Columnist Muriel Stevens: O’Callaghan was a friend for decades

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 | 8:26 a.m.

When the call came early Friday morning about the sudden death of a dear friend and colleague, Mike O'Callaghan, it was incomprehensible. This vibrant man who was in love with the world had passed before any of us had time to say goodbye? How could it be?

Mike was bigger than life, and had a heart that denied no request that had to do with children, the physically challenged or anyone of any age who was in need. He was the champion of all causes.

Watching Mike interact with his grandkids was a joy. As often as he could, he would take one or more fishing or just exploring. Later he would share stories about his beloved grandchildren. Now they will have to share their adventures with other grandchildren who arrived too late to know him.

Reading a letter about Mike from Patricia Van Betten in Monday's editorial section was a reminder of the '70s, when many of us were active in the Consumers League of Nevada. The Van Bettens (Herman and Patricia) were frequent guests on my open-line radio talk show, "Cookery and Conversation."

It was through the efforts of CLN members that Governor Mike appointed me to the Nevada Dairy Commission as a consumer representative. Never before had there been consumer reps on the commission.

I wasn't his first choice, and we each had our own opinion of what a dairy commissioner's role should be. On many occasions we went toe-to-toe, but in the end we became better friends and remained so.

We'd been close for many years. We met when Las Vegas Sun investigative reporter Alan Jarlson arranged a radio interview for Mike at the same station that broadcast my talk show. Mike was already testing the political waters, but our conversations were always about his family and his adored wife Carolyn who "could really cook."

Carolyn's ability to be Nevada's first lady, raise a brood of wonderful children, and to be there for every aging family member who needed assistance was remarkable. No wonder Mike was so proud of her.

On Tuesday, the day I usually bring bagels to the newsroom, I wasn't able to, so Mike didn't get his favorite nosh, a pumpernickel bagel (no cream cheese). Thursday I was at the paper only until lunchtime and didn't see him. Friday, Mike died.

One final Mike story: Saturday, a young neighbor stopped me to offer her condolences. "Did you know that Gov. O'Callaghan sent me to Israel?"

No, I didn't.

It was a typical Mike tale. A trip to Israel had to be canceled. A poor family he had been supporting there desperately needed the clothes and other things he had promised to bring, including money.

If this young woman would take his place he would pay for the trip and would assure that she would see the other country he loved in the best possible way. And he introduced her to friends who welcomed her into their home. Of course, she accepted. It was the most wonderful travel experience she'd ever had, she said. She is still in touch with Mike's friends.

There is no end to the tales to be told about the life of Mike O'Callaghan except to say, "He'll never be forgotten."