Callen Jay Ross

Callen Jay Ross, 53, died suddenly in Soldotna, Alaska, from a massive heart attack on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

He was born and raised in Coeur d'Alene and lived here most of his life. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts at Miles College in Miles City, Mont.; he received a degree in graphic design at Charter College; a degree in welding technology at the University of Alaska-Anchorage; a degree in maritime studies at Alaska Vocational Technical Center; and attended Alaska Pacific University and University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

For the past 20 years he has resided in Nikishi, Alaska. He received his captain's license and was continuing his education in Anchorage, Alaska, to further his abilities as a captain to be able to navigate larger and various kinds of ships. Cal loved to ride motorcycles and was a collector of music.

He was preceded in death by his mother LaWanda Ross, of Coeur d'Alene, and is survived by his two daughters, Shaleah Meyer, of Post Falls, and Caitlin Calzada of Chugiak, Alaska. He is also survived by his father, Jack H. Ross, of Coeur d'Alene, his sisters Marla Ross, of Coeur d'Alene, Verona Ross, of Menlo Park, Calif., and a brother Bennett Ross, of Liberty Lake, Wash.