Ray H. Calihan, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on October 18, 2019 in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Born January 8, 1927 in Garden City, Kansas to Ray and Winifred Calihan. Pat was known for his sense of humor and wit; his name brings a smile to all who knew him. In 1949, he married the late Roselle Yakle and raised a son, Mike, and three daughters, Cathi, Janice and Boni. In 1981, he married Lillian Valenzuela.
Pat enlisted and served his country as a Sergeant in the army during WWII. Following his service in the Army, Pat graduated from both the University of Kansas and Washburn Law School. He was appointed by the Attorney General of the State of Kansas as a Special Investigator in 1949. He practiced law for 45 years in Garden City and was elected as Finney County Attorney in 1954. In 1973, he served as United States Magistrate for southwest Kansas, under the appointment of the U.S. District Court. He was Garden City’s Mayor in 1974 and City Commissioner for several years. Pat was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1997.
Pat enjoyed golfing, traveling and was quite an entertainer. He loved being surrounded by his family and friends and always had a good joke to tell. In his younger days he was an accomplished horseman and musician.
He is survived by his three daughters, Cathi Vincent (Dave), Alburquerque, NM, Janice Williams (Brad), Gilbert, AZ, and Boni Burkhart (Darwin) Wichita, KS, and step-daughter, Robin Valenzuela (Jeff), of Garden City. He was predeceased by his wife Lillian, son Mike Calihan of Garden City and his step-son Rudy Valenzuela of Kansas City.
A Memorial Celebration is planned for Saturday, October 26th, at Gold Canyon Methodist Church, in Gold Canyon, Arizona, at 11:00am.
Pat’s final days were brightened by his wonderful staff of caregivers. The family offers their sincere appreciation to these compassionate individuals, along with the staff of Hospice at Home of Arizona. Memorials may be sent in Pat’s name to Hospice at Home of Arizona or Gold Canyon United Methodist Church.
Bon I just read on my phone about your Dad’s death. I had been wondering lately about his age and health. My sympathy goes out to you and your sisters. I don’t do Facebook anymore but would love to hear from you all from time to time. Love, Aunt Rita
Prayers to the Calihan family, Pat was a remarkable man who will be missed by all who knew him.
My parents, Joe and Rosemary Gamble, spoke of him often and were friends. Prayers to the family. I did know he was Rudy step dad
Bon I just read on my phone about your Dad’s death. I had been wondering lately about his age and health. My sympathy goes out to you and your sisters. I don’t do Facebook anymore but would love to hear from you all from time to time. Love, Aunt Rita
Prayers to the Calihan family, Pat was a remarkable man who will be missed by all who knew him.
My parents, Joe and Rosemary Gamble, spoke of him often and were friends. Prayers to the family. I did know he was Rudy step dad