Desmond Patrick McLoughlin

Feb 5 1942 – Apr 27 2015

Des McLoughlin, long-time Osborne Village bartender, has passed away after a gallant resistance to brain cancer. Des was born in Belfast, Ireland and raised in Clydebank, Scotland. As a young man he worked as a barman in London, England and in 1982 he immigrated to Canada. He worked at the Toad in the Hole Pub from its opening in 1990 until his retirement at age 71. He loved Canada and was very proud of achieving his Canadian citizenship. Des was an ardent supporter of local musicians and volunteered at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. He was equally enthusiastic about local sports teams from curling and hockey to baseball – he threw out the first pitch at a Goldeyes game. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and although he showed his irascible side when people asked him to turn down Bob Dylan or overstayed their welcome at closing time, it was an endearing part of his charm.

Des will be missed by countless friends.

He is survived by his brothers Jim and Terry (Janice), and his sisters Sheelagh (Billy) Robertson, Moira McLoughlin, Trish (Graham) Middlemist, Mer (Victor) Liskauskas and Nicky (Jim) Healy. Also survived by his children Joe (Caroline), Mary Scott, Jacqueline and Bonnie McLoughlin and six grandchildren.

The family thanks the nursing staff of GH5 (Burn Unit) at HSC, and the care staff on the first floor Parkview Place for their exemplary loving care of Des these last months.

Following the memorial service and reception will be a wake at the Toad in the Hole Pub.

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