Final Batch of Memories.

Here are the entries from SURF FRIENDS and FAMILY FRIENDS:

SURF FRIENDS:

“Just as the sun was setting, Paul would make the best Gin and Tonics at Suncatcher in Dominical, CR after a long surf session! Happy Birthday Paul, we Love You!” –Mikey and the rest of the Costa Rica Dive and Surf Crew

1.that one trip to costa where we were all at the restaurant ( i forget the name...the one by the beach in dominical)....your dad gets up to go to the bathroom....we all got up and hid behind the bushes...he comes back....sees the table empty and was like...”aw man”

2. .........a few weeks back ...he...billy and i were flounder fishing...he catches a real nice flounder....and i net it...with him giving me frickin’ directions the whole time....i drop the fish at his feet and he says” thanx...you’re gonna make me take it off the hook?”....i said...”oh no...here...let me get it for you”...i step over ...take the hook out...and promptly drop the fish overboard!.....”i don’t fucking believe it” he says.....”thats it...you’re never netting another fish for me”.....then he comes over and says...”you know...you’re the only

person i would let get away with that”

3......last year bow hunting when he was really weak....i put him in a ladder stand that i had all set up for him....he made me walk him in...i kept texting him every 15 minutes to make sure he was ok...when just before dark...i get the message “got one!”....thought we both were gonna cry....so we go back looking for it the next day...we have billy with us....who knows nothing about hunting...as your father and i are being very careful to not mess up the blood trail....and leaving marking tape and tissue to mark trails.....the blood trail disappears...your father and i are disscussing the next thing we want to do...billy has gotten bored and has been wandering about aimlessly for 20 minutes...he yells over “hey....this thing you’re looking for....is it brown and covered with flies?”

--Gary Jost

There’s a million times your father has been classic... The best I can remember, is the one I told at my party that night when u were all there... How he brought down that big fishing net, and tried to show a couple hungover drunken surfers, me, Lee, and John, how to throw it and bring it in... I kept throwing it too hard, and would wind up all tangled, and I couldn’t get the knack for it, and meanwhile your father yelling, “Come on Kahuna, you can’t even throw a damn net right, are you an idiot??”

And me yelling back, “Fuck Bear, I don’t know how the hell it keeps getting all fucked up.. As soon as I throw it, it winds up a tangled shit mess!”I tried a 1,000 times, meanwhile, every time, same thing, net getting all botched up, and your father yelling and cursing at me. Each time he’d stop and show me, each time I’d screw it up worse!! It was like some bad sit-com skit’!!

I’ll just never forget how infuriated he was at the fact that I could not get the throw right on that net!!! I think he thought I was busting his balls, but it was hot, I was hungover, and we had already surfed 3 hours or more that morning... All I wanted to do was lay up on the beach, but no, your father had to drag me down to the surf to throw a damn fish net!! At last I finally got a decent throw, and felt pretty good about it. Of course, your father, being himself, couldn’t say nice, or great job, instead I got, “It’s about time you finally got the damn thing right.. Little Tater Tot over there could throw that net harder than you, and she’s a kid!!” He was always trying to get us on some adventure, be it tubing, throwing that damn fish net, or just whatever.

All the best to you Bear. If anyone can get through what you have been going through in recent years, and survive, I’m confident it’s you!! Love -- Dave (Kahuna)

Walking up the ramp at 38th st in sea isle and seeing some of the biggest waves I’ve ever seen in New Jersey and seeing a lot of good surfers standing around and talking about going out.Then seeing Paul and billy pull up,with hesitation i got my wetsuit on waxed my board and paddled out.

Lots of big waves were surfed that day by only three surfers.That was the thing about surfing with those two guys no matter how big it was i felt comfortable.I knew i had them to look out for me and me for them, Also remember paddling in to a double over head wave and hearing Paul yelling that’s not big enough and laughing.thanks for always making surfing fun, no matter what size the waves were .Then there’s the time I almost beat him shooting bows,but I’ll save that for another day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD --JBird

Hey Paul, Doreen, Cailin and the whole clan,

I will never forget all those magical days I had with you all down at Strathmere. Especially Sumner Ave. When it still had the upper deck seating and we’d call out the bomb squad. Another day in Paradise. Indeed. What a blast! Thank you all so much for all the hospitality you showed me - and the encouragement and tips for surfing. What a special family.I’ve been keeping you all in my thoughts constantly, close to my heart and soul. Happy Birthday Paul! And love to all of you. --Dave Casey

“Happy 55th Paul!Amazing job Team callahan continues to do everyday with your help to keep the healing going.Thank you Doreen for the updates.I will see you soon for shore!This is a great idea Cailin!Paul,do you remember my drunk baldheaded friend Kurt who kissed the flounder you caught?You cried!That vision of uncle fester on the beach kissing that fish!That was the day you scolded me for jumping the gun to go get the marinade for the fish that was not caught yet.hahahah well, I was confident you would score!I knew that when the first time I met you,you paddled in with a fishing rod in your mouth on your surfboard.I knew you were no ordinary sportsman.Then I got to see the sacred room with the “Collection”of tools of the trade.I came out alive!!Phew!Looking foward to making more memories!!Happy 55th Paul!See you soon.Love, --Lee

Cool gray morning. First light we show up to second street. Anxious. I run up the steps. It’s overcast, gray, heavy offshore. The sun hasn’t peaked over the horizon yet. At first glance it’s big. Lines stacked up as far as I can see. One of the bigger days I’ve ridden at that point. You, Billy, Ron (dan’s dad), and I hit the water at the same time. There’s several people around but nobody is willing to paddle out. I’m struggling to keep up with the three of you on longboards. I’m constantly reminded by you that I’m slow and probably a pussy for riding a board so small. My heart is pounding in my chest as I come up from each duck dive. I’m trailing but I catch up just as we’re all sitting in the lineup. A big set comes. We both turn on it. I look at you, you’re deeper. You tell me to go. I’m paddling my ass off knowing if I blow it you’ll never let me live it down. It’s big. Doubling up. I drop in, make one move off of the bottom and (despite what Cailin says) I get covered up. I shoot out onto the shoulder. Ecstatic that I made it. I think I even claimed it. Paddling back out I can’t believe I caught it. Can’t believe I made the drop, can’t believe.... I’m not allowed to live it down. I don’t want to. The best wave I’ve had up till then. Thanks to you. And you didn’t let me live it down. At least not yet. -LP

