Calvin Green French Jr.

Calvin French was an honest, hardworking man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He worked hard to care for his loved ones and would sacrifice whatever was necessary to make sure they had what they needed. Those close to Cal knew how much they meant to him, if not by his words, then by his actions of love and dedication. 1935 is probably best known for the events in Europe that were leading up to World War II. However, good things also happened that year. Amelia Earhart made the first solo flight from Hawaii to California, Baby Ruth hit his 714th and last homerun, and Parker Brothers released their new game "Monopoly." In the small town of Paris, Tennessee, great things were also happening for Calvin French Sr. and his wife, Edna (McElroy). On July 29, 1935, they happily welcomed the birth of their first child, son Calvin Green Jr. A few years later, he was joined by this younger brother, Harvey. Cal's parents both worked outside the home to support their family. His father earned a living as a train engineer, while his mother worked as a waitress and cleaned houses on the weekend. When Cal was only five, his parents divorced and his mother moved to Chicago, taking his younger brother with her while Cal stayed with his father. Calvin Sr. was known to be a real lady's man that resulted in several marriages and six more children. Young Cal was glad to have more siblings and playmates. As a young boy, Cal proved to be quite adventurous and fearless. Although he was on the small side compared to his buddies, he kept up with the best of them and was tough. Like many boys, Cal liked to hunt with his coon dogs for frogs or other small animals. When Cal was 13, he went to live with his mother in Chicago for a while. They lived in downtown Chicago near the Loop which was not always the nicest area because of boy gangs in the neighborhood. With his tough boy attitude, Cal found himself in many fights, and learned "street smarts" rather quickly. But he wasn't always aggressive; Cal had a real soft spot for animals and got a job working in a stable, caring for horses. After three years with his mom, Cal moved to Muskegon, Michigan where his Dad now lived, and got a job at Shaw Walker, with his father's help. After some time, Cal agreed to go on a blind date with Pat Boyns, a date set up by her friend Donna. This was Pat's very first date ever and Cal swept her right off her feet. Aside from his debonair good looks, Pat says he was a fabulous kisser and very passionate. By their third date, Cal knew Pat was the woman for him and wasted no time in buying a ring. After saying I do, the newlyweds rented a small house where they soon welcomed the birth of their first child, son Daniel. After Cal was laid off from his job at Shaw, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and shipped out to Paris Island for boot camp. Upon completion, Cal was stationed at Camp LaJeune, South Carolina, and his family joined him there after two years. While there, Cal and Pat welcomed the birth of their second son, Harvey. After being honorably discharged, Cal, Pat along with their two sons moved back to Muskegon, and soon welcomed their baby girl, Dawn, into their family. Later came Eric, David and Kathy. Luckily, Cal was able to return to work at Shaw Walker, where he remained a dedicated, hardworking employee for 25 years. During this time, he also took classes at the local college to be a Millwright and supervisor. Cal spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father and husband, succeeding in providing the best for his family. He and Pat raised their children on a 24-acre farm in Ravenna, complete with its own pond, apple orchard and farm animals, namely a few pigs, cows and horses. Their chief crop was used to produce pickles. Because Cal had his day job, Pat was the one who ran the farm, in addition to taking care of the kids. She made sure they learned responsibility by pitching in around the farm. Sadly, one summer their farmhouse burnt down and they had to live in a bus while Cal set forth in rebuilding their home. Some time later, the family was forced to move from their farm when the Muskegon Wastewater System expanded and bought their land for this cause. Once again, Cal used his masterful carpentry skills to build their dream home on Maple Island Road, which boasted of majestic pillars on the front and a lovely staircase to the upstairs. Cal took great pride in his home. Time together as a family was always important to Cal. Each summer, he and his family went back to Paris, Tennessee to visit relatives and do some camping. During the holidays, they often visited Cal's mother in Chicago. Although not an avid hunter, Cal enjoyed taking his boys deer hunting, teaching them what he learned from his father. After his children were older, they blessed him with several grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he loved dearly. He loved preparing Easter Egg hunts for his grandchildren. Easter was his favorite holiday with his grandchildren. He poured the same amount of love into these relationships as he did with his own children. Although they still loved each other, Cal and Pat went their separate ways. Cal moved out and his daughter Katrina, with whom he was very close, came to live with him. After Cal retired from Shaw Walker, he went into the millwright trades and worked in that capacity for 28 more years, before retiring in 2003. He decided to travel the world and visited places like Spain, Australia, Rome, France, London, Hawaii, just to name a few. A real history buff, Cal learned much from his travels abroad. At one time in his life, Cal was very active in the Masonic Temple and, through much studying, he was able to attain the rank of President of the Temple. Cal found happiness in many things, but nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family and friends. He loved to get together with his buddies to play cards and, when they were down on their luck, he helped them to get jobs. His love for animals never diminished through the years and his beloved Chihuahuas always had a special place in his heart, particularly one named Mouse. Like kids, they loved to go for a drive in the car, sitting on Cal's lap to see out the window. Cal's hard work provided him with a full and happy life. His family will always remember his loyalty, his generous nature and his unconditional love for them. He will be deeply missed. Calvin Green French, Jr., age 70, of Muskegon, MI, died on Tuesday, April 25, 2006. He is survived by his former wife, Pat French; 4 sons: Daniel (Shelley) French of Montague, C. Harvey French of KY, Eric French of Ravenna and David French of Ravenna; 2 daughters: Dawn (David) Sugarbaker of Nunica and Katrina French of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Linda; 6 brothers: James Stegman of Muskegon, Harvey (Theresa) French of Shelby, Rev. Tom (Carla) French of Cayman Islands, Robert French of FL, Ralph French of TX and Chester French of AL. Cal was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Melissa and Rachael Sugarbaker. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, at 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Tom French officiating. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery with a Military Service under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council. Friends may visit with Cal's family on Sunday, April 30, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. with a Masonic service at 6.30 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Cal, sign the online guestbook or make a memorial contribution.