OHL North Bay Battalion

Hockey loses longtime contributor

Published on October 13, 2008 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
North Bay Battalion News Release


BRAMPTON, Ont. - Jerry Callaghan, a longtime contributor to the Brampton Battalion and numerous other hockey organizations, passed away Sunday night from complications following recent surgery. He was 63.

"Jerry was a unique person who was loved and respected by executives, players, scouts and fans throughout the Ontario Hockey League," said Battalion owner Scott Abbott. "The 'Commissioner,' as he was known, was a personal friend for more than 20 years and, while I'll truly miss his company, there are countless memories and stories that ensure we will not forget him.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Nancy, sons Kevin, Ian and Neil, and his grandchildren."

Callaghan, a retired 29-year Toronto firefighter, was instrumental in the establishment of the Caledon Canadians, a junior A team owned by Abbott. Callaghan put Abbott together with Gregg Carrigan, a fellow Caledon, Ont., resident who became the club's first general manager and head coach.

The Canadians, who started play in 1992-93, were the forerunners of the Battalion, an expansion team in the OHL debuting in 1998-99.

"Jerry's commitment to hockey, whether at the junior A or OHL level or in minor and men's hockey, was all-encompassing," said Abbott. "He also was a tireless volunteer in terms of community service, driving people to medical and other appointments."

Callaghan was a long-serving vice-president of the Bolton & District Minor Hockey Association and the successor Town of Caledon Minor Hockey Association.

Arrangements are being handled by Egan Funeral Home in Bolton.

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