FAMILY FRIENDS:

“Flat Creek!!!” – Brad Sotter

The local deer herds will be able to re-coop their losses till Paul is able to thin them out again. I remember all the times your father would be working and drive up the bridge and it was always so nice to see him. We would talk and he just knew how to brighten your day and make you feel good. We love you Paul . --Louise and Ed Andress

I remember one day I was entering your house through the back and walked past the pool with something very large floating in it and all the sudden there’s bubble and over this giant thing turns with your dad strapped into it, he was practicing flipping himself over in a kayak in your pool!! (I think it was a kayak) scared the crap outta me, I always used the front door after that LOL Luv you all BUNCHES --Jessica Hoffman

1. I hope someday that I can look back and say that I was a good parent to my children and that I did a great job raising them. Because, as everyone does, I am just feeling my way through parenthood. I look to those that I think are role models – The Callahans are some of those role models. They love their daughter like crazy, support her unconditionally, make time that is just for the three of them and create traditions and memories. They have a strong, loving relationship with her, and probably always will. They hold her so close, yet let her go away. and it’s the letting go that can break a parents heart slowly, piece by piece. They handle everything with such grace and confidence, I hope that someday I can too.

2. After a horrible trip to Dallas, TX with my family (It was in 2002-2003 and we still say that was the worst trip/vacation ever!) I was telling someone about it – maybe Jill, maybe Doreen, Paul was there too, and because I was just so negative and complaining, he started yelling – screaming – “Deep in the heart of Texas!!” every time he saw me. This lasted for an entire summer! Randomly, he would just walk by and sing it, scream it! At the top of his lungs – Man it was annoying!! But, his way of just busting chops and making everyone around at the time smile.

3. Video and pictures from our wedding - your parents were there and they tore the dance floor up. They do a mean slow dance. --Karen Fick Fixler

Sometimes

by Sheenagh Pugh

Sometimes things don’t go, after all,

from bad to worse. Some years, muscadel

faces down frost ; green thrives ; the crops don’t fail,

sometimes a man aims high, and all goes well.

A people sometimes will step back from war ;

elect an honest man ; decide they care

enough , that they can’t leave some stranger poor.

Some men become what they were born for.

Sometimes our best efforts do not go

amiss ; sometimes we do as we meant to.

The sun will sometimes melt a field of sorrow

that seemed hard frozen: may it happen for you.

--Kate Mahr

Before we knew Paul Callahan well, we knew some things about him that proved to be true. We knew that he was loud because we heard him. We knew that he was the captain because we watched him. We knew that he was magic because he could grant requests from thin air.

Mary was preparing for a party (how unusual!) She asked Paul if he could get her a striped bass that she could poach. Without any hemming or hawing he replied “how big?” She showed him the platter she intended to use. He said “OK I’ll have one on ice in my cooler outside your kitchen door tomorrow morning”. He did! Later that summer I had to shamefully admit that I needed a striper catching lesson. “No problem” says Paul. Only one thing; you have to swear to me YOU WILL TELL NO ONE WHERE I TAKE YOU! After solemnly swearing and exchanging the fisherman’s handshake, we were off to the secret fishing spot. Of course I am still bound by my oath, so I can’t say where it was. I can tell you where it wasn’t, however. As we pulled into the dock with mission accomplished, Frank Jankowski hollered over “how’d you guys do?” Paul honestly replied that we each caught a keeper striper. “Where dja get ‘em?” Frank inquired. “Other side of Ludlam’s” Paul replied without hesitation (or a morsel of truth)! --John and Mary Schmeltzer

I first met you through Tom (Dude), so I don’t have a long history with you like most - but I’ve been fortunate enough to know and love your family for the past few years. I think that I speak for all of us that have been on this journey with you when I say, Thank You for sharing your world with us. Though I love all of who you are, here’s a few things that stand out:

- your love for life and the bravery in which you face it everyday is beautiful to behold.

- you’ve made me laugh until my cheeks hurt...your sense of humor is probably what most people pick up about you when they first meet you.

SO, have yourself a HAPPY BIRTHDAY...something tells me that you definitely will! And PS: let me know what kind of cookies you want me to make (and hide from Doreen) again! Love, --Mindy Formento

I’ve known you for about thirty years now - and for thirty years I have been taking your abuse in the back-bay. Telling me how to navigate and busting my chops about out-fishing me. And I’d take thirty more years of it. It’s partnerships (or should I say competitions) like this that keep me going and keep a smile on my face. I just keep hoping that one day you’ll share some of your top-secret tips with me....particularly your top-secret fishing spots!! I think that I’ll have to wait an eternity for that though.... Love ya Paul. Thanks for always being a great friend to me and a wonderful husband to my best friend Doreen.

--Jan Hollinger

And the Memories Continue....

Today the entries are.....Cailins Friends, Work Friends (South Jersey Industries), and Friends-From-The-Good Old Days.

Tomorrow will be....Surf Friends and Friends of the Family.

The last day will be mine and moms.

**CAILINS FRIENDS (who are now, of course, friends of my Dad):

A chronological life’s history as it relates to Paul Callahan *(in time line format)

March, 1987: First and foremost!!!!! The glorious birth of his daughter, my best friend, Cailin Callahan. The author notes that Doreen (queen of the sun) Callahan also played a crucial role in this birthing.

Christmas 1988-Christmas 2003: the Bandy’s join the Callahan’s for any number of EPIC Christmas bashes. While the author was at the time too young to recall particular details, she distinctly remembers the feasts revolving around bushels of clams & crabs, platters of perfectly fried flounder and striper and heaps of pork and venison, all whom fell at the deadly hand of Paul Callahan.*Note: Paul is most famous for coining the phrases “if it flies it dies” and “if it’s brown it’s down.”

