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
Terry and Frankie Pond
Don and Alice McLaughlin
Joe was a good and loyal friend gone from us far too soon. Our sincere condolences to Annette and family. We are all the poorer for his passing. Ubique.
Wayne and Karen Douglas
We were shocked and very saddened by the news, delivered by the "Gunner Net". Joe and Wayne completed all of their initial gunner phase training together at the Artillery School in Shilo, MB and later Gagetown, NB and were together for their early years of regimental duty with 3RCHA. Their paths crossed many times over the years, even after uniformed service. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the Beechwood service but our thoughts are with Annette and the rest of the family. Joe will be missed by all who knew him.
Dennis and Carolyn Murphy
Condolences and sympathy to Annette and family. Joe was a wonderful husband and a very gentle man. Rest in peace.
Paul Kearney
Joe was one of the finest, most principled Officers I ever knew, period. He taught me a great deal when I had the privilege of serving as his Adjutant. He continually embodied every aspect of a gentleman, and he was a good friend. Annette and family, please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences. We have lost a very good man, indeed.
Edna Morris
Lovely kind and softly spoken Joe! This is such sad news Annette and I know how much he will be missed. You were always such good friends. I will be in touch but meantime, my love to you and your family at this very sad time.
Robert Crooks
Sharon and I were proud that Joe and Annette stood up with us at our wedding in Shilo. Sadly, we were supposed have lunch with them this week. Our deepest condolences to Annette, Sean, Iain and their families.
DOUG and Nancy Welykholowa
Dear Annette, Sean, Iain and family. We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s untimely passing. You are in our hearts and thoughts. Joe was one of the finest officers I had the pleasure of serving with. He was an honest, kind and gracious man who treated everyone with respect, and was always someone to look up to and emulate. We haven’t seen you for a long time, but we will miss his smile and laugh. Please take care. All our love, hugs and kisses.
Lisa, Lia and Logan
We called Mr. Joe the neighbour grandpa because he was just exactly that. He was always cheery and cared for the neighbours and kids. We had the privilege of knowing Mr Joe for more than a decade. His departure leaves a big gap in our neighbourhood.
Don Grant
Annette, our most sincere condolences to you, Sean. Iain and families for your loss. He was such a wonderful husband, father, friend and colleague and of course golfing buddy. He enriched all of our lives. End of Mission my great friend and Stand Easy.
It is a sad day to say good bye to a friend and comrade. Stand Easy Joe. Thanks for your helping hands in Gagetown. You will be missed by all Gunners who ever knew you. That smile is memorable to me.