Bill Creaghan (1922–2008) – the Governor General of Canada declared that Judge Creaghan would retain his title of “honourable” following his retirement in recognition of his long years of devoted service

Hon. William L.M. Creaghan

Decorated World War II Veteran, Lawyer, Member of Parliament, and Judge

Born on May 30, 1922, son of the late John A. Creaghan and Alice Marven, the Honourable William Lawrence Marven Creaghan, a decorated veteran of the Second World War, dedicated public servant, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

Captain William Lawrence Marven Creaghan and his wife, Thérèse, Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton

William Creaghan began his distinguished career when he was called to the New Brunswick bar in 1948. From 1952 to 1958 he was the registrar of probate court for Westmorland County, alderman at large for the City of Moncton from 1952 to 1958, elected to the House of Commons and served as Member of Parliament for Westmorland County from 1958 to 1962. He was appointed Judge of the County Court for Northumberland, Gloucester and Restigouche counties in 1962 and of Queen’s, Sunbury and York counties in 1968, then appointed a Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Trial Division, in 1979, where he served until his retirement in 1997. At the request of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, in recognition of his long years of devoted service, the Governor General of Canada declared Judge Creaghan would retain the title of honourable following his retirement.

Judge Creaghan was a member of the St. Thomas University Board of Governors from 1958 to 1997. His public service also included serving on numerous judicial inquiries and committees, including most recently, as Chairman of the Child Death Review Committee. He was awarded a Doctor of Laws Degree by St. Thomas University in acknowledgment of his service to the community in 2002.

Bill enjoyed curling, golfing and summers at the cottage in Shediac, New Brunswick. His wise counsel was a great help to the many people who sought his advice throughout his long and productive life.

Bill Creaghan was predeceased by his sister Marion (the late Donal Friel), and brothers Don (Barbara Foran) and Marven (Davida Cunningham) and is survived by his wife Thérèse (LeBlanc) and three children: Lawrence (Andrea Thibault), Andrew and Valerie (Daniel Cayer), five grandchildren, two sisters, Clare and Carol (Jules Picot) and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a time and place to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion or the charity of your choice in his name.

Eulogy Delivered by Monsignor Brian G. Sheehan, 2008

Bill Creaghan: A Life Well Lived, Lawrence Creaghan Video Montage, 2008

Bill Creaghan Remembered: The Globe and Mail, 2008

STU honours Creaghan, Clark and Wallin: The Daily Gleaner, 2002

Justice Creaghan Steps Down From The Bench: The Daily Gleaner, 1997

Case closed: Bill Creaghan reminisces in the Times & Transcript, 1997

Lord Beaverbrook’s 1962 post-election letter to Bill Creaghan

Bill’s Brainy Man Poem About Premier Dysart, 1936