Somewhere around 1994- Paul Callahan creates and gives me my first bow and quiver of arrows, which shone a brilliant shade of pink. The pink bow nicely contrasted my yellow bruised forearm because what ten year old girl knows how to properly shoot a bow and arrow.*note: this subsequently was also last bow and arrow set I have owned.

The years between 1994-1997? My brother Wes and I spend many days of our summers under the watchful eyes of Paul and Doreen Callahan.*Mainly, Cailin and I fought off the fury of my brothers fists. Wes enjoyed dunking us in the pool, practicing his pro wrestler moves on us and eating anything (including our lunches) he could get his hands on.

Note:*It’s around this time the phrase “you’re goddamn right” took on a whole new meaning.

Summer 2001-2003: The author spends time clamming, crabbing and fishing with Paul, Cailin and Doreen. It’s not as leisure as it sounds. Usually the day would start very early, with Paul talking smack about how he’s gonna catch the first fish, most fish and the biggest fish of the day. It’s also around this time that seemingly every activity revolves around world domination. More on that later

Winter/ Christmas of 2002: Elfy dude and I tag along with the Callahans to spend Christmas is VT with Paul’s brother Sean. It’s here where Paul, Sean and I engaged in a friendly world domination ski-off. Rules are as follows: first one to reach the bottom of the mountain without falling wins. Anything goes. The author recalls how Paul was skiing next to her (16 years old at the time), yelling “fall bitch, fall!!”, the whole way down the mountain. Yes, I did eventually fall.

Summer 2004: Paul enjoys teaching me, the self proclaimed vegetarian/animal lover how to clean wild game. Oh the glories of mis-guided youth. Everyone gets a laugh out of this because no one can get away with a vegetarian diet at the Callahans. For those 7 meatless years the thing I missed the most was Paul’s scrapple. God damn that stuff is good!!!!

One two skip a few....summer of 2006: the author brings Gordon, now her fiancé, to meet the Callahans. Upon first introductions Paul asks Gordon if he is from that t.v. Show L.A. ink.*Side note: The author would like the readers to know that Paul’s “inside voice” is many decibels higher than the average person.*Paul then proceeds to set up a world domination cook-off with Gordon ( the featured ingredient being monk-fish liver) and that the loser gets a red hand print on their ass. If you don’t quite get this, don’t worry, we don’t either. It sure got a lot of laughs though.

Present day and all the days not listed: The author, while she doesnt make it home often, still enjoys Paul’s hunting, fishing and world dominating tales relayed to her by Cailin and Doreen. She knows that life sure wouldn’t have been the same without this wonderful person as a part of it. I wish you the happiest of birthdays and send all my love from Seattle.

Love – Julia Bandy

The first time I met Paul I walked into your kitchen and he took one look at me and said “What is this, fuckin Miami Ink?” I love that memory. Happy Birthday! Love, --Gordon (Julisas fiance)

Paul Callahan.

Son of Glam and PopPop.

Brother to 9.

Wife to Doreen (pronounced Dreen) Father to Cailin. (pronounced caylin)

Protector of his family.

Hunter of animals.

King of the fishermen.

Pirate of the Sea.

Mr.Fix-it of his home.

Chef of anything Venison

In the two and a half short years I have known Paul Callahan these are just a few of many things that come to mind. What I love most about this man are his sayings. his “god damn right!” or his “god bless ya’s” or my favorite he said to me “you have to marry a good man!”, always put a smile on my face.

I look to him, Doreen, and Cailin each and everyday for strength. The families positive attitude radiates through a room. Every day I feel blessed to know the three of you. The amazing trifecta that doesn’t let anything get them down.--Sarah Rohrman

“Power Hook”

The word/phrase power hook was founded when two of America’s best fisherman met for the first time on the water in the back bay of Strathmere, NJ in the summer of 2004 (Paul Callahan & Andrew Welker- brought together by Cailin Callahan). The bait used on this particular trip was shark belly and the the fish sought after was flounder. After hooking countless fish after fish Mr. Welker decided to give Paul a heads up on yet another hook set (almost like Babe Ruth called his shot in baseball). After a small bite triggered the avid fisherman (Andrew) he would yell “POWWWEERRRRR HOOOOK” and jump 2-3 feet in the air setting the hook as hard as possible. Paul Callahan seemed to get a laugh every time and since then the power hook has become a tradition when the two meet on the water. I am hoping to use the “Power Hook” on my next visit late in August!

Happy Bday Paul Callahan- You are a LEGEND in my book!! Love -- Andy Welker

this should be hand written and personally given to you, but my arms arent 2.5hours long. not sure if you can print 1, 2, or 3 of these pics, but each one of these tell a million words of your pops. his fucking hilarious personality, incredible ball buster, that loud violent laugh, total trickster, and I could go on. How bout that fish pic? THAT was the night he was on a whole nother paul level. “HOLY CHRIST, who here would not FUCK that girl?!” “Im either going to get fucked tonight or my ass kicked. im going with the second one” wow . as im typing this, it just dawned on me. christ this is supposed to be going in a card and cc is gonna have to put a parental advisory label as if this is a guns n roses album. oops. anyway, the photo with the crabs. I wanted to remind him of the time the tables turned and I totally got him by putting these in his room. clack clack clack PINCH! I often look back at my travel photos and laugh most and smile the biggest when a Callahan is in them. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thank you for always delivering smiles, love, laugh, and deer meat. “GOIN LEFT RIGHT” --jamie motherfuckin D

So, as you know, I don’t know your dad that well. But my thoughts include this: When I first met you I was struck by how close your family seemed to be. As time passed, I realized that everyone who knows your mom and your dad are very close. And that is a huge group. You have to go far and wide to meet someone who doesn’t know Paul Callahan. And you won’t find anyone within that group that doesn’t have, not just kind words, but words of sheer admiration for your dad.

I feel intensely lucky to have been able to break bread with your dad and hang on the beach and listen to him critique the surfers. The man knows what he is talking about and there is no bullshit. He is the type of man that inspires all those around him to become better people.

Happy Birthday to Paul Callahan!

With love,

--Karen Barlow

#1 - I love you, you are a true badass.

#2 - You really are good at everything, old guys with red asses DO rule.

