Obituary of Douglas Allan Callahan

It is with sadness the family of Douglas Allen (Bud) Callahan announce his passing at Oakcrossing Retirement Residence, London, ON on May 16, 2026. Left to mourn his loss is his beloved wife of 71 years, Phyllis Callahan (née Lawson). He was a kind and devoted father to Sheree (deceased), Cindy (Brad) McGill, Paul (Kelly) Callahan and Lynn (John) MacKinnon.

Bud was a proud and loving Poppa to his 8 grandchildren: Ryan (Kristen) McGill, Renée (Brian) Crump, Travis McGill; Sarah (Daniel) Callahan-Pepe, Tyler (Meggy Duval) Callahan; Andrew MacKinnon, Scott (Symantha Channon) MacKinnon; Jordan MacKinnon. He had the honour of being a great-grandfather to 7 great-grandchildren: Carter, Nolan and James Crump; Flynn and Asha McGill; Cédric Duval-Callahan; Violet Pepe.

Bud was his children’s and grandchildren's biggest fan. He could be counted on for a last-minute ride to the rink, was a set of spare hands to tie skates perfectly so and was often seen in the bleachers at a track meet or baseball game, or standing at the sidelines on the football field, never leaving until the last whistle blew, regardless of the weather. He was always ready with open arms to celebrate a win or offer quiet advice after a disappointing loss. His presence was always appreciated.

Bud was born on January 11, 1931, to Albert Belton Callahan and Mary (Robinson) Callahan in London, ON. Bud was predeceased by his brother Jack Callahan and sister Catherine McCreary. He attended London South Secondary School and H.B. Beal Secondary School before joining the sales staff at Kernohan Lumber in 1950, eventually becoming sales manager. He later joined the sales team at Robert Hunt Corporation, where he developed lifelong friendships with many builders in London who were not only customers, but also friends. Bud proudly became Hunt’s top salesman on many occasions, eventually retiring at the age of 65.

In his retirement years, Phyllis and Bud travelled to Florida many times and enjoyed a road trip to the East Coast of Canada, but he was never happier than when all his children and grandchildren were in the backyard, enjoying the pool, the snacks and the sound of laughter filling the air.

When the pool and the yard of the house that he built in 1964 became too challenging to manage, Bud and Phyllis moved to Oakcrossing Retirement Residence where he received exceptional care, kindness and compassion from their entire staff this past year.

While he will be dearly missed, Bud leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion and the importance of family for all of us who were blessed to be a part of his.

There will be no funeral at his request.