Ronald McCallum Obituary

Ronald E. McCallum

Nov. 29, 1936 - Dec. 16, 2023

KELSO - Ron died peacefully surrounded by family on December 16, 2023, at his home.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Ona Lucy McCallum, who also died on December 16, 1976, and I know she came and took him home.

Ron, my dad, lived a long happy life and he did it his way. He married and had a family, served three years in the Navy and then settled in Longview, where he was raised. He raised two children, Brian McCallum and Carol "Kibby" Tover.

He worked his entire career at the Longview Fibre Company as a Millwright.

Dad was involved in Western Little League as a longtime coach back in the 70's and 80's. There he made many lifetime friends. He would, from time to time, see kids he coached who always called him "Coach McCallum".

In 1987, dad remarried and this time he found the love of his life, Audrey, but he also gained five of the best stepchildren he could ask for: Jodie Christensen, Cindy Howard, John Vineyard, Phil Vineyard and Jim Vineyard.

Dad was very active in all the local lodges; he was on the board at the Moose Lodge for many years, and even served as Governor for a year.

He travelled with friends going camping, fishing, boating, golfing all over, and enjoying his life to the maximum fullness. He is remembered by many as "Rotten Ronnie", "Munch" and "Restless Ron" and he will never be forgotten!!

Dad is proceeded in death by his parents, Alexander and Ona McCallum, his first wife, Ginger, his heart wife, Audrey, his long-time girlfriend, Maris, and his grandson, Ronnie McCallum. He has many family members and friends that made it up before him and I am sure there was one great party awaiting dad upon his arrival. He is survived by all his children and stepchildren; his granddaughter, Brandy (David); grandson, Roger (Kalisha); many, many step-grandkids; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and two very special people: Ernie Searing, his BEST friend of 87 years and a special lady friend, Ruth Adair. Both were there by dads' side until the end. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship to my dad!!

Please join us on January 19, 2024 for a special Celebration of Life at the Elks Club. Cocktail hour starts at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner and sharing memories. We will have a Johnny Walker Blue Label toast to send him out the right way, then start the band and party the night away. That's what and how dad would want you to remember him. If you knew him for a minute or a lifetime, I really hope to see you there!!