Obituary of David Malchi Yale Mulligan CD (Ret)

It is with sadness that the family of David Mulligan announce his passing at the Veterans Health Unit in Fredericton on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in Montreal, Quebec, on July 22, 1929, David was the husband of Yvonne Geraldine (Slauenwhite) Mulligan of  Oromocto.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Yvonne, David leaves behind his children, Malcolm (Debbie), Tanya (Roderick), Shawn, and Heather; 9 grandchildren, Joshua, Shelby, Jessie, Katie, Jillian, Eliza, Renah, Eva, Sheena; 13 great grandchildren and other relatives. David was predeceased by his parents and siblings, George, Winston, Katherine, Walter, Bessie, Dorothy, and Barkley.

David was born in Quebec in 1929 followed by 7 siblings. He was a man who loved family, sports, cards, games, puzzles, and coffee with friends. In his earlier days he was active in many sports including rugger/ football, hockey, baseball, squash and racquetball, broomball, curling, and golf. Additionally, he was an excellent card player enjoying many games including hearts and cribbage. Dad was a quiet man who did not brag about himself, was a hell of a storyteller always including his knowledge of geography, history, and social commentary, and loved to be the center of attention at parties and get togethers, his sense of humor always keeping everyone at ease. He was a world traveller, but his favorite travel was with family across Canada tenting which he did several times, but also, the many day trips into the training area where we would investigate fishing streams, hills, valleys, often getting stuck and sharing gourmet boxed lunches on the tailgate. These trips took on a whole new character in winter when he would often tie a toboggan on the back of the car to drag us behind. At Christmas time Mom HAD to have the Perfect live tree, and Dad would always cut a very large tree, drag it to the house and then have to take the top 7 feet off. 

He joined the Merchant Marines as a pipefitter, then joined the Van Doos which began a successful military career spanning 32 years where he rose to become a respected leader in management and tactics. David proudly served in the Van Doos, the Black Watch and the Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR).

Dad served 2 tours in Germany, marched in the Queen’s Coronation, served a NATO tour to Norway (where he shook hands with a Russian soldier on the Russian border [famous photo]), 2 tours of UN peace keeping in Cyprus, was part of the FLQ Crisis deployment, 76 Montreal Olympics security, and many other service deployments. Recently, Dad’s service was honored again when he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his service as a UN Peacekeeper.

Dad’s legacy lies with his commitment to others. After retirement, Dad was instrumental in getting an Oromocto street named after his beloved Black Watch Regiment. He remained loyal to the military service members by anonymously dedicating his time as a leader with the Legion and the Black Watch Association supporting veterans and their families with great passion.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at Oromocto Baptist Church on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm officiated by the Rev. Dr. Perry Hanley. Members of the Black Watch will hold a tribute service at the church beginning at 1:45 pm. A live stream of the service can be found at the following link for those unable to attend in person: https://www.youtube.com/@oromoctobaptistchurch1064  For those who wish, donations in David's memory may be made to Jobs Unlimited or a charity of the donor's choice.