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Donald W. Callender

Donald Callender Obituary

Donald W. Callender, founder of the Marie Callender restaurant chain, passed away January 7, 2009 at the age of 81. He was born in Ventura, California. Don was an icon and a major inspiration in the restaurant industry. He created and developed one of the most successful restaurant chains in America. Over the course of his career, he provided thousands of people job opportunities. His determination and work ethics reached out to touch and inspire thousands of lives around the country. Don's legacy lives on today in the continued success of the Marie Callender restaurant chain. In later years, he shifted his development to full-scale barbecue restaurants, including Babe's in Rancho Mirage and restaurants in Moreno Valley and Redlands. His final project was the design and construction of the newly opened Jackalope Ranch in Indio. Don loved to fly and was an amazing pilot. He also loved to play golf with his son, Lucky. He had a profound love for animals. His dogs brought him so much pleasure. He was a kind and caring man who treasured his family and was loved by them very much. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Katy Callender; son Lucky Callender; daughter Cathe Sprunk; son Glen Callender and his grandchildren, Jasmine Winters, Maxx Buchanan, Caitlyn and Cameron Sprunk. Don will always be loved, remembered and cherished.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun on Jan. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Callender

32 Entries

Michael and dayna Heit

December 14, 2024

Hello, Katie. I hope you see this. I am Dayna, Doris Vaca's friend of many years. I wanted to let you know that she passed away on Nov 27. The Memorial service is at Covina Hills Forest Lawn on Dec 21 and details can be found at https://obituaries.forestlawn.com/obituaries/doris-Vaca. I hope you are doimng well since Don passed ... Doris really loved and appreciated you, Katie. Be well and happy. Dayna Heit ([email protected])

Gordy Carter

January 5, 2022

Dear Katy,
Don was an inspiration in my life. He taught me many ideals...he taught me the the importance of working hard & to always strive to achieve more...had a huge impact on me. I am indebted to him for all the opportunities he gave me. He was a generous man who helped me to realize my dreams.
I miss you Don.
Sincerely, Gordy & Linda Carter

Jeannie Hood

January 5, 2022

Dear Katy & family...Jan. 5, 2022
Just saw this as I´m visiting my friends Gordy & linda Carter....the 3 of us worked together at the Buena Park MC´s, I was the bartender, Gordy our manager..we have remained friends since 1975...in all total I worked 18 years at Marie´s....3 years at Don Callender´s in Lakewood & 15 years in Buena Park....it was the best job...was able to be a mom and wife since I was able to have a flexible schedule so I could be with my family. I met my husband Howard ( a regular) there as well....we had some wild & good times...yet we were a very strong team of employees, getting the job done...many life lessons I learned, skills I have used all my life...still today we have reunions, get togethers sharing our memories of our days at Callender´s. It´s amazing. Don was often at Buena Park when we first opened...we were sooo busy, I was the bartender, by myself. So impressed that Don jumped in and helped me...I was so nervous because he was there...he made me feel so comfortable though & didn´t seem to mind that I was "bossing" him around....a night I will never forget....I pray that you are doing well these days...
Fondly, Jeannie Hood

Doris Ann Vaca

February 24, 2020

Katy, so sorry for your loss...I know the difficulty of the loss of a spouse. I think of you often...and our friendship that began at Whitefront in Costa Mesa way back in 1971. Im still located in Ontario California...often wonder how you and Lucky are doing. Please feel free to contact me...Doris Ann Vaca 909-728-9645. Love and Prayers.