#3 - (really loud) LAS OLAS DE LOS DIOS IS MIOS!!!!!! --Love, Lara Pappas

What makes Paul Callahan the gem he is? It’s hard to put an exact moment, memory, picture or outburst to it, it’s more like a big combination of all those things that make up this special man. From “World Domination” tournaments, SciFi Fridays, Clams and Spaghetti to his broken surfing Spanglish, there is little I don’t find entertaining and nothing I don’t love. He’s a goddamn one man show!

He is certainly one to speak his mind and someone I always admire because of this, for always doing the things he loves and being such a great father to Kaylin (Yes, Kay-lin) and a loving husband to Doreen.

One funny story about me and Paul involves the infamous Captin’ Timmy. We were all out at Busch’s when Cailin was at work when Captin’ Timmy’s entire family strolled in. Paul decided to pretend I was ol’ Tim’s girlfriend through the evening. The shock on their faces was priceless and Paul was looking and laughing like he had just pulled off the biggest scam..haha.

If I could pin one moment that would represent how I feel about him, it would be when those little punks on 2nd Ave were making fun of Paul for wearing his surfing helmet, I yelled at them and scared them a bit (maybe I even told them they were going to be eaten by sharks..)..I know he didn’t care, but I was annoyed that they just didn’t get what awesomeness they were in the presence of.

He treats me like one of his own and always makes me feel right at home. People with a personality and heart like Paul don’t come around often and I feel very fortunate to have him in my life.

Love,

--Emmy (Emily Corkill)

**WORK FRIENDS (SOUTH JERSEY INDUSTRIES):

Paul: I laugh everytime I think about the time you, bob bakley and I were on our way to a meeting for work/union. When all of a sudden you screamed from the back seat “snapping turtle”!!! Then you wanted bob to pull over but bob did not. You were alittle upset. Now for all of you animal lovers I’m sure you think Paul was looking out for the safety and welfare of that turtle, but I assure you Paul was looking for dinner. Love you brother, --Ed Griser

Hey Paul,

Just thinking back on all the good times...

- As you would say “Stacking deer like cord wood on the parkway!”

- The 2 years we had hunting the federal land before it was opened to the public!

- All the baiting, hunting, tracking and pulling lost kids out of the woods (MARTENDALE)!

- The pool parties and just talking trash in the war room!!

- All the good times that will never be forgotten.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! We love you. --The Gerbers

FRIENDS-FROM-THE-GOOD-OLD-DAYS:

Dear Snap (I never could get used to calling you Paul),

Happy 55th Birthday to best damn hunter and fisherman I’ve ever known. (And that includes my family!) Even if I did gag at the first thing you ever cooked for me when Joe and I were living on 59th in Sea Isle. Fish roe. What the hell was that??!! Well, many exotic meals later, there is still no comparison to the Callahan’s cooking. You’re THE best! So thank God I can make chocolate chip cookies and there will be some coming your way for your birthday. So we will see you soon. Take care and enjoy your day. Love you,

--Lori King

p.s. I will always appreciate you taking Dylan under your wing and teaching him how to hunt. If it wasn’t for you, he may not have had the opportunity at his young age. Here’s to a good hunting season again this fall.

OK. Here we go. Some famous lines and memorable times....

When Paul bought his Ford Ranchero. We were looking around for a new car for him at Mc Carthy Ford. I saw this red ranchero on the lot and said, “How about that one”? Pauls answer quickly was “I don’t like red”. One week later I saw him driving the car.

The time he came down to the dock to tell us he had recieved “The most important call of my life” from Saltwater Sportsman Magazine for an interview with a writer for a story. I forget who actually made the call but it was not anybody from the magazine. We all knew about the call and had all we could do not to laugh as he was telling us. When we did we laughed for a month.

The time the circus was in town and he got a load of elephant shit and packed it all around the motor in Ken Clayton’s truck. Payback for something Ken did to him.

The fact that Capt. Charles Shaffer Sr. used to call him “Cunningham” He would bark across the lot “Cunningham, I wan’t to talk to you”!

And who could forget the time he put the sign on the front of the Trophy Run when Ed Stowe owned the boat after Ed got divorced. The sign read “Big Ed Stowe-Gigilo” He ran a trip with the damn thing lashed on the front of the bridge!

The Crystal Mansion.

I could probably go on for a while. That’s how many good times we all had together over the years.

Have a Happy Birthday my friend and remember “Every Last Scale”!

Love,--Pepe

Hey Paul,

Happy 55th.Hard to believe these many years have passed.Since the time you took me to Louies up at Stockton,we’ve had alot of fun times. You’ve been a great friend. Thanks for being the guy I could always count on.

See you soon, --Joe King

Here are a few fond memories of Paul (& Mom)

- Drinking Kahlua & cream at the teeny house on Main St & having the entire pitcher somehow ending up on Kizzie.

- Having Paul & Doreen stop by the house I was in on in Sea Isle with both dogs, Kizzie & Raven running all around & my prissy stuckup housemates being totally pissed. And both of them just sitting there laughing & laughing.

- Paul walking around Billy’s house in Costa, when we were all there in 2008, singing a song over & over from the Buena Vista Social Club

-Paul babysitting Josh & you so me & your Mom could go out. (then Josh woke up puking & I was puking cause I was hung over)

--Susan Vigen

55 Years of Memories Continued....

Here are some entries from cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws....

COUSINS:

Cailin, My favorite story is one I have relived with your father many times. I have many memories of Paul and Mike from our short visits together. The one I always remember is our sunfish journey in the Ocean City bay with Paul at the helm and my brother Jay. The wind was brisk and the sailing good but I was terrified in those days being so close to the water in that little boat. Stuffed into one of those old style life preservers, holding onto the splash guard as the boat heeled over, feeling like we were going to capsize, Paul screeching LEAN...LEAN! as loud as he could, and we all know how loud he can holler. I begged him to stop and to return the boat to level....another gust of wind..LEAN LEAN,.... white knuckles on the little cousin up front...LEEEEEEEEEAN! He was deriving some sick pleasure from all this of course but Paul was being Paul. I’m just glad he is my cousin and not my brother, who knows what condition I would be in now if he had more opportunities like that.

