A tribute to Jeff Callister: In their own words

Jeff Callister touched so many lives, both personally and professionally. He was very active in the geosciences community and greatly contributed to the current state of earth science education. Jeff was a guiding light who inspired everyone he touched. The obituary from Brooks Funeral Home, Inc. can be found at: https://www.brooksfh.com/obituary/jeffrey-callister. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local food bank or the World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org/donate ) in his name. The funeral home also gives the option of planting a tree in memory of Jeffrey Callister.

--Redina Finch

These are the words of Thomas McGuire:

The 1960s were a dynamic time for science education. The USSR had beaten the Americans in placing a satellite in orbit above Earth; Sputnik. Fear of being overtaken by the military might of the RussianBear led the National Science Foundation to bolster the American science community by funding four major and revolutionary secondary education scienceprograms. Last, and perhaps most innovative, was the Earth Science Curriculum Project (ESCP). Several regional groups in New York took ESCP and adapted it to the New York State environment. That was when Jeff, and later I, became involved in secondary geoscience education.

Young as he was, in 1972 Jeff was selected by Prentice Hall Publishing to co-write a review book for New York regents earth science students. According to Jeff, the book sold well over 2 million copies. It helped an untold number of students honor their blue planet and take pride in their own understanding of science. Jeff worked countless hours on multiple editions right into the week of his passing.

He analyzed the New York state exam topics each year to improve his writing and share with colleagues on the New York ESPRIT (Earth Science Peer Resource for Improved Teaching) listserv. Jeff also did projects for the American Geological Institute and wrote test items for the New York exam.

Jeff took pride in supporting the NAGT and several other professional earth science organizations. In his humorous, loving and self-effacing style, he enriched us all.

The last week of his life, Jeff wrote "My wife (Angie) ... looks forward to me getting the portable oxygen machine. Note that I don't say oxygen 'maker' as I think it is only the interior of red giant stars that makes oxygen."

I hope the stars shine a little brighter knowing that Jeff understood that it was they that made mankind possible. Jeff just made it a little better.

These are the words of Heather McArdle:

I was lucky - I got to grow up around Jeff. My dad was a science teacher, and his peers would periodically socialize. Kids would play, beer would flow, and friends would catch up. That is how I first knew Jeff, as a friend of my parents and the dad of one of my playmates. Our relationship evolved as he became my teacher (more on that later) and, in the due course of time, a colleague. (For years I unconsciously paused before calling him Jeff, rather than Mr. Callister.) The science department where he taught was a tight-knit group, gathering once a week for breakfast. It is a tradition that continues to this day, decades after their retirements. I remember the first time I was invited to one of those breakfasts as a greenhorn earth science teacher. I felt like I was seated at the adults' table for the first time.

Once having met Jeff, few forgot him. He was quite - colorful - in his language, his dress, his attitude and, most importantly, in his outlook on life. You knew when he was irritated over something because he was able to paint visual pictures with off-key words and concepts accompanied by arm motions that were wholly entertaining - especially to a kid. But there was also a seriousness about him; a manner in which he portrayed his science and his varied interests that enthralled a kid like me who was just delving into the ways in which to express her own thoughts and ideas.

One auspicious day in high school, I was approached by a friend who had just heard of a new Geology course Mr. Callister was going to offer the following year - but it would only run IF enough students had signed up. I enrolled - and was promptly dragooned into helping in the recruitment effort. He was a hard personality to say no to.

As soon as Jeff entered the room on the first day of class, he had my attention. He had a plan; shocking expressions and joyful outbursts were tempered by probing questions of his charges that promised a course of both academic rigor and fun. His intense and clear love for his science had expressed itself in a way I had never before encountered and have only rarely experienced since. I was hooked. I had the spectacular and rare opportunity to be taught by someone who truly loved what he did - and shared his great depth of knowledge freely. Over the next days and weeks, I came to realize that no matter what I did with my life, it was going to have something to do with geology and earth science. And that sentiment is one that I have heard again and again since Jeff's passing. The magnitude of his character affected everyone around him - particularly us, his students.

On a recent visit to his home, he did something for me he had never done before - he walked me through The Collection. Scores of rock samples, innumerable fossils, and curiosities from around the world. It was his personality expressed in objects - a perfect combination of science and frivolity. Many hours later, I called a stop (we were both exhausted, but very happy for talking details). Jeff loved the details.

His love of rocks, the earth, and all things geoscience surrounded him everywhere - work, home, even on his person. His dressy bolo-of-the-day took the place of a tie and was recognizable and unique - which fit him just fine. Though he and Angie would enjoy traveling here and there, Jeff remained very happy to stay home and putter about in his expansive gardens (housing some of that rock collection).

Jeff once told me that he had originally been aiming to become a geologist.  Thankfully, that didn't happen and that change in career plans enabled me, and thousands of other students, as well as the New York State Department of Education and many scientific societies, to benefit. Long after his retirement, generations of students, to this day, are the better for being exposed to his Earth Science the Physical Setting review books.  And at least for this student (me) - he inspired the next generation of geoscientists.   It is worth noting that his expertise in curriculum development was further honed after he left teaching. It is another indication that he possessed the greatest attributes a teacher can possess: a lifetime commitment to learning and a passion for sharing that learning.

Jeff did not give a fig what others thought of him. Though he has had a multitude of awards, recognitions, books, articles, and conferences, his chosen signature says it all: "Jeffrey C Callister -- grandfather of 4, gardener, retired (1998) earth science teacher from Newburgh Free Academy, and presently an author and editor of earth science materials"

Jeff passed away in his home in NY - surrounded by his stunningly large and storied rocks and fossils collection – and in the arms of Angie, his amazing, dedicated, and wonderful wife.

There will be an empty place at the next earth science breakfast and in our hearts. 
He will be missed.