Obituary of Hubert Joseph (Michael) Croghan, Q.C.

Hubert Joseph (Michael) Croghan, Q.C.

Michael passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 17, 2022 at the age of 91.  He will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Luvi; children, Kerry (John McDougall) and Tara (Stephen Bent); and grandchildren, Charlotte, Hudson, Mirabelle and Amelia.  He was born June 28, 1930 in Liverpool, England.  Michael was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Hubert Joseph Croghan of Cork, Ireland and Eugenie “Ena” Kathleen Walsh of Wallasey, England, and his sister, Rosaleen Anne (Miguel De Pablo). 

From an early age, Michael loved to read and was always eager to loan books from his personal collection or procure a book he thought might be of interest.  He shared this passion with his grandchildren and taught his eldest granddaughter, Charlotte, how to read just as his grandfather had taught him. 

His fascination with British and military history led to his extensive personal library on the subject and equally extensive collections of military medals.  Michael was a member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto and attended his Airborne (Paratrooper) and SAS (Special Air Service) lunches to reunite with fellow members.  Many stories were shared over a pint or two.

Other interests included: travel, playing rugby with the Toronto Saracens R.F.C., classical and jazz music, classic movies, and memberships in social clubs such as the Apostles of Ireland.  A gregarious and gifted storyteller, he had the ability to create immediate connections and lasting friendships.  He enjoyed the company of many kindred spirits who shared his interests and, over a lifetime, he collected a diverse group of friends from far and wide, as evidenced by his stuffed address book and extensive list of Christmas card recipients.

Michael attended St. Vincent’s College, Castleknock in Dublin, Ireland and Stonyhurst College in Preston, England.  He studied law at Liverpool University and London University and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court Judicature of England in 1956; received his LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1960. 

He completed his British National Service between 1947-1950 serving in the 13th (Lancashire) Battalion Parachute Regiment, and was recalled for the Suez campaign in 1956.

In 1957, Michael immigrated to Canada to join the law firm McCarthy & McCarthy in Toronto (now McCarthy Tétrault) where he had a long and illustrious career in the Real Property and Planning group. He was a Partner from 1970-1998 and remained as Counsel to the firm for several years thereafter.  He is remembered as an outstanding lawyer who was beloved by his clients, and a generous mentor and teacher who had a great sense of humour, a quick wit and endless patience.  He was a member of the Law Society of England, the Ontario Bar and the Canada Japan Trade Council, as well as serving as a director of a number of Canadian corporations and Canadian subsidiaries of Japanese corporations.  He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1972.

The Croghan family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Geriatric Care Team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, the Odette Cancer Centre, CCAC Toronto Central LHIN, and Circle of Care, for their exceptional care and compassion. 

A small, private funeral service will be held by the family. Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Michael, please consider the Sunnybrook Foundation (Geriatric Care Team or Odette Cancer Centre) or the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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