Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Christopher Callahan Obituary
Growing up in Poway and South Pasadena, CA, he was a competitive swimmer, wrestler and water polo player. He graduated valedictorian from South Pasadena High school in 1983, Brown University Dept of Neuroscience with honors, 1987, Fulbright Scholar 1988, UCSD (Salk Institute) PhD 1996, UCSD School of Medicine MD, 1998. He completed his postdoctoral and residency training at Stanford University in 2005 and served as a Scientist/Pathologist at Genentech, Inc.
Chris uniquely combined a love of people, a driven spirit and a humble down to earth demeanor. His family and friends were the center of his life. He was a dedicated supporter of his sons' academic pursuits and sports activities. He displayed integrity and graciousness. He saw the good in life and in people, and brought out the best in every one. Chris focused his energies on perfecting himself in whatever endeavor he pursued. He enjoyed life and never took anything for granted. He will be remembered for his personal philosophy as repeated daily to his children as they went to school; "Learn a lot and be kind to others."
Crippen & Flynn
Carlmont Chapel
(650) 595-4103
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Callahan
Sponsored by Dick Callahan.
Steve Kuehn MD
October 2, 2023
Chris lived directly across the door from me at the hospital at the London Hospital medical college/Royal London Hospital in 1987 and 1988... I´m shocked and saddened to hear the news... He was a great friend and a genius... I have nothing but total respect and fond memories of our experiences at three London hospital.
Sincerely,
Steve Kuehn, M.D.
Russell Gee
August 7, 2017
It is August 6, 2017 and I just now learned that Chris passed away in 2011. This is such a shock. I searched Chris's name because I wondered what happened to the charismatic young man I met in Moscow, Idaho back in the late 80's. I had worked with his mother in the Education Department at the University of Idaho. I met Chris and we struck up a friendship. He was so easy to know, outgoing, and such a fun person to hang out with. As I approach my own retirement (3 years in the future), I began thinking about people who had an influence on me. Chris came to mind. I knew he wanted to become a neurosurgeon. I knew he had attended Brown. I wondered if he had chased his dream, or decided upon a different path. I thought about finding him and giving a shout-out just to say hello and let him know I often thought about him and whether he had fulfilled his dream. It took me only about 5 minutes of searching to come across this post and his photo. I am so saddened. I can't relate the initial shock, nor the regret I have at this moment for not seeking him out sooner. What a great guy! The world is definitely at a deficit without you Chris. I always admired you for your personality and intelligence. I still do. Russ Gee, Lewiston, ID
August 6, 2017
It is August 6, 2017 and I just now learned that Chris passed away in 2011. This is such a shock. I searched Chris's name because I wondered what happened to the charismatic young man I met in Moscow, Idaho back in the late 80's. I had worked with his mother in the Education Department at the University of Idaho. I met Chris and we struck up a friendship. He was so easy to know, outgoing, and such a fun person to hang out with. As I approach my own retirement (3 years in the future), I began thinking about people who had an influence on me. Chris came to mind. I knew he wanted to become a neurosurgeon. I knew he had attended Brown. I wondered if he had chased his dream, or decided upon a different path. I thought about finding him and giving a shout-out just to say hello and let him know I often thought about him and whether he had fulfilled his dream. It took me only about 5 minutes of searching to come across this post and his photo. I am so saddened. I can't relate the initial shock, nor the regret I have at this moment for not seeking him out sooner. What a great guy! The world is definitely at a deficit without you Chris. I always admired you for your personality and intelligence. I still do. Russ Gee, Lewiston, ID
John Bratton
December 16, 2011
Dear friends and family of Chris,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I was a fraternity brother who lived down the hall from Chris at Brown. He was a fine friend and always enthusiastic about everything he did. I remember taking study breaks in his room during finals when he would crank any electric guitar riff that was handy, including pieces by a Christian heavy metal band that I followed, Stryper. I also remember making late night trips with him to the lab where he had to regularly trim all the whiskers except one from his lab rats so that they could eventually study the parts of their brains that received the info from the whisker--fascinating. During college I visited Chris in South Pasadena and later in Idaho after his family moved, and was impressed by their great kindness and love for each other, and those around them (including puppies that would become seeing eye dogs, and exotic parrots!). I was so sad to hear of Chris's passing, and my prayers are with him and his family. May he rest in peace.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Nancy and Shaun Cashman
December 11, 2011
sometimes when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated...
(lamartine)
With Love,
Nancy and Shaun
December 11, 2011
Dear Richard and Jane,
Chris was a very special friend and I will miss him dearly. He was there for Sandy and I when she was going through her breast cancer treatments. He would show up at our house and go through the medical reports and explain everything to us in terms we could understand. Chris and I shared the love of good craft beer and classic rock together and spent many good times together discussing the great guitarists of the past and present over a good beer, many times our own brew. He will always be remembered as a great friend and he lives on through Nate and Ryan.
Sincerely,
Terry O'Connell
December 10, 2011
Dick and the Callahan Family: Deb and I are so sorry to hear of Chris' passing. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to have met such a wonderful person when he was back home here in Holden. Our sympathy goes out to the entire family. Regards, Ken and Deb Northbridge, Massachusetts
Kate keating
December 10, 2011
Dear Callahan Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved Dr. Chris. I heard many wonderful things about him from Peni. I send my loving thoughts and sincere sympathy to all of you. Sincerely
Marshall Horwitz
December 10, 2011
Far too young to be gone. A man of great accomplishments and personal integrity. Though he may not be here in body, his memory will live on in the minds and hearts of the many people he helped and touched.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Christopher Callahan's name
Memorial Events
for Christopher Callahan
People and places connected with Christopher
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Christopher's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Christopher Callahan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
