On the afternoon of December 27th, Cal passed away peacefully, in his home with his family at his side. He will be fondly remembered by his loving and devoted wife Dorothy, his children Debbie, Sandra (Brian), Cathie (Jerry), Scott (Michelle), and Audrey (David), his brothers Don, Les, and Al, his 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Madge and Clayton and younger sister Elaine.
Cal was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and raised in Regina. He met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life and started a family. He lived in Winnipeg, Calgary, and Green Lake, before moving to Kamloops.
Music was his life, career, and passion. He got his start in the Regina Boys’ Band and worked for the King Bros. Circus. He joined the R.C.M.P Band. From there he played in the Canadian Military Bands in Winnipeg and Calgary. Cal stayed active in music and continued to arrange and compose. He played his last concert with the Thompson Valley Community Orchestral Society at Kamloops Seniors Village this December.
He loved people, telling stories, playing poker and games, spending time on his computer, reading, and visiting family and friends. Cal and Toots loved to travel and would drive miles and miles across the country to visit or help out where needed. He has been a ‘Friend of Bill’ for 58 years and was a mentor and friend to many.
The family would like to give special thanks to the ambulance attendants, the R.C.M.P., and the coroner who were so kind and supportive. Thank you also to Dr. Montelbetti, Dr.Khoo, the Cancer Clinic, and the staff at Royal Inland Hospital for the excellent care he received over the years.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made in lieu to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. There will be no service as per his wishes.
4 Tributes
Scott, Michelle, Suzanne, Michael and all the family. We’re so sorry to hear the sad news about this wonderful man. All my memories of Cal are happy ones. I remember the very first time I saw Cal. It was back in the ‘70’s at Arcade Music downtown on 7th Ave in Calgary. I walked in the store one day and saw this guy sitting behind the counter. He had long hair and was wearing a Mountie hat. And he was smoking one of those skinny little “More” cigarette/cigar things. I thought to myself, (what a cool looking dude). I believe the first words out of his mouth were a joke of some kind. He had a marvelous sense of humor. God Bless you all. We love you. Glen & Sharon.
I was very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with all of you. I don’t think I ever saw Cal without a smile – usually at a Watch Lake – Green Lake community event. And singing the song “K K K Katie” to Kate. Hugs to you all,
Pam
I was shocked to see Cal’s obituary today. My attention was drawn by the reference to the Regina Boys band. I played in the band with Cal and have many great memories of the times we spent marching, playing concerts and traveling to band contests. I have not seen him since my family left Regina 1945 or 1946 but remember him clearly. My condolences to the family.
I was looking to see if Arcade Music still existed only to find that Cal had passed away. My sincere sympathy to all the family. I am sure you still miss him. He was just that kind of guy, a knowledgeable musician, and I will always think of him fondly.
Scott played drums with our band for a few years. Sending love to you and Michelle.