Paul Egan was a staple in the Caledon community and will be missed by many

January 20, 2022 · 0 Comments

By Rob Paul

Egan Funeral Home has been a linchpin in Caledon for well over a century.

When William R. Egan purchased the business in 1913, it became more than just a funeral home in Bolton; it became a key part of the community.

That community-oriented passion was nurtured by grandson Paul Egan who spent over five decades running the family business. Egan passed away on January 2 at the age of 80.

The beloved member of the Bolton community not only spent years running Egan Funeral Home, but he also spent time as treasurer of the True Blue Lodge and Bolton United Church and was secretary and treasurer of Laurel Hill Cemetery.

He became known in Caledon for his generosity and commitment to the Town and was remembered by Mayor Allan Thompson as one of the best Bolton had to offer.

“In every community there are those who shine extra bright, who put service above self and who will be remembered and revered for how they lived and treated others,” said Thompson. “In Caledon, Paul Egan was one of those extraordinary people. Paul was a loving family man, a caring, compassionate business leader and a community champion. To quote his obituary Paul ‘treated everyone who passed through the Funeral Home doors like they were his family.’ His life and legacy will be honoured and celebrated by his family at a service. As a community, we are grateful for his life and his contributions. In his memory, a donation to Bethell Hospice will be made by Town Council.”

Egan took over running the funeral home in 1972 and continued to expand it as Bolton grew and the rest of Caledon grew. In 1984, Egan Funeral Home became a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes—an international group representing over 1600 independently owned and operated funeral homes—one of the highest distinctions.

Leaving behind wife Lynne, Egan also had three daughters—Heather, Elaine, and Kimberley. Both Elaine and Kimberley joined their father in the family business.

“Paul Egan devoted his life to serving his community by following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather,” Egan’s family wrote in the obituary. “He was committed to bringing comfort to those suffering a loss, whether they occurred day or night, weekends or holidays. He took great pride in our family business and inspired everyone to put service above self; whether he was vacuuming the carpets, helping to park cars or arranging flowers so they would be just right, he would do anything to help those who were suffering in their darkest days. He was a pillar and cornerstone of knowledge.

“First and foremost, Paul Egan was our Dad. He was the one to hold our hands when we were children, and his hand was always warm. He was the one who threw us up in the air whether he was on land or in a pool and always caught us after the rush of tickles in our bellies. He was the one who held us until we could breathe again after crying so hard over any traumatic event in our lives. Dad was always so proud of his three girls. Dad mentored us, guided us and loved us in his very quiet, special way. He was a true gentle man, through and through.”

A dedicated member of Bolton United Church, the congregation will miss Egan and the way he cared for every member.

“It has been a pleasure to have known and work with Paul both in Orangeville and Bolton,” said Bolton United Church Reverend Eleanor Scarlett. “Paul was a devoted and longtime member of Bolton United Church where he served in various capacities.”

Egan made an impact all over the Caledon area and became someone Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones really admired.

“A true gentleman in every sense of the word,” said Jones. “Paul was a rock in the Caledon community and will be missed by those of us who were honoured to know him.”