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.
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Annette and family;
I was surprised to hear of Joe’s passing yesterday from Doc Hopper. Exactly two years to the day from Wayne’s slipping away from us. My condolences to you and your family, may peace find them both playing golf.
So sad to learn of Jo’s passing, we met Annette who was a Nursing Officer at the Shilo Base Hospital and Joe on the Arty Staff in the early 1970’s. Our paths have not crossed since but we send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.