Calvin S. Skagfeld

Calvin Stanley Skagfeld passed peacefully April 12, 2021 in Victoria at the age of 91, surrounded by love and family.

How does one put into words and do justice to a 91 year life so well lived. As we gather thoughts and memories together, tears flow and chuckles rise. Cal, if some of the character you taught us can shine through then I think we will do just fine.

Born November 19, 1929 in Winnipeg, Cal was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Lila May (ne Huehn, d. November 17, 2009). He is survived by his loving big sister Irene and all his children - Cathy Jackson (Punch), Arlene Skagfeld (Wendy), Paul Skagfeld, Diane Skagfeld-Dyck (Dave), Laura Skagfeld-Waters (Cory). Grandchildren Carrie (Sean), Sarah (Skylar), James (Tamara) Jackson; Skye, Calvin “Siggy” (Lindsay), Sam Skagfeld; Jordan (Krystal), Benjamin Dyck; Cameron, Emily (Julian) St. Godard, Kieran, Celina Waters. Great grandchildren Aidan Chelsberg, Fiona Skagfeld, Oliver Seale Jackson and Nora Grace Biagi.

Cal was an entrepreneur, an innovator, a mentor. In 1960 he brought Canada’s first dine-in pizza to Winnipeg, starting the Pizza Place as “the place to go for pizza”. After selling in 1975, Cal, Lila and Laura moved to Papua New Guinea for two years as a CUSO volunteer before landing in Victoria, BC for the last 40 years.

Where Cal and Lila went, family followed; where family went, they followed - with four of five children on Vancouver Island. He loved his entire family and extended family and kept up on their activities. Even in this very tough last year he stayed connected to the world, family and friends with Facebook, messenger, email, google and good old fashion phone calls.

Cal will be fondly remembered by all who met him. He put people at ease, shared stories freely and connected because he was genuinely curious and interested. Cal was quick to reach out in good and bad, or just because. And he was always there in times of need. His presence and charm were matched only by his love of shared laughing-out-loud hilarity. Uff dah!

Cal was a real gentleman and man of integrity, with an amazing mind and caring heart. He maintained his sharp mind and sense of humour to the end. His only lifelong lapse in judgment … Minnesota Vikings. His outlook on life was to find the positive that is there, if we but look.

Cal passed with grace and in peace. The family offers deep appreciation for his friends old and new, Dr. Lush and Dr. Bell, the JCC and his dear friends there, his VIHA caregivers, Emil and Reno, community healthcare, and the beautiful professionals at Victoria General Hospital – Leah, Christina, Dr. Hegan, Dr. Bester and the extended team.

He wanted us to celebrate his life – the family will lay Cal to rest beside Lila soon, and will arrange for a celebration when we can all gather and raise a glass, share stories and hug in person. Oh Calvin, we love and will miss you deeply.

For the past 12 years, Cal looked forward to his weekly lunch the Jewish Community Centre on Shelbourne St, where they welcomed the Nordic Calvin with open arms. Donations to the JCC in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.