Bernard Joseph MONAGHAN

1927 - 2023

BERNARD JOSEPH ('BEN') MONAGHAN B.Sc., LL.B. Ben Monaghan died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in his 97th year. Ben was born on April 14, 1927, in Fallowfield, Ontario just outside of Ottawa. He was predeceased by his parents Stella and Dan, his siblings Manning, Margaret, Tom, and Theresa and is survived by his brother John (Eileen) of Fallowfield. After sixty years of marriage, he lost his beloved wife Jan in 2019. Ben leaves his daughters Maureen and Kelly, his favourite grandchild Laura Casey Buttke, Casey's father Bob Buttke, more than sixty nieces and nephews, and many relations and friends around the world. Ben lived an extraordinary life which was chronicled in an autobiography unveiled at his 90th birthday party. Ben loved his childhood but knew that life as a farmer was not for him and so he left home at age 15 and moved to the U.S. to live and work for the next ten years. He loved that time in his life and when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he thought his life might be over. His Irish luck held strong, and he spent his tour at an army base in Japan. While there, Ben attained his high school equivalency and started university courses, paving his way to the University of Michigan. Many life-long friends were made in Ann Arbor, including his future wife, Jan Casey. After their marriage, the newlyweds moved to Sudbury, until Ben's job with Imperial Oil brought them to Toronto. At age 38, he pivoted and decided to attend law school, subsequently starting his own firm. He built a successful practice that he was immensely proud to see Mo take over in 1997. In retirement, Ben was able to spend more time doing the things he had enjoyed throughout his life – travelling, building docks and fixing things (or trying to), playing golf, skiing, talking American politics, going on fishing trips, laughing, and telling stories over a drink. The part that he enjoyed the most was doing these things with friends and family – the Monaghans, the Caseys, our 'Michigan Gang' family and many other friends that he met – and kept – along his journey. Ben was a generous, hard-working, friendly, authentic, and curious person. He could engage a young great-nephew in conversation as quickly as a stranger he met in an elevator, making each one feel like they were the only person in the world. A gentleman to the end, the memory of Ben Monaghan will be carried in the hearts of those he knew for decades and decades to come. Ben always considered himself a lucky guy and never moreso than in the final weeks of his life. He was so grateful for the support of his many friends and family, as well as the aid from his caregivers and the Temmy Latner team. We, his family, would also like to express our thanks. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday November 18th at 2:30 pm at Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, Toronto. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jan Monaghan Award at Woodsworth College, University of Toronto or to a Charity of Your Choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.