What kind of story is this? A story of love and appreciation for my cousin Paul and the intensity with which he approaches life.

Remember to always LEAN when facing a stiff wind. Love -- Chip

- Paddling out at Delancey Place when there were no waves, looking for something to do...of course, your dad and Michael, always could figure out something...we all tied fishing line to our ankles, with a Hopkins lure attached, and “trolled” for napper blues...don’t remember if we caught any, but that was probably better...I can only imagine what would have happened to our ankles if we got a lively bluefish on the line!

- Staying over at my Uncle Jack’s house in Moorestown...running around the neighborhood at night, jumping into neighbor’s pool (McChesney’s??), fishing down at the park... I had a ball hanging out with Paul and Michael, since there were 10 kids, and no one could keep too close an eye on us!!

- I worked on the Starfish one spring in Sea Isle, living with Paul in their house...Paul was in college, I was doing a high school senior project, working for free. My Uncle Jack got it set up with Charlie Shaffer. I learned a lot that spring! “Fast Eddie” was the mate...he had moved out of his house at 16, and he was always going through the customers’ lunches to see what was good to eat. He got caugh with some fried chicken one time, and I thoght the woman who brought it was going to gut him and use him for bait.

- I remember hanging on the porch at 904 with Paul and my buddies, watching this cute blonde walk back and forth to the beach in her little blue bikini...I think she liked Paul, but she had to put up with a few cat-calls from us hiding on the porch. We were probably 13-15 yr old...

- My kids loved visiting your house...We remember shooting blow darts in the kitchen, all the bows and custom surfboards in the man-cave, pigs, dogs...so cool!!

- The boys and I entered a fishing contest behind Strathmere one year, at Paul and Michael’s urging, and rented a little boat, got eaten alive by bugs, and I think all we caught was a big skate. Paul and Michael probably caught 20 flounder...they had some secret smelly oil they put on their bait, but never told us about it...thanks a lot!!

We wish you, your Mom and Dad all the best, and look forward to seeing you again soon!! Happy Birthday! Love --Jay Bailey

I met Paul for the first time at Nellie’s house in Maryland. I drove over from my home in St. Michaels for a get together when the Nelis’s were visiting from Ireland. I pulled up and saw this pickup truck with “Kill em and eat em” sticker. My first thought “Holy Shit - I hope that doesn’t belong here!! I am a huge animal activist but primarily involved in trying to stop the useless killing of dogs and cats in shelters. I walked into the kitchen and saw those huge blue eyes and met “kill em and eat em” face to face. After talking with him for some time, I came to the conclusion we had more in common than I could have ever imagined. He is one of the most “real” people I know. He has respect for these animals and consumes what he kills - I sure can’t argue with that! I may not eat venison but I sure eat fish and somebody has to catch it. I have a lot of respect for Paul and I don’t say that about many people. I generally prefer my canine friends. I wish him a Happy 55th surrounded by all those he loves so much.

Love,

Pat Levitt

IN-LAWS:

Dear Paul,

Without a doubt, no one has ever made me laugh harder than you. I have “fuzzy” memories of Christmas times in Sweetwater and the highlight of my night was when it was your turn to open presents... I’m pretty sure I pee’d myself a few times. You were better than any comedy club I’d ever been to! And I would come home and tell my friends to watch out for my brother-in-law cuz he’s gonna be on stage someday. But really the funniest time was when we were all headed down to Nellie’s in Md. for Christmas and you spotted Mike in the rest stop on 95 (Chesapeake House??) and SHOUTED in the crowd “someone call 911, that man’s been stung by a bee”.(poor guy had put on a few lbs. since you saw him last!) All these people were looking around like they should really be doing something to help, and we were just laughin so hard we couldn’t speak!! It was perfection. So thanks for that!! and HAPPY B-DAY old man... Love You, --Den :)))

My fondest memories of Paul Callahan unfortunately come at the expense of my family and myself. Now I hate to buy into stereotypes, but rumor has it he Irish can tip the cup and spin a yarn like no other. I have in fact witnessed this behavior over and over again whenever “sweet faced Paul” sits across from my mother. He can relay the most far-fetched tale without breaking character. I sit there and listen in amazement as the story goes from good (and reality based) to great to truly grand. If I hear Paul make the transition from Mrs. Karis to Ellie then I know I’m in for a real doosie. I can’t say there is actual lying going on, just some rather extreme exaggeration and hyperbole. I can still see Paul’s eyes twinkling as he’s says swears (at least once a year) to my mother that his story is the “god’s honest truth”. If I tell my mother she might have been had, she simply dismisses me because Paul is such a sweet guy he would never lie to an old lady. Sure he wouldn’t :)

My second short story involves me, I am about as polar opposite from the Callahan’s in terms of lifestyle as you can get. This does not stop Paul from making me kill my own food on a regular basis. He is determined to make me embrace the Callahan “we kill ‘em, we eat ‘em” philosophy. I have jumped and screamed when forced to cut a live lobster in half (it did not help that he shook the pan to make their separate body parts move in my general direction). I have begrudgingly stuffed chukers into burlap bags and spun them in circles at his behest. I have suffered humiliation at his hands as I tried to pull clams out of the mud with my toes. I can’t remember his exact words, but after he dressed me in an orange vest and told me to carry the rifle with the muzzle pointing up, he muttered something about my looking like a “smacked ass” and walking like I had a “stick up my ass”. Regardless, I always laugh, I have a good time and I end up eating like a queen. The man has given me experiences that I will not soon forget and for that and many other things, I love him!

--Diane Karis

NIECES & NEPHEWS:

I have many, many wonderful memories of my uncle Paul but I think the three that stick out the most are;

- spending days at the beach with him and hunting for crabs in the jetty. He would pick up little sand crabs and pretend to eat them ( he was more than convincing). I was only about 10 at the time and horrified by the sight. Being the prissy little girl I am, he would laugh and laugh at my squeamish face and found sheer joy in tormenting me :)

-The other memory that comes to mind is the time he arrived just in time for our “crab feast” these were actually mud crabs that we had caught that day. Nellie and mom thought it was a great idea to steam them up and eat em for dinner. We had everything set to go, butter, vinegar, old bay etc. Just waiting for the crabs to finish cooking. Uncle Paul walks through the door from some job he had just finished, checked the steamer to see our feast, and once again died laughing. I think his exact words were - unless you want to be in the hospital or shitting for the rest of the vacation, I would not eat these. The only thing these are good for are bait! Saved again by the fisherman himself. God love em!!

