Arthur McCaleb

Art grew up on a small farm near Winfield Kansas at the tail end of the dust bowl with his sister Charlene, and parents Jessie and Charlie. Theirs was a loving home of hard work and perseverance. Art would often recall the family lending a hand to others, a trait he carried forward his whole life.

While working as a projectionist and manager in the small town's movie theater, Art met Gerry, the love of his life. They were soon married, and spent 72 wonderful years together. He lovingly called Gerry "his bride" until the very end. After several years of jobs with increasing responsibilities, they sought a better life out west. They lived in San Mateo and San Jose before buying their home in the foothills of San Carlos under an enormous oak tree with squirrels, jays, and hummingbirds.

Art was an analyst for Bank of America during early computerization of the industry, and his work included a pilot of those funny looking numbers at the bottom of checks that we still see today. He loved to be outdoors and his daily commute involved miles of walking on either end of mass transit. He brought his sense of humor to the office, often engaging in practical jokes with a close group of colleagues.

His kids, David and Carolyn, meant the world to him. He shared with them his love for exploring nature with frequent trips to the redwoods and beaches of Northern California. Perhaps the greatest gift he gave them was curiosity in the world around them. When they had questions he encouraged them to "look it up" and they would spend hours pouring over the encyclopedia, dictionary, or books in the Time-Life series. His hard work and encouragement to do what they loved put both kids through college which led to impactful careers. He was very proud of his kids without fully acknowledging his role in their success. They already miss his sense of humor, helpful hand on projects, and unconditional love.

Art wasn't exclusive with his willingness to help others. He worked on school fairs, church projects, and helped neighbors and friends with tasks of any size. When you had to move, Art would show up early with tie-down ropes, boxes, blankets, a tool box, and a detail-oriented eye on getting the job done.

Art and Gerry took many cruises and road trips with their best friends. They continued to give to their children when it was no longer safe to drive or live at home. They decided, on their own, to move to an independent living facility, where they lived happily and safely for the past eleven years without the need to worry about yard work, cooking, or maintenance on ground that was, blissfully, as flat as Kansas. Art loved their apartment, especially when the morning sun streamed in through the windows, which, fittingly, overlooks a street named Winfield.

Art is survived by his bride, his children, his daughter-in-law Lee Anne, his sister Charlene and her children Kelly and Brian, and many nieces and nephews. He will be met on the other side by his parents Charlie and Jessie, and the many friends he made and lost along the way. No doubt, they're taking a walk.

The family will have a private celebration of life. Please feel free to leave messages or post photos below.