Keith Gilligan Durham Obituary; Keith Gilligan, Former Ajax Reporter Has Sadly Passed Away
The Durham community is mourning the loss of a longtime Ajax resident who dedicated his career to local journalism. Keith Gilligan, a respected and well-loved journalist, passed away suddenly last week, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated reporting, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his community.
Gilligan’s career in journalism spanned over four decades, beginning as a “cub reporter” at Pickering’s Bay News. His passion for storytelling and commitment to accurate, fair reporting quickly became evident. Shortly after, he moved on to the rival newspaper at the time, the Ajax-Pickering News Advertiser.
He would go on to spend the rest of his career covering stories for the local paper and other Metroland Media Group publications in the area. Through his reporting, Keith became a familiar face in Ajax, chronicling the town’s growth and evolution over the years.
“Keith will always be remembered as a diligent reporter and, most notably, as a wonderful human being who was, without fail, kind, considerate, and encouraging to others,” said his friend and former colleague Al Rivett.
Gilligan was born and raised in Cornwall, where his love for storytelling and journalism took root. He pursued his passion by studying journalism at Georgian College in Barrie before ultimately settling in Ajax, which became his home for the majority of his life.
His dedication to the town and its people did not go unnoticed. Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier expressed his deep condolences, stating, “On behalf of the Town of Ajax, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Keith Gilligan’s family and friends, as well as to the entire Metroland Media family.
Keith was a constant presence at events and anywhere news was happening in Ajax over the past many years. He could always be counted on to bring levity to a conversation and provide balanced media coverage on a variety of important local issues. As a journalist and community member, he will be deeply missed.”
Over the years, Gilligan bore witness to the town’s tremendous growth, covering significant local developments, regional politics, and breaking news. His ability to report on a variety of topics with integrity and professionalism earned him the trust and respect of his colleagues, readers, and local officials alike.
Former managing editor Mike Johnston echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Keith was a dedicated journalist who seemed to be everywhere in Ajax. Whether it was a fire or a municipal award ceremony, Keith was there to tell the story. He loved Ajax and loved sharing stories about his community.”
Beyond the newsroom, Keith had a range of interests that showcased his multifaceted personality. He was an avid reader, a lover of sports, and a passionate follower of his favorite teams—baseball’s Boston Red Sox and basketball’s Boston Celtics.
His enthusiasm for sports extended beyond watching; he was an accomplished baseball, tennis, and basketball player. However, as his brother Sean Gilligan humorously recalled, “Hockey was not his shining sport, but that did not stop him from playing it.”
A lifelong Red Sox fan since the age of ten, Keith had the joy of witnessing his team win the World Series, a moment he cherished deeply. He also had a great fondness for crossword puzzles and could often be found engrossed in one, always eager for a mental challenge.
Family meant everything to Keith. He was adored by his six nieces and three nephews, and he, in turn, adored them, as well as his two grandnephews. “Keith was a kind, caring, and humble man,” his brother Sean reflected. “Growing up with Keith, Mike, and I, we were typical brothers. We played, wrestled, and argued, but we were friends.”
Keith’s impact extended beyond his family and newsroom colleagues. He was well-known within Metroland Media’s Ajax and Oshawa offices, where he took the time to know everyone who worked there, regardless of their department. “With his friendly demeanor and razor-sharp wit, he was the self-anointed social butterfly through his years working for Metroland,” Rivett recalled.
His love for animals and children was evident in the way he embraced moments spent with them. If a colleague’s pet visited the office, Keith was the first to spread the news. If a coworker brought in their newborn, Keith was often the one holding the baby, displaying an uncanny ability to soothe them with ease.
Ajax Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, who knew Keith for 14 years, described him as a reporter with integrity and accuracy. “Keith was the kind of reporter that just said it the way it was,” she said. “Every single quote he used of mine was verbatim, never embellished.”
She recalled how, early in her career as a councillor, he attended one of her first community meetings without being asked—only to later discover he lived in her ward. “Keith was a good man, and I considered him a friend,” she said. “Rest in peace.”
Among the many fond memories his colleagues hold of him, one particular tradition stands out—Keith was known as “the lottery kingpin” in the newsroom. Each week, he collected money from coworkers to purchase lottery tickets, hoping for a big win.
Although they never hit the jackpot, those who knew him believed they had already won in a different way—by having the privilege of working alongside him and calling him a friend.
Keith Gilligan’s sudden passing leaves an undeniable void in the community, the newsroom, and the hearts of those who knew him. His contributions to local journalism, his love for storytelling, and his genuine kindness will never be forgotten.
He was more than a journalist; he was a beloved member of the Ajax community, a friend to many, and a man whose legacy will endure through the stories he told and the lives he touched.
Rest in peace, Keith. Your impact on this world will be felt for generations to come
