Neil H. McCallum

Neil H. McCallum passed away unexpectedly with his loving family by his side on Friday, April 15th after a short illness. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Anne, and his two daughters, Leslyn McCallum and Gayle McCallum-Spalaris (and son-in-law Chris Spalaris). He is also survived by two granddaughters, Emma and Sophia, as well as his brothers, Walter (Mac) McCallum and Keith McCallum, and his sister, Marge Cattalico. His sister Elvira Russo proceeded him in death. Born in Conde, South Dakota, Neil moved to California as a teenager, and after high school, he joined the Air Force for three years, then went to college on the GI Bill at San Jose State, where he met Anne. After receiving a BA and an MA in psychology, he went on to earn a Doctorate in higher education from UC Berkeley. He became inspired to improve education as an administrator, and one of his first posts was in Caracas, Venezuela, where he took his family to live from 1967-69. Upon return to the U.S., Neil and his family moved to Fremont, California, where he was first a counselor, then dean, acting President, and finally the Vice President of Instruction at Ohlone Community College until his retirement in 1991. Following his retirement, he acted as a "Rent a Dean" for several community colleges for several years, assisting campuses in times of administrative transitions. In 1998, Neil and Anne moved to Santa Cruz to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Neil was active in Rotary International, traveling, spending time at Lake Tahoe, selling treasures at the Flea Market, and spending quality time with family and friends. Dr. Neil was a loving husband, father, brother, friend, and a respected colleague. He was known as a generous man with a warm heart and a sense of humor, and he will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held in the La Feliz Room of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center (100 Shaffer Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060) on Friday, May 20, 2016 beginning at 11:00 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Neil McCallum Scholarship fund for students at Ohlone College: Ohlone College Foundation 43600 Mission Boulevard Building 20, Room 20-203 Fremont, CA 94539-5847.