Robert O'Callahan

Robert O'Callahan

Robert O'Callahan, devoted husband and father, gifted athlete and successful business professional, died peacefully at home in Redwood Shores, California, on May 25, 2007, his beloved Anne by his side. He was 56 years old.
Robert was born in Madison, WI, and graduated from high school in Marysville, WA. His extraordinary intellect, wit and personality were hallmarks throughout his life. After receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, Robert earned his law degree at the University of Washington Law School, then his MBA at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. At Northwestern, he met his future wife Anne, and they had three beautiful daughters, Caroline, Virginia and Claire. They were the great loves of his life.
He initially practiced law, public accounting and investment banking research, but found his calling overseeing the finances of smaller private and public corporations, including Salon Media Group, Inc., and until recently, Pure Depth, Inc., where he was chief financial officer. His business acumen, understanding of people and incredible work ethic were mainstays of his professional career.
Robert was far more than his resume, though. He made friends easily and maintained friendships for decades. His inborn exuberance, athletic talents and love of adventure all found their expression when he discovered skiing at the age of 14. Robert became an accomplished alpine racer, professional ski instructor and pioneer of competitive freestyle skiing; his riveting mogul runs were featured on Wide World of Sports and in a Dick Barrymore ski film. He never lost his passion for the sport and passed on this gift to his daughters; not long before he succumbed to pancreatic cancer, he accompanied them on a ski trip to Utah.
Survivors include his wife and daughters; his father, Robert O'Callahan; his brothers, Patrick, Thomas and Dennis; his sisters, Kathleen, Deirdre and Denise; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to list.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 9, at St. George Catholic Church in Seattle. A short reception will follow the service at the church.
At the family's request, memorial contributions may be made to the nonprofit Wasatch Freestyle Foundation to help finance ski training for children who could not otherwise afford it. Send donations to: Bob O'Callahan Memorial Fund, Wasatch Freestyle Foundation, 2367 Boyes St., Holladay, UT 84117 (Tax ID #87-0529281).