It is with great sadness that we record the death on Mr John McCallum (Snr) on 14 Feb 2012, aged 82.
The McCallum name is synonymous with sand-dredging and sand supply – Johns grandfather was a tug master, and his father the founder of the barging business.
In addition to the sand business the McCallum name is associated with the red decorative chip (McCallums chip) which is featured on the shoulders of many of Auckland motorways, and sourced from McCallums Island.
For more background please read the encompassing article (attached) titled Seeing Red about the McCallum business, written by The Contractor Federation magazine’s Hugh deLacy in 2006.
John was an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying, and has been a loyal supporter, particularly of the Auckland Branch, and until recently, rarely missed a meeting. He always maintained a cheerful disposition despite suffering with severe back pain for the past few years.
John will always be remembered affectionately as an icon of both quarrying and sand industries. Our sincere condolences to John and Callum McCallum and families.