Kim Hillbrand/Sheets

April 14, 2009

Dear Katy,
I am sorry about the loss of your husband, Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Hillbrand (Sheets)

Mark Peters-Paquette

March 2, 2009

Don you are now home with your parents in the Heavenly Pie Shop and they truely now know what a success you had become. You almost always had a smile and you always had an opinion which was most likely correct. Thanks for your guidance when I executive produced the Jackie Olden show at Babe's and you always wandered in on cam -oblivious to the content but always on cue. I am glad you used my barb-b-que sauce recipe and you were right-make it sweeter I did and you bought it from me- but P.S. I never got the check hehehe-I ended in the hosptal with a brain leision and a stroke but have now since recovered and am talking and walking again. I often heard your voice in my ears saying "you can do it kid". I did. I hope your son Lucky wears the flight jacket we got you for your birthday a few years back. A true go getter who had enough energy for 100 people. Mark Peters & MADAME 413-529-2260

Gloria Sullivan

January 19, 2009

Mike and I were greatly saddened to hear of Don's passing. We are one of many families in Irvine Terrace who loved visiting with Don when he walked his dogs in his golf cart through Irvine Terrace. He often stopped by to chat with us about our mutual loves: dogs, CCI and aviation. Rest in Peace, Don, you will truly be missed.

Monte Bible, Captain, Medical Corps, USN

January 19, 2009

Dear Callender Family,
As a young man Don's inspiring mentorship had a profound influence on my life and to which I reflect often with great admiration. He will indeed be missed by me and all who's life he touched.
My sincere condolences,

Mary Kay West

January 18, 2009

Callender Family,

I had the pleasure of opening the Phoenix (Northern) restaurant and then being a part of the "opening team" for Bell Road, Chula Vista and Tucson.

Don displayed the importance of passion and dedication. I asked him for an opportunity within the organization (not before realized by a female) and he let me know he respected me for asking and soon my goal was realized.

I am fortunate that I was able to observe and hopefully learn from such a special man.

Rest in Peace.

Marta Basham

January 17, 2009

Dear Katy and Lucky,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. What a terrible loss for you both!
I remember the time when Don had brought Lucky to his piano lesson and was lulled to sleep by Lucky's beautiful playing. Lucky seemed embarassed by Don's snoring. I smiled at him and told him that my father often use to fall asleep and snore during my piano lessons and that one day he would give anything just to hear his dear father snoring again. I am so sorry that this time came about so quickly in Lucky's life.
I pray that Don's memory gives you strength and that God grant you peace at this difficult time. Fondly Marta Basham

Tracy Finnell

January 17, 2009

Katy,
I met Don at my service station in Palm Desert. I remember putting a battery in his van at the Vintage while he told me about his life. What a truly great man. He will be missed.

FRANK AND ROSE SILVAGGIO

January 16, 2009

DON YOU WILL BE MISSED YOU LEFT ATRADE MARK THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMENBERED THE YEARS I KNOWN YOU IALWAYSS REMEMBER THE FUN WE USE TO HAVE WHEN WE WERE AT THE SPRINGS CLUB LOVE TOLAY GOLF WITH YOU.

Bud and Lu Mahoney

January 15, 2009

Katy and family,

I wish to express my condolences to the Callender Family. It was wonderful working with Don, building new restuarants and remodeling many more. I know the old Callender gang which included Tony, Walt, and Bill to name a few, must feel as I do today. We will miss him.

Mahlea Crickenberger

January 15, 2009

Katy and family,
I was so sad to hear the passing of Don. I worked at the Orange store in 1985 when Bob took the store. My deepest sympathy's and prayers are with you. My husband Dave passed away of cancer in 1998, so I know what you are going through. I appreciated Don and is perfectionism and kindness. That is what makes him a great success and mentor for others.My thoughts are always with you and your family.

Fred Chavez

January 14, 2009

Dear Callender Family;
My prayers are with you.I will miss Mr
Callender playing golf. He was a very friendly person. Im a mechanic at The Vintage Club.

Carl Kahalewai

January 14, 2009

I was sadden to hear of Don's passing. I met Don in the early 1980's when he was building his home in Corona del Mar. My deepest sympathy to the entire Callendar family.

Byron Sotomayor

January 14, 2009

Katy, Lucky, and the Callender family,

I offer my deepest sympathies. Don was truly an extraordinary man. I was blessed to have known him and will miss him dearly.

