Mr. Michael Burke Callaghan

With laughing, love-lit eyes,

Where clear as Holy Writ,

Immortal wisdom lies.”

Michael Burke Callaghan, adored father of Brendan, Darcy and Miranda Callaghan, grandfather to Hudson and Redden, brother of Barry Callaghan, uncle of Michael, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 1, 2015 from complications following a stroke. His children were at his bedside, holding his hand. He leaves his family and friends deeply saddened by the loss of a voice that loved to recite poetry; to rail at political and social injustice; and enjoy the thrust and parry of a spirited debate.

Michael’s long life included happy early years at St Michael’s College School. He attended the University of Western Ontario, followed by Osgoode Hall Law School and spent subsequent time building on careers as a journalist, editor, producer at Canadian Press, the Toronto Telegram and the CBC, as well as a successful career in public relations.

Michael had a passion for all forms of social and cultural expression, he was a voracious and eclectic reader which made him a lively companion and a fascinating raconteur. His prodigious memory made him a man not to tangle with unless you had an equal command of the discussion details. One of the major joys in his life were his children, each of whom he encouraged to have a social conscience, to avoid complacency and to recite a lengthy poem on their 13th birthday! He also had an abiding love of the stunning beauty of Georgian Bay and spent many happy times with friends and family up north.

The Callaghan family will be receiving visitors at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne Street (South of Wellesley) on Monday July 6 between 6:00-8:00pm and at a Funeral Mass on Tuesday July 7 at 1:30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 520 Sherbourne Street (North of Wellesley).

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Michael Callaghan’s memory to INDSPIRE, the largest supporter of indigenous post-secondary education outside of the Federal Government – www.indspire.ca