“Beautiful” and “true” are the wonderful words used to describe Ben Callahan and the Callahan family, but the genuine privilege is meeting and getting to know them. It is truly a unique and special family. I was fortunate to know the boys since their births. Each boy has inherited rare gifts and talents from the most incredible parents and grandparents.

Ben Callahan could light up a room with his incredible smile and outgoing attitude. His joy of life was evident from the moment you met him. He absorbed information with wide-eyed wonder and expectations, always exhibiting a special inquisitive intensity I had never seen before. He seemed to want to know things deeply and not miss a single detail. His determination and physical attributes enabled him to become an outstanding multisport athlete. That same determination to succeed helped him achieve the highest academic standards. This was a young man who enjoyed life at its fullest, going full bore, and bringing everyone along with him. To do all this at such a young age, seemingly effortlessly, was amazing to watch.

Cooper, Ben, Scout, and their parents Dave and Paula (and grandparents and extended family) are among the finest of all we hold precious and dear. Knowing or having known them is a gain, never a loss, touching us all.

Tom Salvin

Branford