Robert "Bob" Callahan

With heavy hearts, but also gratitude for the gift of his life, and faith in the resurrection, we announce the passing of our hero, Bob Callahan on December 26, 2020 in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Bob was a well-loved man who did so much for so many and asked so little in return. He will be remembered for his humor, his genuine kindness, his humility, his care and concern for others, especially the most vulnerable, and his tireless service to his community. He was a deeply spiritual man, which comforts his family members knowing that they will be reunited with him one day.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, Lyn (nee Murray), his wife and partner for 58 years. Bob often remarked that Lyn changed his life for the better from the moment they met and enriched it every day thereafter. Bob was a role model and loving Father to his four sons Kevin (Andrea), Peter (Cassandra), Tim (Cheryl), and Brian (Olivia). He was a loving and devoted Grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Andrew and Emily, Ryan and Victoria, Tyler, Megan (Scott), and Justin. Bob is also survived by his older brother, Jack (Chicago), as well as many other relatives including in-laws,nieces and nephews who adored him.

Bob was born in New York City to John and Louise Callahan. After attending high school at Fordham Preparatory School in NYC, he and his brother Jack came to Canada in the early 1950s to attend St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Mike’s, Bob went on to Osgoode Hall Law School, attending classes during the day, while working at American Airlines at night. He graduated from Osgoode Hall with the Class of 1963.

Following his graduation from law school, Bob articled at Torys LLP in Toronto and was called to the bar in 1965. With the arrival of two young children, in 1966 Bob relocated his family to Brampton, which was then a small rural community with a population of just 15,000. He began working with the local firm of Bowyer Beatty&Greenslade, and several years later Bob decided to start up his own general legal practice. In his twilight years, Bob was proud to join his son Peter’s law firm as General Counsel. Along the way, Bob’s significant contribution to the legal community was acknowledged by his appointment as one of Her Majesty’s Counsel (QC).

Bob’s legal practice focused primarily on the area of criminal law. He often said that despite their troubles, 90% of his clients were simply victims of their circumstances. While he provided them with legal representation, he also took an interest in helping them change the direction of their lives through rehabilitation, gaining access to further education, and improving their life skills. One of the most important lessons he instilled in his sons was not to be quick to judge others and to treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself.

In addition to his passion for the law, Bob also had a passion for social justice. As Pope Francis recently said, “To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us”. Bob exemplified this vision and lived a full, selfless life dedicated to this purpose.

In 1969, Bob put his name forward to run for Brampton Town Council, beginning what would become a lifetime of proudly serving the residents of Brampton. In the many elections that followed, the community showed their appreciation for his efforts as Bob was re-elected as Alderman, and later as Councillor of Wards 3 and 4, from 1969 to 1985, and again from 1997 to 2014. In the intervening period (from 1985 to 1995), Bob served the community as the Liberal Member of the Provincial Legislature for Brampton.

While serving on Council, Bob oversaw Brampton’s growth from a small rural town to a large industrial city. Among many other things, he was instrumental in the development of the Peel Heritage Complex, the new City Hall, the Rose Theatre, the Gage Park skating trail, the Powerade Centre, the Alderlea, South Fletchers Hockey Complex, as well as double tracking for GO trains servicing Brampton’s growing population.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bob viewed his years of service in the Ontario Legislature as one of the greatest joys of his professional life. He used to say it afforded him the opportunity to bring positive change to even more people in his community. Bob made good use of this opportunity. Among other achievements during his10 years as the MPP for Brampton, Bob championed the construction of the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse, as well as the new Brampton Civic Hospital, and was an outspoken leader for many significant social changes that took place in the Province of Ontario during this time.

Having served the residents of Brampton for 43 years, Bob was one of the longest serving elected officials in the history of Canada. He will be fondly remembered by many people that his family have likely never met before - people he connected with and helped along his life’s journey. A few days before his passing, the City of Brampton honored Bob by naming their Senior’s Activity Center after him, a recognition he would have been proud of given his devotion to seniors over the years.

Bob was also a devoted family man who rarely missed a game, practice or activity where he could cheer on his children or grandchildren. Bob was an avid skier and tennis player,activities he took up later in life so that he could enjoy time with his family. He will be remembered by all in his family as the best fan anyone could ever ask for in life.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff and management of the Burton Manor Long Term Care Home for their heroism as front-line caregivers and their loving care of Bob during the time that he resided there.

Due to COVID restrictions, there will be a small private ceremony of thanksgiving with close family members, followed by a bigger celebration at a later date to celebrate Bob’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to the Knight’s Table (helping to feed those less fortunate in the Brampton community) knights table.org, or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Peel Alzheimer.ca/peel.