Robert James Callaghan

Our Dad, Robert James Callaghan, passed away peacefully October 7, 2025 at Woodlands of Sunset, Welland, Ontario, where he received phenomenal care.

He is now rejoicing in Heaven with our Mom, Janet, and many others dear to his heart.

We miss Dad very much but are rejoicing with him!

Dad grew up in Toronto, where he met our Mom. They were married 71 years and had 5 daughters. Of course, there are now many grandchildren and great grandchildren!

Dad had a successful career as a Police Officer with the OPP, retiring with the rank of Staff Sargeant. He taught at the Ontario Provincial Police Training and Development Centre on Sherbourne Street, and to this day there are graduates who remember and admire his teaching!

Dad was very proud of his time in the OPP, and he and Mom attended many OPP events over the years.

His art was featured on the covers of The OPP Review Magazine.

Dad drew Trevor the OPP Traffic Bug, bringing the character to life through his artistic skills.

Dad pursued his art, painting beautiful pictures and drawing imaginative cartoons, and our parents were members of the Don Valley Art Club.

Dad was an artist of some renown, noted for his florals, as well as back alleys and neighborhoods in old Toronto.

If painting and drawing was his passion, music was his joy! He played the harmonica any chance he got, and loved playing with a group!

Mom and Dad had a very full life, enjoying traveling, visiting, and working at their beloved Innisfil property. They couldn’t wait for getaways to Myrtle Beach - the ocean and sun, and Dad was inspired to paint gorgeous watercolors there!

They loved getting together with Mom’s Lindsay clan, where Dad played his harmonica with the family musicians.

They attended Church regularly and also went to Guelph Bible Camp in the summers, reuniting with good friends and family. It was a special time and the highlight of their year!

When Mom passed away in 2022, Dads was heartbroken, but forged ahead, drawing fun, colorful seasonal posters which decorated his Retirement Home. He loved the live entertainment, and sometimes accompanied the musicians on his harmonica!

If Dad were to give you advice, he would say…enjoy spending time with loved ones, and cherish the simple things in life, like a radiant blue sky, a quiet snowfall, and the color in nature’s garden. Share a cup of coffee, a few laughs, and chocolate chip cookies!

So as you look through these pictures, please think of your own family and the special moments which make life wonderful!

God bless you!

The Callaghan family

Should you wish to make a charitable donation, might we suggest:

- Canadian Cancer Society

- Covenant House Toronto

- Guelph Bible Conference Center

- World Vision

These are all charities which our parents supported.