News Summary
Pastor Leroy Wayne Calbom, a revered community leader and dedicated minister, has passed away at the age of 90. His legacy includes decades of service, compassion, and social justice advocacy, impacting countless lives throughout his pastoral journey. His efforts spanned numerous churches and community initiatives, particularly in Phoenix, where he founded the Interfaith Cooperative Ministry. Calbom is remembered not only for his leadership within the United Church of Christ but also for his humor, love for family, and commitment to helping those in need.
Phoenix, Arizona – Revered Pastor Leroy Wayne Calbom passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by family. His death marks the end of a transformative life dedicated to ministry and community service, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of compassion and commitment to those in need.
Born on June 7, 1935, in Mount Vernon, Washington, Calbom was raised in Seattle, Washington, where he grew up alongside his parents, Wendell and Muriel Calbom, and his older sister, Lila. His early engagement with the local church youth group played a significant role in shaping his future commitment to ministry.
Calbom’s educational journey began at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where he simultaneously served as a Youth Minister at various Methodist churches in 1956. It was during this time that he met Rita Stierwalt in McCleary, Washington. The couple tied the knot on June 21, 1958, in Tacoma, and enjoyed a marriage that lasted over 66 years.
In 1960, Calbom earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, after which he was ordained into the United Church of Christ. He began his ministry as an Associate Youth Minister and later served as the Interim Minister at the First Congregational Church of Redwood City, California. His pastoral journey included significant tenures such as being the pastor of Alki Congregational Church in Seattle from 1964 to 1972 and then taking on the role of Senior Minister at Westminster Congregational Church in Spokane, Washington.
Throughout his career, Calbom was noted for his dedication to social justice and awareness. He created a compelling black-and-white photo essay depicting communities in South America living in extreme poverty, which was used to raise awareness among UCC congregations. In 1982, he became the minister of the First Congregational Church of Phoenix, Arizona, where he founded the Interfaith Cooperative Ministry to assist homeless individuals.
Calbom also played a pivotal role in establishing a hospital program that emphasized compassionate end-of-life care through ‘Dignity for the Death and Dying’ training. His final position was as the Associate Pastor and Director of Pastoral Care & Chaplain at Beatitudes Church in Phoenix, from which he retired in 2001. He was certified in BioMedical Ethics and contributed significantly to initiatives within both local and national church settings.
A leader within the United Church of Christ, Calbom served as Vice President of the United Church of Christ Board for World Ministries and was the Chairperson of the “Our Neighborhood Project” at Beatitudes Campus. His community engagement did not go unnoticed, as he was honored as Phoenix Volunteer of the Year by Beatitudes Campus in 2019.
In addition to his extensive ministerial work, Calbom had a variety of interests including photography, reading, and writing poetry. He enjoyed listening to classical and jazz music and cherished festive moments during Christmas. A lover of simple pleasures, he was particularly fond of chocolate ice cream and hot horseradish sauce and treasured each moment spent by the Pacific Ocean.
Calbom is remembered fondly for his humor, which he infused into sermons and writings, and for his deep love and appreciation for his wife, Rita, whom he often referred to as a “selfless saint.” He is survived by his beloved wife Rita; their daughter, Lisa Rader and husband Russ of Phoenix, AZ; their son, Jeff Calbom and wife Karen of Mission Viejo, CA; along with eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two nieces and one nephew.
A celebration of Pastor Leroy Wayne Calbom’s life will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Life Center at Beatitudes Campus, located at 1620 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Beatitudes Campus Foundation Resident Assistance Fund or Hospice of the Valley.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Central: Pastor Leroy Wayne Calbom Obituary
- Wikipedia: United Church of Christ
- AZ Central: Phoenix Community News
- Google Search: Leroy Wayne Calbom
- AZ Central: Jazz Music in Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Justice
- AZ Central: Spokane Community News
- Google News: Phoenix Volunteer of the Year
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