Regrettably, I too have only just discovered that Dr Callanan has passed away after a search of the current Durham History Department. It has filled me with much sadness and disbelief.
Dr Callanan was an extremely important figure for me during my three years at Durham University between 2002-2005. He was not only my dissertation tutor but also a wonderful mentor to me.
Dr Callanan was a great support to me when my beloved grandmother was dying of cancer in 2004 and he went out of his way to ease matters for me. He collected books from Newcastle library for me when I traveled home to see her, emailed the History Department to provide me with essay extensions
and was helpful in so many, many ways. More than I could ever thank him for.
He was a true gentleman: a kind and gentle man with tremendous empathy for others - even people that he never met. I will always remember his guidance to me when writing my dissertation on the Nixon administration and his wealth of knowledge on the Cold War. He was passionate about providing support for his students that went above and beyond other members of staff. He read and commented on essays for me that he was not required to and helped me prepare for my second year exams when I was overcome with anxiety. He was the first person I spoke to after I found out about my degree classification.
I am so very sad to say I’ll never be able to impart this to him in person but I do hope he held onto the Durham print I bought for him in 2005 to say thank you for all his support.
I had hoped to email him yesterday when he crossed my mind and I realised it was too late. I do hope he is in peace now and I wanted his family to know the lasting impact he had upon me. I have never forgotten his many kindnesses during the past twenty years and he inspired me to move into teaching. Clare
Clare Williams (née Evans)
20/09/2025