-lastly just being out on the boat with him. One of the most exciting parts of my new jersey vacation was being able to spend time on the boat with him and learning how to fish, even though I was a natural ;)

--Tierney Callahan

Matt always talks about the time he was with Paul and his rod got a hit, it was a big fish and I mean a BIG fish. Paul watched Matt reel it in, net in hand. Telling him to be careful...very careful. don’t lean the rod on the boat, keep reeling him in nice and slow! Follow him around the boat..thats it, that’s it! A 4 FOOT FLOUNDER CAME TO THE TOP GLIDING ACROSS THE WATER TOWARDS THE BOAT. MATT LIFTED HIS REEL ONE LAST TIME FOR PAUL TO NET THE MONSTER ONLY TO HAVE THE LINE BREAK AT THE LAST SECOND, THE TWO OF THEM JUST STARING DOWN AT THE BIGGEST FLOUNDER EVER SEEN. Matt was in shock but Paul couldn’t speak, not to Matt or anyone else because he knew that fish was the biggest flounder alive and he’d never see that fish again. --Matt Callahan

I’m going to start out by saying that you are the craziest person I have ever known, literally the craziest. Some of my earliest memories are of you pretending to swallow sand crabs on the beach and telling me I would get eaten by a shark if I stepped foot in the ocean. Every time I would turn around you would either scare the shit out of me and crack up or make me laugh so hard that my stomach would hurt. Either way you always made me smile. We always had fun with you and still do to this day. I remember you helping me catch my first fish and teaching me how to surf. You even saved us from eating mud crabs and kept us fed with all of the flounder we caught with your giant minos. Big bait means big fish right? The best memories I have from my childhood have a lot to do with you and so do the crazy times I have had in recent years. I’m clearly the best at fishing, you can refer to the trophy pictures for proof and I’m now an expert clammer despite the fact that I can only find the gigantic clams. I know that whenever I am with you I can expect to try new things and there will never be a dull moment. You have made my summers unforgettable and you have affected my life in so many ways. You are truly one of the best people on the planet and you love with your whole heart, not just part of it. When I walk into your home I feel the love that you have for your family, it is an amazing feeling and is a beautiful thing to see. You give me hope. If I ever feel defeated, I think of you, not just because of your courage, but because of your ability to take the bad as it comes but celebrate the good in the fullest way possible. You have always been like this. For my entire life I have watched you live your life the exact way you wanted to and if I do half the things you have done I will be happy. I hope that you know how much you mean to me. You have taught me so much and I have experienced amazing things because of you. You are a great man and I love you Uncle Paul. With all my love- Maggie Callahan

55 Years of Memories....

Yesterday (August 11th) was my fathers 55th birthday. Gifts seem kinda silly right now...we certainly don't need stuff. So instead, for his birthday I made him a book. I sent out an email to family and friends asking them to send me a memory, funny story, photo, or poem...anything that they wanted to share with Dad. Well...I was blown away at the amazing response. In the past 55 years, my Dad has certainly made an impression on many people. Funny stories and sad stories...but no matter what, they are memories that are not to be forgotten. Over the next few days I'll share them with you....

Here are some entries from my Dad's BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

SEAN CALLAHAN (#10):

I sat down and wrote this. It made me cry and smile and think about this great man that is my brother. I love you and see him in you. Love Sean

Paul is my brother, friend, father figure, and a mentor to me. It is hard to pick one story because there are many that are a part of every day life for me. He molds me even from a distance, he molds me. I fly into his life and soak up the love and move on but He always profoundly moves me, teaches me and I always leave full. For fun I will tell a couple stories but ultimately this man helped make me who I am......for the good and the bad.....the yes and the no....the left and the right....he is a part of me and I am grateful.

For those of you who don’t know me I Paul’s youngest brother Sean. I happen to be gay and my father asked my brother Paul to toughen me up when I was a kid because I guess I wasn’t that tough. Paul had me work on the half day fishing boats that he worked on. This was out of the box for me and I only did it because he told me to. This experience changed my life. It took me out of a shell that I was deeply in. It taught me how to fish and to this day love to fish especially with him because I feel his love for it and it washes all over me when we do it. It also taught me about being competitive.....Paul and I still fish together and I am being kind when I say it is INTENSE ! I would come down and fish for three days or so and we would get up at four or five in the morning ( I normally get up at eight ) and get coffee and get out to the back bay to fish for flounder....there was shitting in five gallon buckets, green heads, and complete silence for THREE DAYS. I was so tired at the end of the day I could barely eat and then would go right to bed. We would fish like Vikings and it meant everything. This is so not who I am in my everyday life but I always have this place with him.....this balance....... this place that brings me my childhood and who Paul wanted for me....THIS PLACE.....THIS MAN.....FRIEND, BROTHER, FATHER FIGURE, MENTOR.....I LOVE YOU MY BROTHER.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! --Sean Callahan

CISSIE CALLAHAN (#2):

He was a gift from my mother. For awhile she had a baby every year. The older girls took turns getting one all to themselves. I got Paul. From the day he was born, he was mine. I could write a million memories of fun, laughter and kindness he has shown me, but at this moment all I can bear to say is he was mine…and I have loved him all my life as if he was.

Godmother Margaret Marcella Marie Callahan to Paul John Fitzgerald Callahan x.o.

--Cissie

KATE CALLAHAN (#4):

One of my earliest memories of Paul was him with my mother’s Easter Hat on his head and nothing else, jumping from bed to bed in my mothers’ and fathers’ bedroom in Wheaton. Paul was the poster child for ADHD even though they didn’t know what it was at the time.

Paul was constantly getting cutworms and passing them on to his sisters and brothers because he played so hard, he inevitably ate some of the dirt he wallowed in. This went on for YEARS until many of us, reaching our prepubescent stages, agreed to take the medicine rather than get checked for the worms. We all knew that Paul was the culprit and Paul knew that we knew and Paul didn’t care.

