Dr. Martin Edward Mulligan
July 14, 1955 to April 29, 2024
Obituary
Dr. Martin E Mulligan
14/7/55 -29/4/2024
St. John’s, NL Canada and formerly of Mullingar Co. Westmeath, Ireland and Glasgow, Scotland.
Martin passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, at St. Clare’s Hospital on Monday April 29th following an illness borne with great fortitude.
He is predeceased by his parents Charlie and Margaret Mulligan and survived by his brothers Paul and Gerry and sisters Clare, Carol, and Denise. Martin will be greatly missed by his family, his many friends in The Scottish and English Country dancing fraternity and students, staff and former colleagues in Memorial University where Martin was celebrated as an excellent teacher
A private cremation has taken place and his ashes will be reunited with his family in Ireland.
A celebration of Martins’ life is planned for a future date.
The family would like to thank the staff in St Clare’s Hospital for their kindness and professionalism in caring for Martin, especially Dr. Ahzer and his team and the girls in ICU, especially Mackenzie.
Also to Don, Kathy and Karen you have been wonderful.
Sincere sympathy to Martin’s family on his untimely passing. We were students together in University College, Dublin, and we were founder members of the UCD Orienteering Club. I met him more recently at competitions in Ireland and in the US and it was always good to meet him and catch up.
May he rest in peace.
I was shocked to hear of Martins’ death. Such a young- at- heart man. Many fond memories of his gliding over the floor whenever he danced. Such a smooth dancer! He was a very patient Scottish and English country dance instructor for many years, quite a contrast to when his fiercely competitive nature came to the fore during Orienteering competitions. His running at these meets always left me far behind, much to my chagrin.
Martin, you will be sadly missed by many.
R.I.P.
From Sheena Findlay, long time ago Scottish dancer., and MUN colleague across campus.
I was sad and shocked to hear of Martins untimely death. He was a really beautiful person and his elegant and light dancing was just a joy to see…..even better if one was a his dance partner ! …somehow he made you feel so much more graceful than you really were !!
And I think that the “sweetness and light”…. which was totally genuine in him….also showed in his teaching and administration on the job at the university…….a sometimes difficult place to ‘shine’!!
Dance on, Martin, wherever you are, and keep on shining. We will all miss your warmth and kindness.
Sincere condolences to all family members. and friends.
Dr. Mulligan taught me as an undergraduate biochemistry student and he was a wonderful professor and mentor. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
My sincere sympathy to Martin’s family and friends. I first met Martin in North Sydney as we waited to get the ferry back to Newfoundland. The sailings of the ferry were “load and go”!! Martin was in the car behind ours – my daughter was 4 back then…. now she’s 49!! He was so pleasant to meet and then when we all got back to St. John’s, we ran into each other many times. I have been involved with the St. Andrew’s Society and so ran into Martin again. The joy of living here – we say each other often!!
Martin, you are being missed already and I am so very sad that you have died and left us here. May you continue to dance for ever.
I learned of Martins passing with great sadness. Martin and I graduated from the Biochemistry Department UCD in 1976, where he introduced me and many others to orienteering. We kept in contact during his years at Harvard , and he stayed with me in San Diego during the early 80’s while competing in a dancing competition. My sincere condolences to his family.
Kevin Devine
So sorry to hear about Martin. He was a wonderful SCD instructor and watching him dance was a joy. Have many fond memories. We had the same make of Honda Civic hatchback, and one time I carefully cleared off most of the snow off the car with my gloves – only to discover that my car was 2 parking spaces away. He did get a chuckle about that.
As a fellow Scot, I would see him often at the Burns Suppers or other gatherings, and we would usually have a chat. What a lovely man.
Condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Take care.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Mulligan. As my professor, he was not only a beacon of knowledge and intelligence but also a caring mentor who genuinely looked out for his students. Dr. Mulligan’s impact on my life and the lives of many students is indelible, and I am grateful to have had the privilege of learning from such an inspiring figure.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Martin was a kind man and will be missed by all at Memorial University. My sincere condolences to all his friends and family.
