David O’Callaghan, 67, died on December 5, 2019 after a year-long battle with brain cancer. Loved and missed dearly by his wife Mary, children Jacqui (Mark) and James, grandchildren Harris, Winston, and Nelson (in whom he found great joy), as well as his larger family, friends, and many former students and colleagues.
He was born in Clonmel, Ireland on August 26, 1952, and immigrated to Vancouver in 1955 with parents David and Mae, and siblings Kitty, Frances, Sheila, Michael, Peter; later joined by Denise and Donough. He devoted his life to education, including nearly two decades at the Xet ̓ ólacw Community School in the Líl ̓ wat Nation in Mt. Currie, BC, where he raised his family.
Beloved teacher of English literature, he is remembered for his kindness, warmth, eccentric sense of humour, and elaborate Halloween costumes (to some he remains “Elvis”). His love for travel, coffee, music, philosophy, hockey and CFL football, was shared with those close to him.
Deeply felt thanks are due to Barb Davies, the staff at the Abbotsford Cancer Centre and the Langley Memorial Hospital, and most especially Mary, who dedicated profound care toward him during his illness.
Celebration of Life to be held on 27 December 2019 at 1 p.m. at Clayton Heights Secondary School.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Relationship Trust Foundation, which administers a scholarship program for First Nations students in BC. https://www.nrtf.ca/donate/
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