Calvin Edgar Wilson

Dad's mom, Charlotte (who liked to be called Shirley) Johnson was born in England. She had 9 children, with 3 different husbands..

Her first husband was Preston Wilson and they had 3 children, George, Calvin and Ramona.

with her second husband, who's last name was Chatters, she had Danny, Doreen and James "Jimmy" and with her third husband, last name Smith, came along Barry and Don.

Dad's father Preston Calvin Wilson, was born in Beverly, Alberta. Grandpa was a "True Irishman"

Dad was also born in Beverly Alberta on October 7, 1928. He was a handsome young man with his dark curly hair and blue eyes, but with that also came the Irish Temper.

At the young age of about 4, Dad was placed in the foster Care System with his siblings, George and Ramona. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown to us, they were separated from each other. George and Ramona went to one family and Dad to another.

Being on his own in Foster Care in contentious settings led Dad to run away around age 13 years. He was found by Child Services aboard the ship Princess Louise. Thankfully luck was finally on his side and the Captain of the vessel had a soft spot for him and signed papers so that he could stay on board. He put him to work to pay for his stay. Dad worked on the vessel for 3 months learning as much as he could.

Dad had many jobs in his life time, he worked on the Liberty Boats deep sea fishing. He worked in logging camps, saw mills and was a truck driver for the Teamsters and then he had a long career of welding.

Dad didn't have a lot of education but that didn't stop him from finding work.

Later on in life, Dad met up with his mom and his other siblings in Vancouver. They lived on Commercial Drive by the train tracks for approx. 7 years. They then moved to East 7th and Granville. There is a very cool photo of Dad and his cousin and best friend, Bud walking down Granville.

Dad met his first wife, Mary they married and had 2 children, Darlene and Daniel (we all call him Big Danny). He later met our mom, Arlyn Froese and they married on June 12, 1952. That relationship resulted in 5 children, Danny, Gail, Cindy, Tammy and Tom. There was a big age gap of 14 years between the eldest and the youngest. Dad and Mom purchased a home on 7th and Fraser in Vancouver with help from Uncle John (mom's brother). The house they purchased had been used as a rental property back in the day. For a small down payment, Uncle John sold them the house. They lived in that house for 17 years, spending a lot of time fixing it up inside and out. They were so proud of it... it was a very nice home. We all as siblings have different memories of our growing up in that house. Much due to the age gap...

Dad loved music, especially Johnny Cash. He was quite the dancer in his day, he had all the moves. He was also a very sharp dresser.

Dad belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a member for 51 years. We kids loved those Christmas Parties. Dad also love and took pride in his vehicles, especially his Ford Mustang (the California Special) and his 1979 Black Lincoln

One of the things we all remember is that Dad loved "stuff" Old and New... He enjoyed going to outdoor Flea Markets, garage sales and any place that he could find a bargain. He really enjoyed striking up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path. He'd light up a smoke and just chat away!

Dad had a big heart for others. He was well known to help people less fortunate than himself.

We enjoyed a few summer trips visiting Dad's brother George and his wife Doris and their son Kelly, in Parksville. In later years, visiting Dad in Britannia Beach and the small Shuswap.

Someone special to Dad was his Uncle Jo, who he respected. Jo's son Bud became best friends with Dad, a relationship that grew into the long lasting friendship of a life time. Bud and Henrietta visited Dad often at the Mission Long Term Care Residential Facility where Dad has been living since his health began to deteriorate 4 years ago. We are so happy Dad had them in his life. I'm sure that Bud has many "Good Old Stories" to share.

Dad live a long life of 91 years, that's really something remarkable.

We can't thank the staff enough for the excellent care and support they gave to our Dad. Thanks for making Dad comfortable and we know he touched a lot of you also. None of us can thank our sister Tammy enough for finding a home for Dad that provided him the best care for his final years.

Dad's sister Ramona, who resides on Galiano Island and just celebrated her 90th birthday, passes on her condolences and love to al of Calvin's children, and their families.

Now let's enjoy this time together, remembering and sharing stories about our Dad, grandpa, great grandpa, father in law and best friend.

Peace

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It is with sadness the family of Calvin Edgar Wilson announces his passing on October 27, 2019 at the age of 91 years. Cal was born on October 7, 1928 in Beverly Alberta.

Married four times, Cal was blessed to have fathered seven wonderful children, 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Cal was very proud to be a welder at the Vancouver shipyards and his membership in the Marine Workers’ and Boilermakers’ Industrial Union. He was also a long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the staff at the Trim Residence in Mission for the exceptional care they provided to their father in his final years.

A memorial service will take place 11:00 am, Saturday November 9, 2019 at the Woodlawn Mission Funeral Home, 7386 Horn St., Mission, BC.