Sincerely,
Byron Sotomayor, M.D.

DebbeLynn Russell

January 14, 2009

Dear Cathe and Family,
I was sorry to hear about your dads passing. I remember you guys because we were classmates, and I would go to Marie Callendars with my family too. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your sorrow. Having lost both my parents I totally understand. Take Care

Donald & Debbie Frenter

January 14, 2009

Dear Katy & Lucky,
We are soo sorry for the loss of such a great man. We are going to miss him greatly. Our prayers are with you both.
Regards, The Frenters, Country Club Electric

Kelly Bruner

January 14, 2009

Katy & Lucky,

We are all saddened by your loss. Don was an asset to this desert and will be missed.
Our thoughts are with you always,

Kelly & Toni (Dr. Huard's Office)

Perla San Agustin

January 13, 2009

Katy and family,

My deepest sorrows and condolences for the loss of Don Callender. It was a pleasure working with the family. I really valued the time spent with you all.
God bless.

~Perla

Patrick Kennelly

January 12, 2009

Katy and family.

I was very sorry to learn of Don's passing.

I started with Marie Callender's in
1966 as a dishwasher working at night with Don at the store in Orange. I stayed for 23 years. Over time, my brother and sisters all worked for Marie Callender's. As with many others, I met my wife at Marie's. Don was very generous to us and I know that many people got a very good start in life because of him.

I had the opportunity to fly with him a number of times in the late 60's and early 70's. When I was a student pilot, I flew to Las Vegas with him in 1969. On the way back he let me fly the Aztec back to Long Beach. It was great.

Best Wishes,
Pat Kennelly

Gordon Carter

January 12, 2009

Katy and family,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was such a generous man, in every sense of the word, and had a large impact on our lives.We are blessed to have been associated with your family. Our family, as probably many others, would never have existed unless our lives had not crossed at Marie Callender's. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your lives and Don's. Thank you from the bottom our hearts. May the love of your friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gordon and Linda Carter

Christina Vaca

January 12, 2009

Katy and Lucky,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. May your memories of Don heal your heart and comfort you. Your are both in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Christina Vaca

Renee Sanchez

January 12, 2009

Katy & Family,
I just heard the sad news of Don's passing and I am deeply sorry to hear of your great loss.
I want you to know how much I sympathize with you and your family.
May you find comfort and healing in precious memories.

Fred Neben

January 11, 2009

Katy and Family,
I was sorry to hear the news of Don's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Fred Neben
Saddleback Class of 1973

Kim Morningstar

January 11, 2009

HI katie. I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I lost my younger brother and my mom in a 3 mo. period. My heart goes out to you and your son. My prayers are with you. Kim Morningstar.

Doris Vaca

January 11, 2009

Katy, I am so sorry. I know how you feel. Mike has been gone nearly 5 years now. My heart goes out to you my friend of over 40 years.

Carolyn and Leland Aday

January 10, 2009

Katie and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find Joy and Peace in the memories you have of your life with Don.
With love and Blessings.
Carolyn and Leland Aday

Diana

January 10, 2009

He sounds like a wonderful man. What a beautiful written euology. I hope his family finds the strength to go one and contiune his good work.

Denise and Bob Ogle

January 10, 2009

Bob and Denise met Don at the Sunrise County Club when we were tennis members way back in the early 80's. Denise would play tennis with Don and Bob would play racquetball. Don even took us for a ride in his jet to and from Orange County Airport. Don was a wonderful man and Bob and Denise were able to spend some time chatting with him about a year before he fell. We will miss seeing him riding around in his golf cart.

WALT OSGOOD

January 10, 2009

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES TO SUCCEED IN THE REALM OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE..ALSO, FOR THE MANY WONDERFUL AND ENTERTAINING GOLF EXCURSIONS....REST IN PEACE

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