Once, a suitor of Cissie’s rode his horse over to our house and Paul, all of three feet at the time, was put on the horse and rode it alone as if he had been doing it all of his life. It was a stunner seeing him on top of the mammoth horse, guiding it this way and that, without fear. This was our first inkling that Paul was going to be trouble.

Many, many years later, I spent weekends in Sea Isle where Paul was the first mate on Pratt’s boat. Every single Saturday, I’d walk down to the boat, jump on and head for the bow with my book. It was astonishing to watch Paul work the crowd. He would entertain everyone on the boat, from the little kids to the oldest gentlemen. I’m surprised he didn’t become independently rich those summers after seeing the cash pass hands as people got off the boat. When that was done, he’d walk off the boat and clean all of their fish. Another hussle. My brother, the hussler.

And we got into mischief together – egging a friends’ house late at night in a truck with a tee-shirt over the license plate; skinny dipping off the yacht Michael worked on (to the pleasure of the old-timers living on their yachts – a bunch of young, beautiful people swimming naked); sitting around the table in Sea Isle laughing and talking trash, playing bedroom bingo – whoever got in last got the tick bed!

But most of all, what strikes me the most about Paul is that he didn’t follow the crowd. Despite a college education and the pressure of society to “get a job – make money”, Paul followed his dreams and became a sea captain, a surfer, a farmer, a fisherman, a teacher and a damn good gas technician. And because of his commitment to his dreams, he became the type of person we would all like to be. He is a loving husband and father, a man of principle, a true friend to well over one hundred people, and a legend in South Jersey. I admire my brother and I’m not alone. What an accomplishment – to have lived life large, with commitment to the good, with so many people who speak well of you, who love you. I Love you too Paul and I’m proud to call you my brother. --Kate Callahan

MEGAN CALLAHAN (#8):

What My Brother Paul Means To Me:

Your capacity for love for your family & friends shines through with everything you do.

When you are in the room there will always be laughter.

Whenever I have needed you have been there for me.

You are by far the best hunter and fisherman that I know (sorry Mike but it’s true).

Not only are you the best brother you are a great friend.

I Love You Paul! Happy Birthday. --Megan Callahan

MICHAEL CALLAHAN (#6):

Brother Paul,

We grew up pretty much as twins. Our parents dressed us the same, we had the same friends, went to the same schools. We learned to fish together...first, biggest, most, “cape may drop back”, “Wildwood death grip”. I have a lifetime of hunting memories that would have never happened without you. I am going to pass that on to my son.

Some of our teachers could not wait to teach Pauls little brother (Miss Sulivan - 8th grade), while others had a hard time with it (Frank Paris gym teacher “Callahan - you’re a foul ball”). I also give you credit for a long, fruitfull drinking career....I got served at age 16 because they thought I was Paul Callahan. We fought side-by-sde (sea isle boardwalk) and fought with eachother, but you always had my back.

With all your well deserved nicknames; snapper, half-day, triple limit, free-spool, pinder, etc....my favorite will always be, my brother paul. Happy Birthday, I Love You.

Your Little Brother,

--Michael

KELLY CALLAHAN (#9):

Someone once said our brains are like tape recorders, we record everything. Well, I tried to rewind mine and it seems to be a bit overloaded with love and laughter. How anyone in our Family can pick just one memory is unimaginable to me, especially when it comes to you. The Son of Neptune, my brother, my Paul, of gentle kindness ,yet fierce loyalty with the protective nature toward friends and family that is unmoving. It’s an unattainable task...so much love and laughing all the way.

When we left Illinois, I was six and you were around eleven when we moved to Moorestown where we stayed for the next twenty five years. That’s when most of my wonderful memories began. I remember the tobogganing down Stokes hill and laughing all the way. Then you and the boys grabbing the back of cars and sliding down prospect road covered with snow laughing all the way. And then of course the snowballs thrown at the cars as they went down the street and you guys running your asses off to hide in Mrs. Rhodes bushes so not to get caught laughing all the way.

Then of course the fishing trips with Captain Pratt on the Miss Sea Isle a lifetime in itself. When you would come home with fish, clams, oysters and even sharks pulling up in a truck and all the neighbors coming over laughing all the way. And the Friday nights full of seafood-fried fish, clam or oyster soup and Captain Kirk with Mr. Spock on the TV. The great bonfires in Strathmere on the beach, partying , and dancing and you “THE SON OF NEPTUNE” offering your underwear into the fire laughing all the way.

In Illinois, Moorestown, Sweetwater or Sea Isle, it doesn’t matter which state, place, activity or time...EVERY TIME has just one memory for me....LAUGHTER! Not just the laughter you brought me and others, but the JOY it gave me to watch you laugh. SO.. I guess ...I can say for certainty...I do have one very special memory ...YOUR LAUGHTER!!!!! I love you ...your sister Kelly, laughing all the way.......

--Kelly Callahan

NELLIE CALLAHAN (#4):

Paul, My Irish Twin! After ten long years and five baby girls in a row, me, being the last of the first five, God gave my parents a BOY. I think all of Wheaton Illinois celebrated that night. Finally a BOY! Well you can imagine what happened to me. I was immediately at 11 months old thrown out of my crib, my playpen and all things necessary for a new baby because King Paul had been born! They say that when I was only one years old I pulled Paul off the couch in anger to get back at him and thats why he has a flat head but I have a flat head too! so who knows.

When I sat down to write this, it was difficult to try to put in writing my feelings for my little brother, how do you do that? How do you pick a couple of memories about my Irish twin of 55 years? There are so many, so very many. Each one cherished, not one thats the best or even a few. Our life together has been one unlike most people, how do I explain that? There’s only one Paul.

From when we were tiny little kids, Michael, me and Paul were always together, Hell we even slept in the same room in the back of the house in Wheaton. We really should have been triplets, so close in age and glued to each other. Our bedroom was a big room with three beds and two sets of bureau’s in between. We used to jump from bed to bureau to bed to bureau laughing and screaming until Dad yelled to go to sleep or he’d come in with the belt. Well he never really did come in with the belt but it was enough for us to stop fooling around. Michael was so scared one time he actually fell off the bureau but didn’t say anything until Mom came in the next morning to pick him up and he screamed in pain because he’d broken his collarbone.

