NEW GLASGOW – William Patrick “Blinker” Callaghan, age 80, of New Glasgow, passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2012 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late James and Elizabeth (Kiley) Callaghan.
He was married to the love of his life for 55 years, Shirley (Dee) Callaghan. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, James and Gary, New Glasgow; brother, Jim (Ann) Callaghan; brothers-in-law: Charles MacLean; Aubrey (Ethel) Dee; Herbie (Carol) Dee; Sandy (Trudy) Dee; sister-in-law, Eva Dee; numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Alphonse and Joe; sister, Shirley MacLean; mother and father-in-law Herbert and Doris Dee; brother-in-law, Bill Dee.
He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 21 years and later worked at Michelin Tire from where he retired after 16 years. Bill played hockey with St. John’s Academy; the Trenton Scotians Junior Hockey Team that won the first Maritime Junior Hockey Playoff Title for Pictou County with Bill scoring the winning goal in Moncton. He then went on to play with the Scotian’s Senior Team. He also played hockey during his time in the service while stationed in Lac St. Denis; Madison, Wisconsin; North Bay and Goose Bay, Labrador. He last played for the Pictou County Old Timers. Bill also played junior and intermediate softball in Trenton.
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral mass 11 a.m. Monday in Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church with Father Gary MacPherson officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. Ken MacLeod. Reception to follow. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Donations in his memory may be made to the Lung Association of N.S.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.rhporter.ca