Calvin Richard Cressey

Calvin Richard Cressey, 97, of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025. Born on July 8, 1927, Cal lived a long and vibrant life full of adventure, determination, and deep love for family.

He is survived by his children, Marvin and Gail, and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois, and his son, Martin.

From an early age, Cal showed a spirit of independence and adventure. As boys, he and his brother spent summers alone at the family cottage, learning responsibility and resilience while enjoying the carefree lakefront days that would become cherished memories later in life.

In his early twenties, Cal worked as a skilled carpenter. At 26, in the final year of his eligibility, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Okinawa.

In his 30s, Cal and his wife Lois pursued a shared dream, launching one of Michigan's first do-it-yourself kitchen and bath businesses. Through hard work, creativity, and sacrifice, they built a thriving enterprise that supported a lifetime of shared adventures.

In their 40s, Cal and Lois purchased a summer home at Pettibone Lake—a place that became the heart of countless joyful moments for family and friends. Their children, Marty, Marvin, and Gail, thrived in this environment of nature, water sports, minibikes, and in Gail’s case, a cherished horse named Casey. Ever the animal lover, Cal once rescued an injured crow named Charlie, who became a constant companion for years—perching on his arm or shoulder, yet always free to fly.

After retiring in his mid-50s, Cal and Lois moved to Florida, where they built their own home and continued to embrace life’s adventures. With the encouragement of their eldest son Marty, a certified divemaster, they became certified scuba divers, exploring ocean depths of up to 100 feet.

Never ones to slow down, the couple also trained to become emergency medical technicians, despite having no previous medical experience. Cal later became the administrative director of their local EMT service, drawing on his entrepreneurial background and leadership skills.

Their zest for life carried them across the country in an RV as campground hosts in numerous national parks, and later around the globe on international adventures to places such as China, Vietnam, Australia, Africa, the Amazon, and more.

Together, Cal and Lois were a true team—partners in love and life. They were known for their warmth, humor, generosity, and unshakable optimism. Whether you knew them for decades or met them just once, you felt like family in their presence.

Cal leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, resilience, and a life lived to the fullest. May he now rest in peace and continue his next great adventure in the life beyond—reunited with Lois, and forever remembered by those who loved him.