Condolences to his family
Our heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends for the loss. It was a shock to hear the sad news of Martin’s passing. Martin was an elegant dancer and a great Scottish Country Dancing instructor. We will miss him dearly and cherish many memories from over the years. May he Rest In Peace
Please accept my sincere condolences. Martin Mulligan was a wonderful colleague, mentor, and teacher.
Very saddened to hear that Dr. Mulligan has passed. He was an amazing teacher and mentor!
Sad to hear this news. I was a grad student when Dr. Mulligan was the department head. His memory conjures that of a kind person that was devoted to students, past and present. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy. Martin was a wonderful example of how to be a professor and member of the university community. He always has a positive and kind word, and his insights on teaching and policy were so valuable.
Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful professor, excellent communicator, and was admired by his students. I’ll always remember writing his themed exams, and being the first of my professors to embrace the internet for sharing detailed notes for his courses. He was a dedicated professor and mentor to many. Condolences to his family and friends.
My condolences to family and friends at the sudden and dramatic passing of Martin. He was a kind and thoughtful colleague and friend who was always ready with his laugh. His laugh will stay with me. He contributed much to his students and colleagues and was a beacon of integrity at the university. He will be remembered.
Condolences to family and friends of Martin. We met as roommates in hospital. Very nice man and I thoroughly enjoyed our chats. May he rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolences to Martin’s family. Martin was a marvelous colleague and we collaborated for several years, and during the strike we saw each other at the picket line. I was very saddened by the news of Martin’s death.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Martin’s death. I knew him from Memorial and had many interactions with him regarding students and also the medical school admissions committee. But mostly I remember him around the Science building, as we both worked there for many years. Martin was intelligent, thorough and very student-oriented. But mostly what I will remember about him is his absolute kindness to all. RIP Martin.
I was so sorry to learn about Martin’s death. I served on a committee with him for several years, starting from my early days as a faculty member at Memorial. He was a tremendously constructive committee member, sensible and committed, and just all around a lovely and generous person. It always made me happy when I ran into him on campus. My sincere condolences to his family and his friends.
I am very saddened by Martin’s passing. I was one of his many students. I did my honours project work under his supervision and worked in his lab. He became my friend. He was an extraordinarily kind, humble and good person. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I knew Martin as a dancer, as a friend and fellow biochemist. I last saw Martin in 2018 when we visited him and he took us all over st Johns including his lab! I will remember the long nights of talking and the fun dancing of a superb human being.. It kills me that cancer and side effects captured one more.
I knew Martin as a fellow Pinewoods devotee. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and fellow dancers.
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Mulligan’s passing, he is gone far too soon. I worked with him for several years on the undergraduate Admissions Committee in the Faculty of Medicine, and he was a dedicated and robust contributor. I e was also a student of his many years ago in my own post-secondary degree, he was a fantastic lecturer and professional. He will be missed by many colleagues and former students. My sincerest sympathies are extended to his family and friends at this difficult time.
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dr. Mulligan’s family. An extraordinary man who made a lasting impact on each of his students – and a great privilege it was for me to attend his lectures and defend my honours thesis before him. I will not forget him, nor his wonderful sense of humour. May God bless his soul.
Our sincerest sympathies to all the Mulligan family. Very fond memories of Martin in his student days, always a pleasure to with. He’ll be very sadly missed by all who knew him . X Andrea Knox McAuley & family.
I’m in shock to learn of Martin’s death and my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Mulligan family. I knew him first as one of the best biochemistry profs at MUN and later as an amazing Scottish Country Dance instructor. He was an amazing, humble and talented man. While I haven’t seen him in several years, he will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to the Mulligan family. He aided me in completing my biochemistry thesis, and he was a wonderful teacher and a kind individual. He will be greatly missed by the memorial community.
Heart felt sympathy to the Mulligan family. I met Martin as a teacher of Scottish Country Dancing 30 years ago. He was a beautiful dancer and a patient teacher. Though I didn’t continue to dance my husband and daughter did. I recently ran into him at the dance society Christmas party at Anne and Robert’s home. He chatted with me as if he had seen me the week before and it was a good 15 years. I was saddened to hear of his sudden passing and I know he will be missed.
