Obituary of Rev. R. Stuart Mulligan

Stuart slipped into the presence of the Lord on Monday, July 29, 2019 in his 85^th year. He leaves behind his dear wife of 63 years, Audrey.  He was a cherished father and role model to Beth (Eric Lawton), Karen (Van Johnson) and Jennifer, as well as loving Gampy to Jenna (Matt Werenich), Leah and Allie.

He was pre-deceased by his sisters Lyda Donnelly of Ottawa and Lois Cavey of Toronto, and is survived by his remaining sibling, Marilyn Smith Ernst of Langley, B.C.

Stuart was born in Ottawa as the youngest child and only son of the late Raymond Mulligan and Vera Armitage Mulligan. He held credentials with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and for over 50 years pastored churches in the Maritimes, Ontario and British Columbia.

Most notably, in 1976 Stuart became the senior pastor of Agincourt Pentecostal Church in Toronto where he enjoyed a rich season of growth in ministry, overseeing two building programs in seven years. He continued to lead that great congregation until 1994, when he resigned to provide leadership to churches going through transition.

Stuart made church fun.  With his positive style and relaxed approach, he could take a large auditorium and make it feel like he had invited you into his livingroom for a weekly chat. He took Biblical truth and made it practical and applicable to every day life. With his brand of ‘Mulligan Stu’, he stuck to the style that made him unique. The NBA finally added a 3-point shot, but Stu mastered the 3-point message long before then. His pulpit style mirrored his personal style – warm, believable and down-to-earth.

He and Audie enjoyed many travels throughout the years, but his oasis was their cottage in Cobourg on Lake Ontario. In recent years, his ideas of a fine time were: puttering around the property, various speaking engagements, golfing with friends, watching his beloved Blue Jays, day-tripping throughout Northumberland County, meeting the APC ‘breakfast club’ at Cora’s, hopping on the GO Train for a day meandering downtown Toronto, meeting his granddaughters at Starbucks and weekly visits to Fabian’s Café in Scarborough. The first words out of his mouth to Audrey in the morning usually were “where are we going today, Mom”?

His life was a testament to the highest standards of fatherhood, friendship and integrity.

Stuart’s memorial service will be held at Agincourt Pentecostal Church (onechurch.to), 2885 Kennedy Road, Toronto, on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be live-streamed (onechurch.to/live). Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Visitation will also take place at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave., East, Toronto on Monday, August 5 between the hours of 2-4 and 6-9 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to any number of the missions opportunities of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (paoc.org).

Condolences may be sent to, or viewed at, Ogden Funeral Home (www.ogdenfuneralhome.com)

As Christ is risen, so too this ransomed soul shall rise.