Charles “Vincent” Callaghan of Bathurst, NB died peacefully January 10th, 2010, at his daughter’s home in Freeport, NS, with family at his side. C.V., as he was affectionately known to his family, was born June 2nd, 1914, in Saint John, the elder son of the late Charles Joseph and Nora (Gleeson) Callaghan.
He graduated UNB Fredericton in 1935, with a BSc with first class honours in Chemistry and Geology. Following a brief time working in gold mines in Colorado and Northern Quebec, he began a long career in the pulp and paper industry in Bathurst. It was there that he met his wife, Joan (Doucet), who was his loving companion for more than 66 years. C.V. served as Production or Mill Manager in mills in Bathurst, New Richmond, Nackawic, the Philippines, and St. George, and was well-respected and valued for his knowledge and his commitment to his work. When he retired, he and Joanie moved to the family cottage at Youghall Beach on the Bay of Chaleur, and spent many happy years there. Dad was a complex man with a wide range of interests – he loved long walks in the woods with Joan, swims at the beach, searching for fossils, and the many cats that were lucky enough to share his life. He had an amazing ability, even in his final days, to recite verbatim numerous lengthy poems he had memorized as a schoolboy. He appreciated good conversation almost as much as he appreciated a good joke. He enjoyed all kinds of music, but especially the Battle Hymn of the Republic - the louder the better. From his days serving as an altar boy until he watched mass on television the last morning of his life, his Catholic faith was important to him. Born on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, he had a lifelong fascination with that remarkable body of water, so it is fitting that he died on its shores as well. More than anything, C.V. adored his family, and they him.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Joan, his sons Sean, Amherst, and Dan (Elaine), Liverpool, daughters Jane Lawlor (Don), Dartmouth, Christine (Andy Moir), Freeport, grandchildren Matthew (Khrista) and Peter Lawlor, Ben and Neal Callaghan, great-grandchildren Brandi and Brooke Lawlor, Patrick Loughran, and Logan Smith, as well as sisters-in-law Paula Campbell, Gwenyth Doucet, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister Eileen O’Brien, brother John, and nephew John O’Brien.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Bathurst on Saturday (July 10, 2010) at 11 a.m. from the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bathurst, with a reception to follow in the Church Basement. The family wishes to thank the Extra Mural health care professionals in Bathurst who took such wonderful care of him over the past several years, as well as their wonderful neighbours at The Beach. Donations in Vince’s memory may be made to the Bathurst SPCA. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