We were saddened to hear of Martin’s passing so suddenly. It seemed like only a few days since we were told of his illness. Martin was a great teacher over the last thirty years of dancing. He was always enthusiastic, patient and had a great sense of humour. We will miss him terribly.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the death of Martin.
Heart felt condolences to all the Mulligan family. My fondest memories of Martin go back a long way back when we would play chess when he was inTrinity. College. And so happy he joined us for our wedding in Worcester. Thoughts and prayers with all the Mulligans.
Deepest sympathy to the Mulligan family on the sad passing of Martin. May he Rest in Peace.
Our sympathies to Denise, Clare, Carol, Paul and Gerry on the unexpected passing of Martin. Our thoughts are with you all. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Breda, Liam and family.
Sincerest condolences to the Mulligan family. I was fortunate to have worked as Martin’s research assistant in the Biochemistry dept. in the late 1980’s. for a period of 3-4 years. I remember many a discussion about his family back home and had the pleasure of meeting Paul on his visit to Newfoundland. Enjoyed our sports banter and never failed to give him a hard time about his beloved NFL Chicago Bears- always going into early hibernation!!! He was always a friendly face in the Science Bldg corridors. Martin was a great teacher and mentor and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace.
To the Mulligan family, I was truly saddened to learn of Martin’s sudden and unexpected passing. I thoroughly enjoyed the last thirty years dancing with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, of which Martin’s presence was a significant contributing factor. We partnered many times at Burns Suppers and demonstration performances throughout the years. He will be greatly missed.
Will miss you bro
I am saddened by Martin’s passing. Being relatively new to English Country Dancing, I appreciated so much his kind and patient correction of wrong steps, and I took away such a feeling of joy at the end of each Tuesday night’s session. Thank you for that, Martin.
It’s always a sad day when the world loses such a wonderful human. I worked with Martin on the Senate Committee of Undergraduate Studies for a number of years. He was thoughtful, respectful, insightful and spoke with deliberate intention. When he spoke, all went quiet and everyone listened to the good advice that was coming. The world needs more Martin Mulligans in it.
Deepest sympathy to Denise & Kevin and the extended Mulligan family. May Martin rest in peace.
Love Sinead, Mickey & Ellie
I am very saddened to learn of Martin’s sudden passing. He was a committed, devoted faculty member and department head who strived to make the university and his community a better place. He will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Martin’s family. Martin was a wonderful and well loved dance teacher with the patience and good humour to keep us on our toes and enjoying the dance.
Pat and Ken Galbraith
There are no other words: we are devastated. It was just a few weeks ago that we last saw Martin, at the final night of English Country Dancing. We could tell from his demeanor that all was not well, and it was on the next evening that we received a note from him telling us of his condition and his plan to address it. A few emails passed back and forth, when he hoped that he could vicariously visit Shetland with us and hear about the trip when we returned. And now he has departed… too soon… much, much too soon.
Martin, it has been a privilege and a pleasure; we will miss you.
Burns put it best:
An honest man here lies at rest,
As e’er God with His image blest:
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
Our sincere condolences…
Robert MacIsaac and Anne Gillis
On behalf of the whole Biochemistry department sincerest condolences to Martin’s family an friends. MUN is a lesser place with Martin’s passing. An absolute wealth of institution knowledge, both the written and unwritten. Always put students first, one of the first to try new innovations, and more than willing to volunteer his time. He was an invaluable resource for me in my position as Biochemistry Head, and yet always had that perfect balance of being there for advice while supporting and letting new people get on with their vision. Although he was “winding down” was an active participant and voice in developing the new Human Biosciences program. Universities would be better places if they had more Martin’s making decisions and running them.
My sincere condolences to Dr. Mulligan’s family on his passing. So sad and way too soon. I worked with him in the Biochemistry Department at MUN. I remember his good nature and the dedication to his work and to the students. Rest in peace, Dr. Mulligan.
