Neil Callaghan passed away peacefully at home with family at his side, Wednesday February 16 at the age of 81.  Neil the beloved husband of Lorna Callaghan (Allen) for 60 years.  Loved father of Stephen, James, Sean and Lori, Thomas and Christine, Kathleen and Greg, Daniel and Adrienne.  Cherished grandfather of Matthew and Katey, Elisabeth and Ciaran, Cassidy, Angelica, Duncan, Henry, Fergus, Addison, Violet, Charlotte. Cherished great grandfather of Tenley.  Survived by his siblings and their spouse, Duncan and Elenora, Anne and Lawrie (deceased), Joseph. Predeceased by his siblings and their spouse, Tom and Marie, Angus and Elsie, Charlotte, Rosemary and John, John and Joan. Survived by his in-laws Robert and Marion, Larry and Deanna.  Predeceased by in-laws Kenny and RuthAnn.  Cherished uncle of many nephews and nieces and will be missed by many close friends.

A special thank-you to all the in-home care nurses through Paramed and St. Elizabeth, PSWs through St. Elizabeth, his personal family Doctor, the Doctors and Nurses at Ross Memorial Hospital, his oncologist at Peterborough Hospital. Together they worked as a team to comfort Neil during his illness.

Neil was born and raised in Toronto where he attended De La Salle High School and Christian Brother’s College with the intent to attend the Seminary until he met the love of his life, Lorna, where they raised a beautiful family in North York until they moved to Lindsay in 2007. 

Neil had a long and successful, 38-year career, with the North York Hydro where he began as a technical draftsman and retired as a contract Inspector.  Neil had an infinity to learn whatever he read.  He never stopped learning.  Some talk about being a jack-of-all-trades master of none but, Neil was a jack of all trades master of many.   He was always busy building and fixing things or helping other people.  Neil always said to use the gifts God gave us which he always did and led by example.

When he wasn’t working in the city or raising a family with Lorna, Neil was always drawn to the country life in the town of Kinmount which is where Neil’s wife, Lorna, was born. Neil especially loved nature and no matter what season, he enjoyed watching many different species of animals on their farm property.  In the spring, he would be found making maple syrup at all hours of night under clear star lit skies or inside to a generator lamp lit cabin.  When all the syrup was bottled, he and Lorna would kindly give them as gifts to family and friends. 

There wasn’t a person whose life he didn’t touch.  He made everyone smile and had an impact on whoever’s life he touched.   Neil will be forever loved and missed by many.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay on Sunday February 20th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 31 Russell Street East, Lindsay on Monday February 21st at 11:00 am.  The Interment will be at a later date when ground conditions permit.  Announcements will be made in early spring. If desired, donations to Kawartha Lakes Community Living can be made online PLEASE CLICK HERE or at Mackey Funeral Home, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay K9V 3L9