Obituary of Louis Joseph Cahill

CAHILL, Louis J. Died peacefully on Wednesday November 12, 2008, at the St. Catharines General Hospital at the age of 94. Lou is survived by his children: Patricia Waters, Nancy (Neil) Leger, and Denis (Bridget) Cahill who will greatly miss his enduring presence in their daily lives. Lou is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Louisa, his brothers Walter and Leo, his loving wife of 39 years Dorothea (Hallenbeck) (1976), his friend and companion Gladys Bassett (1994), his son in law Phil Waters (1997) and his grandson Mark Waters (2008). His nine remaining grandchildren: Linda (Peter) Dirks, Tymn (Rebecca) Waters, Lori Waters, Christopher (Kara) Waters, Dan (Nancy) Leger, Laura (Patrick) Leger-Sum, Deirdre Cahill, Terence (Yvonna) Cahill, Ciaran Cahill mourn the loss of their beloved Poppa and remember with fondness all the great educational tours, rides on the Carousel and the many trips for ice cream as well as his ongoing interest and support of all their endeavours. Eight great grandchildren also survive their Great Poppa: Kate and Emma Dirks, Caillie and Harris Waters, Hannah and Caelan Sum, Madison and Justin Leger. He enjoyed seeing photos and hearing details of the latest exploits of this new generation in the family that was so important to him. His sister in law Theresa Taylor and several nieces and nephews also survive. Lou began his career as a reporter for the St. Catharines Standard in 1932 and then moved on to open the Niagara News Bureau. The Niagara Editorial Bureau followed in 1946, one of the earliest Public Relations firms in Canada, earning him the title Dean of Public Relations. The Niagara Editorial Bureau became the Ontario Editorial Bureau in 1949 and is now known as OEB Enterprise. Lou never retired. He didn't know how. At 92 he was still going to the office everyday until a fall and subsequent health problems made it impossible for him to continue his daily routine. A life long resident of St. Catharines, Lou was a community leader. His PR work locally, provincially, nationally and internationally earned him many awards and commendations from his community, business associates and his peers. An active member of the Catholic Church, Lou also worked very closely with the Diocese of St. Catharines representing them in the areas of media and communications. In recognition of his more than 50 years of communication service on behalf of the Church he was awarded the papal medal - Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice This is the highest honour bestowed on a layman in the Catholic Church. Lou's love for his country and his community was evident in his constant promotion of our history and heritage especially with regard to The Welland Canal. A walking encyclopedia of the history of St. Catharines and area Lou was the "go to" person for local history. Lou is resting at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St Catharines. Visiting hours are Saturday, November 15 and Sunday November 16 from 1-5 pm. Vigil prayers will be held in the Funeral Home on Sunday at 3:30pm. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday November 17 at 11 am at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Interment to follow in Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Lou Cahill Scholarship in Communications, The St. Catharines Museum - Standard Collection or a charity of your choice.