John Russell Callan

Albuquerque Journal - 8/28/20 through 8/30/20

John Russell Callan

John Russell Callan passed away from a terrible accident on Sunday, August 16, 2020 (his 77th birthday) hiking at the Gillman Tunnels near Jemez, NM.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Connie Rossignol Callan; mother, Rosemary Neff; sister, Judith Callan; son, Bart Callan; daughter, Danelle Callan-Adams and her husband, Joseph Adams; five cousins; and two half siblings in Texas.

Given the COVID-19 regulations, the family will not be holding a Celebration of Life ceremony until restrictions for gatherings are lifted. The family welcomes the sharing of memories and photos though the online guestbook for John at www.FrenchFunerals.com

Full Obituary

John Callan was a man of few words and great depths. His family remembers him as a baby with curly long hair who was the center of attention for anyone who held him. A handsome young man who was the heart throb of many women but who captured the heart of his wife, Connie Rossignol Callan, while they were at the University of New Mexico working towards their degrees. He was a devoted teacher of biology/zoology at Sandia High School, a real estate investor, and family man.

John was exceptionally devoted to family and spent his years caring for his close extended family and children. He taught his kids biology at night with the family microscope, middle school math tables, how to weed for burr grass, house painting, general car maintenance, and lots of sports activities. There was nothing he would not do for those he loved including attending late night and early morning basketball and track activities, working on air conditioners, home repairs, swimming pool maintenance, and stopping by loved ones homes to check in on them.

His friends remember him as the car collector and wild child. Racing dirt motorcycles and sports cars to the detriment of his bones and ligaments. They remember him as a crazy youngster driving his motorcycle though the dorm room in Boulder, Colorado just because it was against the rules. Whitewater rafting near Taos, when it was not the best idea, but at least everyone survived with great stories to tell. Anyone who ever communicated with John knew he was passionate at making people prove their convictions and opinions. He often challenged folks to a debate by taking the opposite side of an argument regardless of his personal feelings in the matter.

John never set aside what could be done today for tomorrow. A dedicated worker, he would drop everything to answer calls for his rental properties regardless of the time. He was an avid perfectionist, commonly refusing to delegate jobs because the contractor would not pass the “John inspection of quality.” He was the same with his car collection taking apart motors and painting the most minuscule bolts and screws to make a project “car show-worthy.”  He loved attending car shows and was most proud when his hard work was acknowledged by another car enthusiast.

His favorite pastimes over the past few years were attending car shows in New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas with his wife and new puppy, Adaline. He would drive eight to ten hours to sleep overnight and show his car and then drive back home in a whirlwind trip of two days. When they spent time in other states on trips, John would take Connie on grand adventures including Segway tours, jeep excursions, hikes, and even an indoor skydiving experience.

John was a wonderful father, son, brother, husband, and man. He is missed by many and his passing has left a void in the lives of so many who knew him. Please take a few minutes below to view the video slideshow of John’s life.

Please leave a comment, memory, or photo to share how John left a mark on your life so it can be shared. There are many stories and we welcome all of them.

From our family, below are a few things you may not have known about John:

- He loved ABBA, Lou Bega, and Alice DeeJay music

- He loved to snow and water ski

- He was called “The Warden” by his daughters’ friends

- He had a pet roadrunner in Corrales

- He had a stepbrother, (Lee), and sister, (Sally), in Texas

- He was the Mayor of Corrales, was on the Village Council, and the Corrales Planning and Zoning committee