Raymond W. Callahan

Mission Viejo resident, Raymond W. Callahan, passed away on February 26, 2024 at the age of 88. He was a retired business operations executive, active sportsman, and beloved family man. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, his children, Gary Callahan, Lyn (John) Christensen, and Peggy (Tom) Bott, and grandchildren, Bryan Christensen, Kelly (Brendan) Stafford, Jack (Sierra) Christensen, Sophia Bott and Michael Bott; also, several nieces and nephews.

Ray was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, to John Callahan and Sophie Slubowski Callahan. His early childhood and teen years were spent studying, playing sports, and attending large family events with his brother, Al, and three sisters, Anne Marie, Dolores, and Rose Ellen, each of whom preceded him in death. Ray graduated from St. Patrick’s High School where he received the “Sullivan Trophy” for outstanding athlete and academics. He played football, baseball and basketball. His loving wife, Barbara, a St. Pat’s cheerleader, shares that some of their best cross-country trips include meaningful stopovers in their home town of Wyandotte to attend St. Pat’s alumni events; in fact, they were thrilled to achieve their goal of visiting all fifty states, making wonderful memories with friends and family along the way.

In 1958, Ray earned a mechanical engineering degree at General Motors Institute of Technology. Ray was a member of the Phi Tau Alpha fraternity. Ray’s decision to propose to Barbara led to a new life in the Golden State. The couple married on December 26,1959 at Cathedral Chapel in Los Angeles. Ray obtained a job with Genisco Corporation making aircraft accelerometers while Barbara continued to teach school in Torrance. Ray’s career evolved as he demonstrated initiative and leadership skills. He worked in management at Questor Corporation and became a top executive at Econolite, Pertec Computer Corporation and Fujitsu. Pertec Corp in Irvine was a product innovator in the early development of personal computers. Those who worked with Ray remember him as a bright, tenacious, serious, competent and fair man. He was a problem-solver who excelled under pressure. His General Manager/Vice President of Operations roles at Pertec and Fujitsu included many memorable trips to Germany and Japan. When Ray was not traveling for work, he involved himself in community projects. He was particularly proud of his role in the establishment of the Alicia Sports Park.

Ray spent a lifetime following the University of Michigan athletic teams and he was especially proud of the Wolverine football program. He also grew to love the California Angels. Ray was an avid golfer, racehorse enthusiast and tennis fan. From Bobby Sox to travel ball, he coached championship softball teams and many of the athletes Ray helped develop alongside his eldest daughter, Lyn, went on to playing at the collegiate level. In the final years of life, Ray became a valued scout and statistician for the Santa Margarita High School softball team.

Ray’s support of his wife was second to none. Their faith guided them and he will be missed at Sunday Mass. Ray embraced his role as a group facilitator in The Santiago Church Bible Study classes. His intelligence and empathy won him great respect. Bridge nights, dancing the polka or waltz, ski trips, graduations, tee-times, pool parties and cruises are just a sample of the very full life they enjoyed together. Their youngest daughter, Peggy, shares how she loved seeing her parents sit on the backyard patio swing. “Dad was an amazing storyteller. He was a good man, strong and deeply loved.”

Ray died peacefully at Mission Viejo Hospital with family by his side. His last evening at home was spent on a zoom call with his wife, children and grandchildren. Much of Ray’s legacy has been captured in photos and drawings gifted by his son, Gary. Ray’s celebration of life service will be held April 12th at Santiago de Compostela Catholic church in Lake Forest at 11:00 AM. A reception to follow in the church pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a gift to either Santa Margarita High School Softball program or the Center for Spiritual Development, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. If sending a gift by check, mail to Santa Margarita Eagle Foundation, ATTN: Laurie Beach, 22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. If donating by credit card, call Laurie Beach at (949)766-6078. If sending a gift to the Center for Spiritual Development, you may send a check payable to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, ATTN: Sonya Longbotham, to 434 S. Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92868 or go to https://bit.ly/IMO_RaymondW.Callahan . For either donation, please note: In memory of Raymond W. Callahan.