Richard Stephen Callaghan Jr.

Richard Stephen Callaghan Jr.

Richard Stephen Callaghan Jr. died on Friday, January 28, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with his wife and two daughters by his side.

He was born on July 31, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Richard S. Callaghan Sr. and Betsy Smith Callaghan.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Callaghan; his two daughters, Susan C. Beaty and her husband, Scott, of Reston, Virginia, Jennifer C. Story and her husband, Danny, of Stanardsville, Virginia; three grandchildren whom he cherished greatly, Samantha C. Ulrope, Betsy K. Ulrope, and Ryan C. Ferguson; one great-granddaughter, Savannah Leigh Lam; brothers, David S. Callaghan and his wife, Gerry, Robert M. Callaghan and his wife, Elaine; one sister, Betsy Kingsbury and her husband, Mike, all of Charlottesville, Virginia; nine nieces and nephews and their families and numerous cousins; mother and father-in-law, Daryl and Jean Warren; sister-in-law, Margaret Kirk and her family; and his very best pal, Wiswell, the cat.

Rick grew up in Garden City, New York, with wonderful memories and stores of his childhood. He graduated from the University of Virginia receiving his undergraduate and law degrees. He practiced on Wall Street before deciding to raise his family in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He made partner for the law firm of Taylor, Michie and Callaghan as well as having his own private practice with his wife working by his side.

He served as an assistant lecturer at the University Law School. He was president of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society, President of the Janie Porter Barrette Day Care Nursery, and director of the local chapters of the Red Cross and the American Cancer Society. He was appointed to the electoral board for the Republican Party as well as holding office in numerous charities and organizations.

Rick was an international chess master as well as qualified Olympic chess player. He also had the passion for the game of checkers and was recognized for being a champion.

He retired from Law at the age of 62 and spent his time tutoring chess to many children and adults. His love and passion for the game touched many lives.

He moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with his wife, Mary Lynn, in 2000, where they enjoyed the West and many adventures. He continued playing in chess tournaments up until his untimely death.

We are honored to have had him be part of all of our lives. We will sorely miss him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rick's honor to Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, 400 Mercer Street, Suite 504, Seattle, WA 98109-4641.

A celebration of life in Charlottesville, Virginia, will be announced at a later date.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.