Dr. John Callander

Dr. John N. Callander

On June 9th, a few days following his 90th birthday, Dr. John N. Callander passed peacefully away at home surrounded by his loving family. His life will be remembered by his kindness, compassion and his service to others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who was dedicated to his family, friends and many patients.

John was born in San Francisco in 1923 to Sara and Dr. Curle Latimer Callander. He attended Lowell, Phillips Exeter Academy, Stanford University and Johns Hopkins Medical School. During the Korean War John served as an Air Force doctor at Travis Air Force base and afterwards began his San Francisco orthopedic practice in the office of Drs. LeRoy Abbott and Frederick Bost. In 1972 he founded California Pacific Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, a medical corporation, which continues on today. John was a respected orthopedic surgeon for over 60 years and was known for his compassion and diagnostic and surgical skills.

During his long medical career, he cared for children at The Shriners Hospital in San Francisco, and for patients at St. Luke's Hospital, San Francisco General, and California Pacific Medical Center. He also volunteered his time caring for patients at the San Francisco Free Clinic and for the dancers of the San Francisco Ballet. After his retirement and until very recently he continued to provide medical care and support to both of those organizations. In 2009 John was presented with the Charlotte Baer award from University of California at San Francisco Medical School for his dedication as both a clinical professor and as a mentor to the orthopedic medical students at the University.

John was an active and generous community leader who offered his time and talents to the San Francisco Boys & Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts of America, California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, Guardsmen, Police Athletic League, and the Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California. He received many awards honoring his philanthropic work including honors from the Guardsmen and the San Francisco Boys & Girls Club. In addition, he received the Doyle-Jewett Philanthropic Leadership Award from the California Pacific Medical Center.

John was a competitive squash player and was ranked number one in the country in his age group for doubles squash. He received the National Jesters award for his continued support, participation, and promotion of the sport of squash.

John was a member of the Order of St. John, San Francisco Golf Club, Bohemian Club, Pacific Union Club, University Club, and the St. Francis and San Francisco Yacht Clubs.

His family, friends and many patients will miss his caring, enthusiasm and smile.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 64 years; his sister Elizabeth Tight (Ted); his six children and their spouses Sara Stephens(Craig), Charles (Melanie), Ken, Clark (Elizabeth), Bruce (Barbee), Peter (Lynn); his 16 grandchildren Madeline, William, Eloise, Ryland, Clayton, John, Kathryn, Bradley, Grace, Jayne, Sara, Henry and Olivia Callander and John Thomas (Sarah), Clark and Charles Stephens; and great grand-daughters Cecilia and Nina Stephens.

Our special thanks to Edgar Lozano and the wonderful caregivers from 'Care for Seniors'.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made in Dr. John Callander's name to the Camp Mendocino Fund, the San Francisco Boys & Girls Club, the California Pacific Medical Center Foundation, the Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California or the San Francisco Free Clinic.

A private family service was held earlier this week for John. A celebrationf his life will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at 3:30 pm. For further information please contact the family.