner Rest.
You have stood where Gods have stood
and rent the sky with thunder.
You have served the guns as heroes would
Till care was cast asunder.
So here now, rest one breathing space
Face proud the end of day.
You bowed not down lest done in grace
For that's a Gunner's way.
Rest, Good Gunner Rest,
turn cartridge case aside.
You served your Colours with the best
Now take your rest with pride.
Fredrick Keith LaForge
Lewis Brad Ball
It was a pleasure to serve with you....RIP Sir, UBIQUE
Chris Barth
The Colonel was a great Commanding Officer and Leader during my posting at The RCA Battle School. Stand Easy, Sir!
LCol William Sutherland (Ret'd)
Sincere condolences to Annette and Family. A sad day for sure. RIP.
Lieutenant-General Jan and Penny Arp
We have known kind and gentle Joe for many years. When he worked with Jan he was the consummate staff officer with great ideas and a loyal, dedication to the Artillery and the CAF that was second to none. We wish Annette and his family strength in this difficult time. Stand Easy and RIP, Joe.
Rejean Paquet
My most sincere condolences to Anette and your loved ones. Joe was my first Commanding officer right out of Phase 4 in the RCA Battle School in Shilo. He was patient and understanding with a very rebel young French 2nd Lt.
Stand Easy Joe.
Réjean
So sad to get this unfortunate news. My condolences to Annette and family. We served together in Shilo. And like him, I served in both 1 and 3 RHA, plus the the RA School in Larkhill. RIP Joe. Bob C.