Mom used to bundle the three of us up in snowpants, jackets, gloves scarfs and hats to go out into the Chicago winters. it would take forever to get us ready and I remember the three of us outside leaning up to the glass windows of the big black door begging her to let us in even lying and telling her we needed to go to the bathroom. All to no avail, so we’d give up and dig tunnels in the snow, go sledding down Saddle road and of course have snow ball fights. Oh yea, we had our fights....physical ones. Paul got me in the head with a REAL tomahawk, Mike got me in the head with a Golf Club! And because I was always taller than the two of them until High School I religiously beat the two of them up, yea, they used to call me Mighty Sheba until one day the two of them hit puberty and let me have it thus ending our physical wars. Don’t get me wrong we loved each other to death, we just played really hard! We had parades, yep, got all dressed up in old clothes put on tons of make up, especially mom’s red lipstick, carried brooms and shovels, clanged pots and pans together and go dancing down Saddle Road for all to see. Paul always looked like a little devil because of his widows peak shaved haircut! He fit the part just perfectly.

On our way to 904 Delancey street in Ocean City every summer for most of youth, Paul, Michael and I always had to lay on top of all the stuff in the back of the station wagon for the long 24 hour ride. Paul and I always hid Oranges in our pockets so we could squish them all over Michael who HATES oranges, he’d have to smell them the whole way to O.C. We were at the beach everyday as soon as the sun was up, somebody was always attempting to watch us, Cissie, Mary, Kate,Tommie. Of course that was impossible, we were always over our heads in the Ocean, its a miracle we didn’t drown.Oh the sunburns we used to get! No one knew back then about sunscreen, but Mom used cooled down tea bags to soothe the burns on our shoulders. At night it was the boradwalk, Lazaleres penny candy store, Johnsons Ice Cream and the RIDES. The shooting range and gutter ball were regulars too.. We all learned how to to skim board on a green board that our Pop Pop made and painted for us. Paul was always the best at it. No wonder he became such a great surfer. We had such fun in Ocean City, we’re blessed with such a great childhood. My Pop Pop built his own boat, called the Mary C. After our Nana. He had such patience, putting together all the fishing rods, baiting them, untangling the lines. We always caught fish, he really was the person who gave all of us the fishing bug, especially Michael & Paul. Thanks Pop Pop.

When we were a little older Dad bought a Boston Whaler called the Irish Power. One of the funniest memory I have is when the three of us decided to take the boat out ourselves. We couldn’t have been more than 7, 8 and 9 years old. We took our cousin Jay Bailey with us who is Mike’s age. Well we got the boat out into the Bay and I of course had the boat full throttle flying down the bay. Poor Jay was laying on the bottom of the boat screaming and begging us to stop. It was exhilarating! Paul Mike and I were laughing hysterically until the Coast Guard got us and made us go back to the boat slip, called Dad and yea, we got into heaps of trouble but that wasn’t anything new, we didn’t care we had fun.

We all went to grade school together and I remember Miss Sullivan had me first and told me I was going to be a nun because I was so good and then got Paul and said he never paid attention and didn’t read very well because he couldn’t answer questions in class ! What she didn’t know was he was totally bored and was always reading a book under his desk that she couldn’t see. She wasn’t very good I guess at determining what people could and couldn’t do..I never did become a nun. A lot of memories in Moorestown, Paul Mike and Me. We even added another brother from another Mother called Jimmy Liotta. He’s always been one of us from the day we met him and loved trouble as much as we did.

We did all make it to college, first me at Stockton and then Paul and then of course Mike. To say Paul liked to party is putting it mildly ( I was no angel either!), he spent his first two years in most of the same classes as me so I good write his papers and he could cheat off the tests we had! Many times I had to go and rescue him from a bar at 2 and 3 in the morning.I was no goody two shoes, I was just at a different bar at the time. Poor Paul had his lifestyle abruptly changed one day in his Sophmore year. We both worked at Seaview Country Club down the street from School. One night he came up to me at the front desk ( he was serving drinks in the bar) and said he didn’t feel to well.When he wasn’t working at Seaview he was Oystering, his hands were always raw. Paul NEVER got sick but I took one look at him, his eyes were bright yellow and so was his skin. I knew that wasn’t good so after work we headed to the emergency room. The doctor came in after several hours and announced that Paul had Hepatitis and was going to have to go into quarantine!!! Well..no more drinking..no more girlfriends ahem (sex), no more fun period for at least one year probably two. Well that sure did slow down Paul. He got really into College, studied all the time got super grades, knew more about most subjects than I ever did. And then God Help ME , Michael came to school. All three of us lived together in our parents Sea Isle house and went to school together everyday in a car called THE THING. A Volkswagon that was blue and White striped with removable doors, windows, roof...a crazy car. We both worked down at the docks every morning. I was a waitress from 4am until 9am, Paul worked on the Headboats and eventually the Lobster boats. He’d come home from the lobster boats with his beard and eyebrows frozen stiff, chilled to the bone but with fabulous fish and lobsters to eat. Oh the parties we had at that house!!! I can’t talk about them. The nights at Braca’s, and every place else that we could find. Living with the two of them is something that no one will ever understand nor could I ever clearly explain the adventure. Just picture Fish in the sink everyday, bloody pheasants or ducks hanging on the front door and bodies everywhere. We all survived college and even graduated; there had to be angels involved in there somewhere.

My little brother, my twin, is a lucky man. He fell in love with his true soul mate, Doreen. She’s had his heart since then. A beautiful daughter too. Not many people find that kind of true happiness today but my brother did. I had a beautiful son, Michael too. Life is truly a cycle. Our children have all learned how to fish from Paul and Mike, taught just like our Pop Pop taught us. I see my son on the Native Guide,Paul’s boat, listening and watching Paul in awe building his memories and learning about life and the sea. I wouldn’t have it any other way. There truly is only one Paul, a special son, brother, father, friend.

--Nellie Callahan