Kevin John Callan

SAN DIEGO, CA — Kevin John Callan passed away on November

7, 2023 at the age of sixty-four. Born to John and Jerry Callan of Ripon, Wisconsin, Kevin was best known for his sense of humor, his kindness and his generous spirit. Kevin passed of a rare and aggressive form of cancer in his San Diego home. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. Left with fond and colorful memories of Kevin are his six sisters, five brothers-inlaw, and many nieces and nephews.

Kevin graduated from Ripon Senior High School in 1977. At the age of 20, he trekked from Wisconsin to New Orleans carrying a 70-pound backpack. This was but a preview for his world travels to come. Always adventurous, Kevin traveled to Australia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Brazil and Costa Rica along with several trips to Mexico. An avid scuba diver, many of his trips involved scuba diving.

In 1998, Kevin met the love of his life, Kazuko Wooten, in Los Angeles,

September 3, 1959 - November 7, 2023

California. Kazuko, who was born and raised in Japan, was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Her personality perfectly complimented Kevin’s. They married in 2002. Sadly, after ten years together, Kevin lost Kazuko to cancer.

Kevin served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Alaska for four years where he received the USAF Achievement Medal. In 1984, Kevin graduated with honors from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology and minoring in Economics. In 1990, Kevin earned his MSW, Master of Social Work, from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

As a licensed Clinical

Social Worker, Kevin worked as a clinical counselor, case manager, and clinical supervisor. For over four years, Kevin served as Director of the Fleet and Family Service Center in China Lake, California. During his tenure as Director, Kevin increased the Center’s capability to provide vital counseling services to military members and their families, both those stationed at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, and those returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployments.

In 2011 Kevin moved to Sicily, Italy where he worked at Naval Air Station Sigonella as a Social Advocacy Clinical Counselor. Within six months he was promoted to Counseling and Advocacy Services Supervisor.

Kevin had a big heart. He was known to help people he hardly knew, expecting nothing in return. He was proud of his nearly four decades of sobriety, and sponsored many in A.A. who were turning their lives around.

Kevin’s canine companions were dear to him. Kazuko and Kevin raised their large golden retriever, Keci, since Keci was a puppy. When Kevin moved to Sicily, he flew Keci along with him. In the small coastal town of Aci Trezza, the locals used to smile at the tall American with the large retriever who would jump into the Ionian Sea and swim together almost every day, even when the water was cold. Keci became an old dog in Sicily and passed there. Kevin welcomed a Sicilian street pup into his life, an Anatolian Shepherd mix, and named the dog Lucky. When it came time for Kevin to move back to the states, Kevin flew Lucky to San Diego with him. Kevin and Lucky enjoyed many years together. During Kevin’s final hours, Lucky never left Kevin’s side.

A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held in San Diego for family and close friends. Those who would like to honor Kevin are encouraged to make a donation to the Weingart Center for homeless people (weingart.org), or to the San Diego Humane Society (sdhumane.org).

Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com