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
Marc and Caryl George
Fred and Lynn Pratt
Our deepest sympathies Annette and Family.
Fred Pratt
Good curling friend a gentleman.
Joanne and Wayne
There are words to express our sadness . We both thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with Joe over the years. Always so gracious, very kind. A true gentleman. To Annette, Sean , Ian and family our absolutely condolences to you all.
HARRY (HANK) and ANNE THOMPSON
We were saddened to hear of Joe's passing having served with this fine officer in the 3rd Regiment in Shilo. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
End of Mission, Stand Easy.
Joe Stout, US Army Retired. Shawn, and family
What a talented, compassionate, and gifted soul. Will always remember the family adventures In Quetta, Pakistan attending the Pakistan Command and Staff College and our subsequent visits to Cape Breton and Ottawa. Our deepest sympathy to Annette and family on Joe's passing.
Dean and Céline Buzza
Dear Annette and family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences on your loss. Joe was a true gentlemen and it was both a pleasure and honour to have counted him as a friend. He will be truly missed.
Mike & Anne Jeffery
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing and want to offer our sincere condolences to Annette and the family. Joe was a good friend and colleague. I have fond memories of our time working together at NDHQ and later in retirement on the Heritage Campaign. Joe was a rare individual, both humble and self-effacing in personal interactions, yet confident and strong in his professional engagements. He was a principled man of strong intellect and a most thoughtful person. I relished the discussions and debates we had. Joe was committed to the Regiment and the Forces and extremely loyal to those he worked with. He was always there to help in any way that he could. With his passing, the world and our community are much poorer.
Billie Hamilton
Prayers and Condolences
Rakhi, Brian, Priya and Nevin McAuliffe
Mr. Joe we couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. We will miss our daily chats over flowers, work and growing kids/grandkids. Peace be with you.
Our sincere sympathy to Annette and family. Joe was a true gentleman and a great leader. His influence on me as a young officer while under his command at The RCA Battle School was immense. Throughout my career, it was always a pleasure to see him socially and to work with him. He was a funny, kind, and patient man. Stand Easy Joe.