William "Bill" McCallum

Passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021.

A Life Well Lived.

William (Bill) McCallum was born in Calderbank, Scotland on Nov. 16, 1952, to William and Isabella McCallum. At a young age the family moved to Ohio, USA.

They then moved back to Scotland which Bill recalled having fond memories of time with his maternal grandfather. Next the family moved to Canada, and finally to Washington State where Bill graduated from Bellingham High, got married and enlisted in the Air Force. During his Air Force days, his beautiful daughter Shauna was born.

Bill trained in power generation for over 35 years. During his early years in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Bill served as in Electrical Power Generation Master Technician on one of the elite USAF engineering teams that managed the construction and operation of power generation facilities around the world. Because of his ability to direct troubleshooting and make repairs to operating facilities, Bill, as a junior Airman, earned the respect of senior management for his “problem solving” abilities – those that were usually achieved only by higher ranking staff members. By being able to single-handedly solve the many engineering and mechanical issues associated with power facilities located throughout the world, Bill reduced down time, created higher efficiencies and lowered operational costs associated with his unit.

Throughout Bill’s professional career he was closely associated with various mechanical engineering organizations, as well as where he met many friends through the Scottish Society. Bill was a Past President of the Scottish Society of Central California and a newer member of S.I.R. (Sons in Retirement). Bill continued to play recreational softball and soccer in both Bellingham and Fresno and enjoyed being a soccer referee for many high school games.

After Bill’s move to Long Beach, CA, he worked with Power Systems, Inc. (co. associated with Caterpillar, Inc.), and met the love of his life, Diane. Bill joined City of Fresno in 1991 to become the Power Generation Supervisor for its Department of Public Utilities. In this position, Bill immediately developed energy efficiency programs associated with the use of the City’s electricity, natural gas, and propane. Bill and Diane were married in 1992 when Diane and Danielle moved from Southern California to Clovis to be a family. Hence the beginning of so many fun boat and camping trips up to Washington State and Morro Bay, CA.

Bill was truly a generous man and he believed in giving back to the community. He donated hours to organizing blood drives, low-income home painting, became a Citizen on Patrol with the City of Fresno Police Department, and volunteered at many food drives.

Bill was always patient with his wife Diane, especially when she was getting home late from teaching school. Bill was a very patient, kind, loving, funny, and generous husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and friend. He always supported his family and friends in any way he could. If he knew you needed help, he was there. Bill was clever and handy and could calmly figure out life’s problems. He loved being on a boat, any boat, and he had many over the years! He loved being on a lake, fishing, hanging out with friends or family, as well as golfing, playing one of his many guitars, telling stories to whoever he could “catch” and was an avid Manchester United soccer fan. He enjoyed introducing fishing, listening to music and playing the guitar with his grandchildren, and hoped his love of music is furthered through all of his grandchildren. He read stories, played games, went fishing and let the grandkids drive his boat!

On his own, Bill planned an amazing retirement trip for Diane and himself in 2016, and surprised her with her bucket list. What a great listener he was!

They went to Ireland and heard Van Morrison at a small Irish venue, Bill had an amazing opportunity to golf at Ardglass, on the cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea, and Diane was his caddy. They visited his cousins, aunts and uncles in Scotland. In Paris, Bill patiently went to all the Museums with Diane and actually enjoyed most of them!

Bill and Diane had 29 years of wonderful memories and fun together. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. Bill was a Believer. He had a strength from within and is with our Lord

.

Bill leaves behind many people who loved him very much: his wife, Diane; his daughter Shauna Kimble and son-in-law Tim; grandson Taylor, granddaughter Rachel; daughter Danielle Rosell and son-in-law, Kenneth; grandson Konrad, and granddaughter Kathleen, and baby K (due in April 2022). His brother Robert McCallum; niece Darlana Burry and husband Richard; great nephews: Cameron, Matthew, and Jordan; and loving aunts, uncles and cousins in Scotland.

I agree that the true measure of a man is not determined by his life’s accomplishments, but rather by how badly he will be missed. My handsome husband, William (Bill) McCallum’s passing is an ache on many hearts. I think the measure of a man shines through in the lives he’s touched. We love you Bill!!!

The Value of a man is not determined by what he does for himself to make his life easier. But, measured by what he does for others to make their lives easier. Thank you Bill, dad, grandpa, uncle, and brother for making our lives better!

If you would like to share in Bill’s celebration of life with stories, photos, or words of comfort, please visit:

website and leave a memory.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the McCALLUM family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service, or to Bakersfield Memorial Cemetery - Beautification Fund, or to a charity of your choice.

January 10, 2022, Monday, between 4-7:00 p.m.

Viewing at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720.

January 11, 2022, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. Mass for Bill to be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 124 Columbus Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305.

1:15 p.m. – Military Honors Burial at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203.