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BORN
1957
DIED
2023
Michael McCullagh Obituary
November 10, 1957 - July 6, 2023
The family, friends and shipmates of Captain Mike McCullagh are sad to announce his final "passing over the bar" on July 6th, 2023.
Mike was born in Victoria and grew up with his family in Victoria and Esquimalt where he attended Esquimalt High School. His father having been in the Navy, Mike was drawn to the sea from a young age and joined the sea cadets while still in school. After graduation, his natural mechanical abilities were put to good use and he obtained his auto mechanic's certificate but it wasn't long before the sea lured him back in and he found himself underway on the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Ready out of the old Victoria Coast Guard base next to the Johnson Street bridge, first as an oiler and later on deck as an ordinary seaman.
Mike's career with the CCG would go on to span over 40 years, from deckhand to Commanding Officer, from inshore rescue boats to lifeboat stations to buoy tenders. Following his many years on deck and obtaining his successive mate's certificates, he worked on almost every CCG vessel that plied the B.C. coast and the Western Arctic, including the CCG Ships Wolfe, Arctic Ivik, Racer, Provo Wallis, Point Henry and Point Race and Sir James Douglas - just to name a few - "Captain" McCullagh then sailed as Commanding Officer of CCG Ships Tsekoa II, Vector, John P Tully, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and Bartlett, with this latter ship being his last command. Mike was known for his steady and calm resolve, even in adversity. Mike was the consummate seaman, with a love of maritime history. His calm demeanor mentored countless officers and crew, and his unwavering skills executed during countless missions got the job done and doubtless saved many lives. Mike was a dedicated Coast Guard officer and he received the prestigious Exemplary Service Medal in 2018. He sailed with hundreds of crew members, many who became lifelong friends over his 40 years at sea.
Ashore and away from work, Mike was no different, he was the steady hand that his family and friends could always rely on, always there when a favour was requested, always the capable guy that knew the right way to fix this or that or solve a problem. His Irish heritage provided him with a well-honed funny-bone and he always knew how to both make and give a good laugh.
Mike is predeceased by his parents Bob and Patricia McCullagh.
Michael is survived by his wife and best friend Kelly McKernan, his two Portuguese water dogs Kona and Zephyr. Mike also leaves behind his siblings, Cathy (Clint), Bob Jr. (Margot), Kerry (Donna) and his beloved nieces and nephews.
Mike's battle with cancer was the second time around for him, he was stoic to the end and we miss him dearly.
A celebration of Mike's wonderful life will be held at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club between 2 and 4 pm on Friday, September 22nd, 2023. Please RSVP [email protected] by Aug. 31.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Mike's memory to BC Cancer Foundation.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael McCullagh
10 Entries
Michael Crummy
September 18, 2023
I am shocked and saddened by MIke's passing. He was the consummate seaman: calm, knowledgeable, caring, and unflappable in the face of adversity. He leaves us with an example of a life well-lived and an example well set. He was one of the best. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
Jada Cavanaugh
September 13, 2023
I had the good fortune to work with Captain McCullagh on the CCGS Bartlett for 5 years. He, as my Captain, and me on deck. I admired him and learned from his demeaner on board. I never saw him flustered as he always dealt with any situation with a clear head and calm demeaner. I also enjoyed the discussions we would have on the Bridge about our dogs. A great man and Captain and one that so very many have learned from. Fair winds, Cap McCullagh.
Sonja Aslaksen/Migliarese
July 18, 2023
Michael (aka Gilligan in our childhood, ironically, now being a Captain) lived next door to us in the 60's on Cowper Street. Mike and my brother Dave were always together entertaining us all doing all kinds of experiments. We all loved Mikey as he was the funniest kid on the block. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news! He is with Dave now doing their shenanigans again.
My very Sincere Condolensces to Kathy, my friend I grew up with, Robbi, my best childhood friend and Kerry, the youngest.
May Mikey/Gilligan rest in Peace til we all meet again. Give Dave a hug for me. XO
Rhys Clark
July 18, 2023
My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Chris Warden
July 17, 2023
My sincerest condolences to all.
Definitely, an absolute pleasure, to know
and Sail with.
So long Mike
Bob Barker
July 17, 2023
Sincere condolence's to all of Mikes family and friends!
Mike was certainly a great co-worker, colleague and friend.
Someone whom any other Captain would and couldn´t help but notice his very calm demeanor, no matter the circumstances amd think to yourself: "Mike has traits I want to massage into my style"....such a great guy.
We always seemed to wind up somewhere together having a pint (very rarely planned) and believe it or not the conversations were rarely CG work related, but always revolved around home and our dogs!!!
Mike will be very
much missed!!! Another good one moves across....fair winds and following seas Mike!!!
David Wensley
July 17, 2023
My deepest condolences go out to Mike´s family. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace dear friend. RFWE
Randy Lyons
July 17, 2023
My condolences to Mike's family and friends. I had the pleasure of sailing with Mike on many occasions. He truly was one of the good guys, a good officer, and always thought of others. Sleep well knowing the pain of your loss is just a small indication of the greater value you brought to us.
Bob McKernan
July 16, 2023
Michael: it has been honour knowing you and I´m very sad to see you go
May you Rest In Eternal Peace
Mike Corfield
July 15, 2023
So sorry for your loss Kelly and family.
Mike and I sailed quite a bit together over the years. We spent many enjoyable watches on the bridge together.
My first opportunity to act as a deck officer was directly thanks to Mike.
He was going on leave and he put my name forward as a possible replacement. When HR asked if he thought I was ready, he didn´t hesitate to go to bat for me.
So I have a lot to be thankful for due to Mike. He was critical in launching my post deckhand career.
He´ll definitely be missed by all whose lives he touched.
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