Obituary
Michael (Mike, Mikey) James Callaghan died of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) on April 23 at the age of 52, after a determined five-year fight.
Mike grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, moving to Toronto after law school in Halifax, and spent his life spreading kindness and good humour. He was interested in everything and charmed everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him.
Mike was an outspoken advocate for justice from an early age and was an engaged citizen of this country, including being bilingual and a strong champion for a united Canada that proudly included Québec.
Mike was always the mischievous sibling who brought so much joy and laughter to his whole family. We loved his outrageous Halloween costumes, his memorable and hilarious turns of phrase and his gorgeous twinkling blue eyes. Watching the beautiful human being he became filled his family with love and pride.
Mike’s love of life, generous spirit and unbreakable bonds of loyalty allowed him to nurture a wonderful network of friends, including the Sarnia Posse, his many work wives and friends around the world.
Throughout his 22 years working in the downtown Toronto Crown Attorney’s Office, Mike demonstrated tremendous compassion and empathy for both victims and accused persons. He had the wonderful quality of making everyone feel welcome and respected. Through his terrific sense of humour, strong work ethic and excellent judgment, he provided dedicated and empathetic leadership in every role he held.
Mike knew how to make people laugh when they needed it the most. He could disarm even the most challenging characters and fostered a remarkable sense of loyalty in the people with whom he worked, including so many Crown colleagues, defence counsel, court clerks, court reporters, court interpreters, court officers, probation officers, victim witness workers and police officers.
You always knew where you stood with Mike. He was honest and straightforward and he had the courage to stand up for what he believed and was always willing to confront injustice. These qualities served him well when he joined the Ontario Court of Justice as a judge in 2020. He was sworn in just two days before the world shut down for Covid.
While the ravages of cancer made his judicial career far too short, he managed to make a significant and lasting impact in his short time on the Bench. His fundamental kindness and fairness endeared him to the lawyers and court staff with whom he worked and benefited the many people who appeared before him as victims, witnesses and accused persons. He was a wonderful colleague and friend.
Mike was very fortunate to have met Wade, the love of his life, with whom he adopted the other love of his life, their dog Jaida.
Mike leaves behind a loving family, including his husband Wade Turner and dog Jaida Essence Hall Callaghan Turner , his parents Mary-Jo and Jim Callaghan, his older sister Maria Callaghan and her partner Sean Hinchberger, his older brother Joe Callaghan and his partner Matthew Perry, his younger sister Marjorie (Marjie) Callaghan and her partner Danny Singh, Mike’s nephew Jacob Hinchberger, his nieces Margo Hinchberger and Isabelle Singh, his many aunts, uncles and cousins and a loving community of friends.
Mike’s family is very grateful to all the health care professionals who cared for Mike and demonstrated such dedication and compassion.
Mike was one of a kind and the world is losing one of its best.
We ask that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation or the Rainbow Railroad.
The details of Mike's celebration of life will be shared in the coming weeks. Rest assured, it will include drag queens, sparkling wine, and good memories.
