UPDATED: Vigil for Dan Callaway: Remembered by Many

Last night, at the Q Center, a candlelight vigil was held for Dan Callaway,a much-beloved Portlander who was murdered last Friday night.

Over 150 people gathered just off Southeast Water Avenue, just after 8 pm. There was so many of Dan's friends and family that the vigil spilled out onto to the street right in front of the center — bathing the street in the glow of candle light.

Among those gathering to remember Dan were his family, friends and partner Jonny Shultz; as well as many of Dan's co-workers in the oncology department at Good Samaritan Hospital and Jonny's friends from the fashion and arts communities.

Many of the speakers told stories that focused on Dan's wicked sense of humor, including one in which he'd introduced himself to a new friend as the "giraffe keeper at the Portland Zoo" (of which he was not). Perhaps the most eloquent moments were, after long spaces of quiet reflection, when both of Dan's parents, Karyn and Phil Callaway,approached the microphone and spoke of their love for their 32-year-old son.


"When I found out he was gay, I had two reactions I could choose from. I could continue to love my son or I could stop loving him," said Phil. "It took me all of a second to know the answer. I love Dan and I always will."

A donation fund, in Dan's name, will begin today. We'll post the details here as soon as we get them.

Noon, Wed., Nov. 21: This was just emailed to me by Jonny's boss, Justin:

I wanted to let you know that we have set up an assistance fund for Jonny Shultz at Bank of America. Anyone kind enough to contribute can do so by going to any Bank of America branch and saying they want to contribute to the “Jonny Shultz Assistance Fund”. They can donate by check, cash or money order."