Obituary of Wilfred Gerald Callaghan
Wilfred Gerald Paul Callaghan (1929-2021)
It is with great sorrow that we say good-bye to Wilfred Callaghan, a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a gentle, kind-hearted soul whose friendly demeanor, sense of humor and positivity permeated his relationships.
Born on August 26, 1929 to Estelle and Gerald Callaghan on the family farm near Meacham, Wilf was the eldest of seven children. He grew up riding a horse to school in the summer and cross-country skiing to school in the winter. He saw many changes in a long and rewarding life, passing away on November 7, 2021.
Wilf worked hard on the farm and went on to several other careers. He moved to PA and began as a mechanic at Mann Motors. Eventually he bought Buckland Service, and worked hard there for many years. After selling the service station in the 1970’s, Wilf worked briefly for Saskatchewan Penitentiary, then the Dept. of Northern Sask., where he retired as a shop foreman in 1994.
Wilf married Sonia Klukewich on November 28th, 1954, and they had 3 girls; Sharon, Shelley and Linda. He was a devoted family man and between long hours at the service station, would take his family ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter, and camping, fishing and waterskiing every weekend in the summer. In addition to fishing, he enjoyed hunting with friends, playing cards, reading and cooking. His breakfast, lunch or dinner fish fries were enjoyed by many! Wilf, Sonia and the girls spent many happy years together, until Sonia’s death in April 1984 following a kidney transplant.
On July 7th, 1989, Wilf was blessed with a second marriage, to Allie (Gillert), and doubled his family on the spot. Between the two they had 6 children, and at the time of his passing, seventeen grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Wilf loved visits from all of the young people in his life, demonstrating concern over their struggles and pride in their achievements.
Wilf and Allie moved to Candle Lake after his retirement in 1994, and stayed for twenty happy years. They formed many close friendships at the lake and in Arizona on their winter getaways. They enjoyed the time with their friends: playing cards, preparing great bar-b-que meals, fish fries and wonderful pies. Wilf and Allie spent some time working at Kelsey Camp, where Wilf helped cook and was “Mr. Fix-it”. Wilf took up wood-working at the lake, and was always ready to lend a helping hand at the community church.
In time, Wilf and Allie moved back to Prince Albert. Wilf was happy to help out at Calvary United Church again, and to reconnect with old friends. Wilf’s greatest joy was when the great-grandkids came to visit. They always brought a smile to his face. Throughout his life, Wilf enjoyed playing cards, and was happy to let the little ones make their own rules.
Due to his failing strength and health in March 2020, Wilf received care at Herb Bassett Home for which the family is grateful. Wilf passed on November 7, 2021, after a life well-lived.
Wilf was predeceased by his first wife, Sonia; his brother Richard Callaghan; nephew Brent Callaghan; brothers-in-law Leon (Jean) Lux, Donald (Vivian) Krogstad, Bruce Walton, Bill Currie, Blaine Walton; sisters-in-law June Walton and Donna Whittome; stepson-in-law Tim Freeman; grandson Dean Gervais and his parents Gerald and Estelle Callaghan.
He leaves to mourn: his wife, Allie; his daughters, Sharon (Bert) Gaudet, Shelley (Peter) Romano, and Linda (Randy) Ingerson; stepdaughter Melody Horudko, stepsons Shaun (Rose) Gillert, Norman (Natasha) Gillert; seventeen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother Norbert (Merle) Callaghan; sisters Bernadette (Gilbert) Ouellette, Jean Lux, Vivian Krogstad, and Jeanette (Dennis) Stordeur; his sisters-in-law Denise Callaghan, Virtue (Willard) Hanson, Alice Walton and Berna Currie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
We will miss his sweet smile, gentle ways and kind heart.
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted for:
Calvary United Church (elevator fund), 114 – 25 St. East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 1S5 or
The Kidney Foundation of Canada, A3 116 – 103 St. East, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1Y7 (online donations at kidney.ca).
A Celebration of Wilf’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Calvary United Church – 114 25th Street East, Prince Albert, SK. Private Family Interment will be held.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK (306) 763-3322.
