David "Bud" Nelligan

David (Bud) Nelligan, aged 86 years, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024 at his home in Redwood City, California.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Bud grew up in a close-knit family with his parents and six siblings. After graduating from Delta High School, he married Norma (Bauslaugh) and started a family while working at Stelco in Hamilton. 

Working his way up in the accounting world, his career then took him and his young family to Scarborough, Brantford, and then to Thunder Bay, where he worked at Can Car (Hawker Siddeley) from 1971 to 1985. 

In 1985, he moved to Miramichi, New Brunswick where he worked at Repap Pulp and Paper as Vice-President of Finance, retiring in 2000 as the Vice-President and General Manager. He moved to California in 2005 where he never had to shovel snow again, and lived there for the rest of his life. 

Bud had a love of games, especially cribbage which he learned at the age of four with his Dad. He enjoyed basketball as a youngster, and later on in life he played golf and curled. He was President of the Fort William Country Club and was an active member of the Miramichi Golf and Country Club. 

Bud had a positive attitude toward life and always said, “Life is great, just the very best!” Some of his last words were, “I’m happy and love all my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.” He also wanted to extend his love to all his family and friends who have shared in the good life he’s lived.

Left to mourn his loss are his six children: Carol Wakewich and Paula Ribotto (Greg) in Thunder Bay, David Nelligan (Sherry) in Toronto, Janet Lynch (Stephen) in Miramichi, Susan Nelligan (Paul Studley) in Bedford, Bruce Nelligan (Bonni Barylski) in Calgary, his wife Doraine Couillard, stepson Barron Vaught (Kelly), and his twenty grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Vern Nelligan (Pauline), Jackie Sherk, Pat Nelligan (Bev), Jerry Nelligan, Tom Nelligan (Pam), and sister-in-law Eve Nelligan.

He is predeceased by his father David Nelligan Sr, and his mother Angela Nelligan (nee Cochren), his brother Michael Nelligan, his brother-in-law Evan Sherk, and his son-in-law Greg Wakewich.

Special mention should be made of his two best friends John Lowe and Gerard McGuire who were by his side until the end.

A living celebration of life was held with children and friends and family in Redwood City in August.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 11:00 am at Saint Charles Garnier Catholic Church in Hamilton, Ontario.  

A donation to the Salvation Army or your charity of choice may be made in his name if so desired.