Calvin was born November 3, 1945 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was the second son of Wallace Grigsby McDaniel and Helon Hope Dawson. He spent most of his childhood in Orlando, Florida, catching alligators and snakes and running around with his friends. He enjoyed occasional long-haul rides with his truck driver father.
A decorated veteran and proud Marine all his life, Cal entered the service in 1963. He was selected to stand in the Funeral Honor Guard for John F. Kennedy, Jr. while his body was lying in state. Cal later served in the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded a Purple Heart, among many other medals and distinctions. He learned North Vietnamese in the Military Language School and acted as an interpreter during the war.
He married his first wife and they welcomed their first son, Stephen, in 1965. After his military service he lived and worked in Hawaii, where he met his true love Pamela Jean Bullock while working at Kaiser Hospital in Honolulu. They were married on February 2, 1978, and later moved to Salt Lake City, where they welcomed their son Matthew in 1981. After living in Montana and Florida, they eventually returned to Utah to be closer to family.
Cal loved golfing, bowling, and playing pool, especially with his sons. Though he was competitive, he patiently endured their good-natured ribbing. He also collected guns and was an excellent marksman.
One of his favorite things was traveling the world with his family. Together, Pam and Cal visited six continents and numerous countries. Many great memories were made on golf trips with his sons and family vacations with his grandchildren, where he enjoyed playing games and sharing stories of his childhood.
Cal excelled in his career in healthcare administration and was able to put his education and experience to use all over the country. He was well-liked and respected in his professional life and counted many of his colleagues as close personal friends.
Cal is deeply loved by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as his many nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Mac”. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren, and took great pride in them.
He taught us a lot through his cancer journey. He suffered meekly and always sought to care for the needs of his family before his own. One of his greatest friends and supporters was his brother-in-law Dale Beam, who spent many hours at his side during cancer treatment and later on hospice. The family also wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hospice Care.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sweetheart of 45 years, Pam, and his sons Stephen (Maria) and Matthew (Marci), as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at the Canyon Creek Ward building, 7035 Nutree Drive in Cottonwood Heights. There will be a viewing prior to services at 10 am, with a viewing on Monday May 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive in Millcreek.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wasatchlawn.com for the McDaniel family.
