In Loving Memory of Sean Michael Calahan

December 7, 1980 – October 26, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Sean Michael Calahan on October 26, 2026, at the age of 45. Born on December 7, 1980, in San Diego, California, Sean was a beloved father, life partner, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose generous heart, quick wit, and remarkable ability to see the good in others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Sean was incredibly intelligent, creative, and talented with his hands. He spent much of his career in the construction industry, where his natural ability to build, repair, and transform things was evident in everything he did. He loved a good project and could often be found wandering the aisles of Home Depot, imagining what he might create next. He was also a wonderful cook who enjoyed preparing meals for the people he loved.

But Sean wasn't just a builder of things. He was a builder of people. He had a remarkable ability to see potential where others might not. Whether it was something broken that needed fixing or someone who had lost faith in themselves, Sean saw possibilities. He believed in people, encouraged them to believe in themselves, and genuinely celebrated their successes. He gave freely of his time, talents, and heart, finding his greatest satisfaction not in recognition for what he had accomplished, but in knowing he had made someone's life a little better.

Sean grew up in San Diego. In the early 2000s, he moved to Maui, Hawaii where his sister Rebecca lived and where he worked alongside family, learned to surf, and created many cherished memories. His time on the island included the special experience of being there when his nephew Caleb was born.

Family held a special place in Sean's heart. When his mother, Sandra, was recovering from a stroke, Sean traveled from Arizona to California to help care for her. His patience, kindness, and willingness to help during her rehabilitation reflected the compassionate person he was.

Sean made his home in Cottonwood, Arizona, with his longtime partner, Chelsea Santos, and their two beautiful children, Oliver and Addilyn. As a father, Sean was loving, playful, and accepting. He treasured spending time with his children, whether they were kayaking, inner tubing, relaxing in the hot tub, flying kites, skateboarding, building things together, or playing hide-and-seek and tag. But some of their most cherished memories were made in the kitchen, where they loved cooking alongside their dad. Whether sharing an adventure or simply cuddling together, Sean made his children feel loved and accepted. Perhaps the greatest testament to the kind of father he was came from Oliver and Addilyn themselves, who both expressed how grateful they were that their dad never judged them. He gave his children the freedom to be themselves, knowing they were loved just as they were.

Sean had a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to make people laugh even during life's most difficult moments. He was thoughtful, spontaneous, genuine, and fiercely supportive of those he loved. He was the kind of person who would listen without judgment, offer encouragement when it was needed most, and show up to help without expecting anything in return.

Sean is survived by his beloved life partner, Chelsea Santos; their children, Oliver and Addilyn Calahan; his mother, Sandra Calahan; his father, Mike Calahan; his sister, Rebecca Ross, and brother-in-law, Ben Cortez; his nieces and nephews, Caleb, Elijah, Ciena, and Lily; and his extended family, including Chelsea's parents, Sheryl Rollage and Federico Santos, and her sisters, Brittany and Georgie, brothers, Culley and Cole.

Sean's life was not without its challenges, but those challenges never defined the man he was. He was so much more — a devoted father, a loving partner, a cherished son and brother, a loyal friend, and someone who made the world a little better through his kindness, humor, and willingness to help others.

His life was far too short, but the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched will remain his lasting legacy.

Sean was a builder of things and people. He saw possibilities where others saw obstacles, potential where others saw limitations, and goodness where others sometimes failed to look.

May we honor his memory by carrying that same kindness, compassion, and belief in others into our own lives.

He was deeply loved, and he will be forever missed.

Memorial services in Cottonwood, AZ will be held at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., Cottonwood, AZ on Friday November 20, 2026 at 2pm. 

Memorial  services in San Diego, CA will be announced at a later time.