I was heartbroken to hear of Martin’s passing. He was not only an extraordinary dance instructor but also a remarkable person who brought joy and inspiration to everyone around him. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. He will always be remembered fondly and missed dearly.
Such a loss to so many local communities. My association was as a musician for English and Scottish dance. Martin was organized, precise and seemed very happy with his role as dance teacher. At the same time, his musicality allowed him to make sure that musicians had no problems with the selections.
I will miss him very much.
Oh, Martin was special. I (Ted) have known him for decades when I came to MUN. He made one feel good even in brief hallway encounters, and always took time to chat even though he had so much to do – he was always going somewhere at speed! He was positive, energetic, engaging –always asking about the other person, not talking about himself. I learned a lot from about being a better and more caring colleague and person. I saw him a few weeks ago. We tend to assume that special people will always be around, you know? I will miss him a lot. All the best to Martin’s family. — Ted & Margarita Miller
My deepest condolences on Martin’s passing. Martin was a teacher, supervisor and mentor to me and I have nothing but fond memories of him and I will cherish them. Those of us who knew him are very lucky. Rest in peace my friend.
My deepest condolences to Dr Mulligan’s loved ones. I was very fortunate to have him as a professor and mentor during my time at MUN. He will be remembered dearly for his professionalism and enthusiasm. May he rest in peace.
I’m very shocked and saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. He was a wonderful dance instructor and would always light up a room. He will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Dr. Mulligan was a great mentor and part of my PhD supervisory committee. He was also always very kind and interested in my thesis work progress. I owe him tremendously for his support, especially in the last stretch of my program. My most sincere condolences to all of his family and friends.
As a former student and teaching assistant of Dr. Mulligan’s, I would like to say that he was such an intelligent and kind man who touched the hearts of many. Martin was always so invested in teaching his students, encouraging them to do their very best and supporting them throughout their classes. I am heartbroken to hear the news of his passing, he will be missed dearly. My deepest condolences to all of Martin’s family and friends.
The world is a poorer place without Martin. He was respected by his students who, year upon year, praised his teaching and his approachability. As a university administrator, his senses of humour and fairness, among others, made him highly successful, effective and a delight with whom to work. His dancing prowess as a performer, teacher and judge was of the same high standard he brought to his academic teaching, research and administrative duties. He was one of the good guys and has been taken from us far too soon. RIP Martin. We will miss you.
So sad to hear the news. Martin was a valued colleague and friend. Rest in peace
I am so sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. I was his PhD student in the late 90s, and he was instrumental to the beginning of my career in science. I kept in touch with him over the years as I traveled through postdoc and faculty positions in the US, and reconnected with him upon my return to St. John’s in 2016. He was an excellent mentor to me and I will miss him greatly. My condolences to his family.
We are so sad to hear that Dr. Mulligan has passed. We thoroughly enjoyed all of our classes with Dr. Mulligan, especially Biochem 4231 which we took with him in the winter 2023 semester. He was a wonderful professor and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family.
So shocked and sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed my time with St. John’s Scottish and English Dancing groups, where Martin was a great teacher. He also devised one of our favourite dances, Up the Pond, which I programme into our summer dancing in Ottawa. My deepest condolences to his family and to the other members of the dance groups.
My sincere condolences to Dr. Mulligan’s family during this sad time. I was Dr. Mulligan’s secretary when he was the Head of the Biochemistry Department. When I first started rowing with the Royal St. John’s Regatta, I put a team together comprised of staff and students from the Biochemistry Department. We was so proud of us. We did very well that year, placing first in our race and he was there right by the sidelines cheering us on with other members of the department as well. I’ll never forget the look of excitement on his face when we landed back on the dock waiting to congratulate us. Again, he was so proud. That’s one of many memories of him I’ll never forget. Rest in peace Dr. Mulligan. You left way too soon.
Kevin and Jane Aucoin express our deepest Condolences to Martins Family. We were part of the English Dancing group for some 18 years, Martin was part of the “Team” who called and explained each of the many dances we enjoyed.