Celebrating the Life of Brother Barry Callan

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our beloved former General Manager, Brother Barry James (Nicholas) Callan. Brother Barry, who belonged to the Oceania Province and was a member of the Belmont Community in Geelong, died peacefully on August 18, 2025, at University Hospital, Geelong. He was 89 years of age and had spent 68 devoted years in the Christian Brother Congregation. May he find the fullness of life with God in eternity and rest in peace.

He leaves behind a legacy of profound humility and service that will forever be etched in the heart of the Ruben Centre. While we mourn his departure, we also celebrate an extraordinary life committed to others—a life whose absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Reflecting on his profound legacy, our Director, Brother Frank O'Shea, shared these memories:
"His name, 'Brother Barry,' is still whispered around the Ruben Centre in a sort of reverent tone. You often hear people say, 'Wakati wa Br. Barry…' (The era of Br. Barry). And then, significantly, there is nothing added. He was General Manager for the best part of eight years, from 2003 to 2010, and I am always intrigued by that ‘nothing else is added’ bit. It is like uttering God’s name—nothing needs to be added, really. Everything is obvious to everyone. His impact was so complete that it defies summary.

He was a humble, unchangeable, and utterly simple human being. It was in these steadfast qualities that people found they could depend on him absolutely, and they took great comfort in that. A great walker was Barry. As he said to me one day with characteristic understatement, ‘Walking kills a bit of time.’ And one day on one of those walks in Nairobi, he was set upon by some youths and rolled down an embankment. The attackers searched his pockets and found nothing. No phone, no money. So they resorted to taking the shoes off his feet. Yet Barry simply walked home in them as the thieves examined their prize and then, realizing their meager value, threw them back to him."

This sentiment is echoed by those who worked alongside him. Johannes Wando, our Security Officer who served in that same role during Barry's tenure, remembers him as a true servant leader. "During his time, there were no bosses; everybody was equal," Wando recalls. "It was rare to get Brother Barry in the office. He used to walk around using wheelbarrows, ferrying stones, cleaning the compound, and trimming trees. He led not from a desk, but from alongside us."

Caroline Lugendo, the Centre Secretary who worked closely with him for all eight years, adds her voice to the chorus of respect. "He will be remembered as a very compassionate leader who had a lot of empathy for the community of Ruben people. He offered servant leadership, working relentlessly for the less fortunate. He believed in equal opportunities for all."

He was a man of simple faith. And if entry into heaven is based on faithfulness and being true to who you profess to be, then Barry will be there already.

Rest well, Br. Barry. Forever in our thoughts.