Joe Bernie Callihan

Joe Callihan, a 45 year resident of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2011. He was born in Forgan, Oklahoma on June 17, 1927 to Charles and Ruby Callihan, and raised in Harper, Oregon. He married the love of his life, Patricia Compton in Boise, Idaho in 1944. He began his career at the Hotel Boise at the age of 16. He served in the United States Navy at the end of World War II in 1945 and 1946. Continuing his career following service to his country he worked his way up through the company (which became Westin Hotels) living in many places including Great Falls and Billings, Montana, Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon. The family moved to Bellevue in 1967 and he retired as Senior Vice President of Westin in 1982. He was a part owner of the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 until 1988. He was a generous, caring family man and loved to tell or hear a good story. He enjoyed golf and watching or attending sporting events. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Patricia, his daughter JoAnn Wilcox (Fred) of Bellevue, two grandchildren, Shelly Taylor (David) of Bellevue and John Wilcox (Krissy) of Spokane, and extended family in Boise, including his sister, Helen Allen (Keith). He is also survived by four great grandchildren: Kelli, Quinn, Katie and Sydney. He was preceded in death by his son, Charles Vernard Callihan. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 22, 2011 at Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Charles V. Callihan Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Arrangements entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.