Richard C. Callan

Richard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 4, 2025. His life was filled with adventure, service, laughter, and love, and he will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was born in Chicago in 1939, and in 1941, his family moved to San Diego, California. There, his mother worked as a nurse and his father as a milkman, instilling in him a deep respect for both hard work and service. Growing up in San Diego shaped much of who he became. He graduated from Mission Bay High School in 1958. That summer he worked as a lifeguard at Pacific Beach, continuing a lifelong bond with the ocean that never left him.

In 1959, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, where he trained as a Hospital Corpsman and specialized in radiology. His career took him to many ports, including time spent in Japan with his first wife, Alyce, and her son, Steve. He proudly served aboard the USS Talladega and the USNS General Mann, working in their medical clinics to care for fellow sailors and Marines. His commitment to service—whether to his country, his patients, or his family—was a constant throughout his life.

After retiring from the Navy in 1978, he remained in San Diego, continuing his work as an X-ray technician. At a time when CT scanning technology was new and rare in hospitals, he traveled to facilities across the region to provide this advanced care to patients. His skills and dedication made a lasting impact on those he served. In 1985, he earned his MBA from National University, and the following year he married the love of his life, Marsha.

They bought a home in Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a town in San Diego, and later in 1994, moved to Colorado where they embraced new experiences and new friends. Between 1998 and 1999, he spent time in Antarctica during its summer months, working in the medical clinic at Mc Murdo Station and at the South Pole.

These months were among the most memorable of his life, filled with incredible landscapes, camaraderie, and the rare opportunity to live at the ends of the earth.

Although he explored many career paths after moving to Colorado, his heart always drew him back to radiology. He returned to his work as an X-ray technician, most recently with Kaiser, where patients and colleagues alike valued his kindness, compassion, and steady expertise.

Outside of work, he lived life to the fullest. He loved skiing, swimming, and cycling, which included his participation in events like the MS-150 and Ride the Rockies. He cherished time at the ocean, adventures with his dogs, and above all, time spent with family. Even as he faced health challenges, including a series of hip surgeries, he remained resilient and determined to stay active in the things he loved.

Service was central to his life, even beyond the Navy. As a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 103, he volunteered countless hours, serving on the Honor Guard and taking on roles as Chaplain, Commander, and rifle team member. Though hip pain eventually forced him to step away from some of his duties, he never lost his commitment to honoring veterans and supporting his fellow Legionnaires. He also had a gift for mentoring young people, recruiting students for Boys State and serving as a counselor during their stay at the program. For many young men, he was a guide, mentor, and source of encouragement at a formative time in their lives.

Those who knew him will remember his kindness, humor, adventurous spirit, and generosity. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or share a story from his remarkable life. His love for his family was unwavering, and his joy in serving others left a legacy that will live on for generations.

He is survived by his wife Marsha, son Steve, his granddaughter Meredith, and his great granddaughter Alexandria James (AJ). He also leaves behind four stepchildren: Mark, Susan, Carolyn, and Christine, as well as eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any organization that helps animals, e.g., Humane Society, Max-Fund, or any veterans’ charity, reflecting his lifelong devotion to service.

Though he has left this world, his life remains an example of dedication, resilience, love and a life well lived and deeply cherished.