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Cody Calavan Obituary
Pfc. Cody Shea CALAVAN Our courageous and remarkable son, grandson, and brother was killed Saturday, May 29th in a bombing just south of Baghdad, Iraq, while defending this Nation in the War on Terror. We will miss his quick wit, his laughter, and the joy he brought to every life he touched. Pfc. Cody Shea Calavan has journeyed home to be with his grandparents, Art and Jean Thorsen, his mother, Kathy Jean Calavan, and his little brother, Joey Jay Calavan. Here, loving him always, are his father, David Calavan, step mother, Pamela Calavan, sister, Kalee Calavan Craig, brother and sister-in-law Chris and Kristi Craig, grandparents Ken and Ruth Puttkamer and Marian Craig, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We are very proud of Cody and his dedication of service to our country as a Marine. We are thankful for the 19 years he spent with us, and for the memories and laughter he filled our lives with. Cody loved giving gifts, spending time with friends and family, playing video games, skiing, water sports, and going to the movies. Cody gave back to his family infinitely more than he took, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts. The outpouring of love and support from the community has meant so much to all of the family. Thanks so much to everyone who offered their time, their support, and their condolences. We'd also like to thank all of you who have prayed for our family. Your prayers have been felt through the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and we are forever touched by your kindness. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Cody's life on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 11 a.m. at New Life Center Foursquare Church, 6830 Highland Drive, Everett, WA. All are welcome to attend. Semper Fi God bless our Marines. Cody Shea Calavan 11-14-84 to 5-29-04To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cody Calavan
Charlie Gili
July 1, 2022
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this month and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Cody Shea Calavan US Marine Private 1st Class.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Eric L. Gross
May 29, 2022
A dear friend, brother and hero. I will always remember Cody as a true Marine. Forever he will be missed. I think if you often old friend. Until we meet again.
Frank Dahlquist
May 26, 2019
15 years and will never forget the loss of Cody and what his sacrifice means to me. He is a true hero and patriot.
MGySgt wolbaum
March 20, 2015
Time heals all pain but we never forget and I will never forget.
MgSgt wolbaum
December 30, 2014
They say time heals all pain, but you never forget. I haven't forgot Semper Fi
Peggy Childers
May 29, 2013
To the family and friends of Pfc. Cody S. Calavan:
It has truly been my honor to sign Cody's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Cody will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Lynne Neibert
April 16, 2013
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your loved one's sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift which will be mailed to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Shaun Lenz
July 6, 2012
I was Calavan's squad leader in Iraq. Had I not been wounded 3 days earlier I probably would have been riding alongside him on the 29th. My last memory of Cody was him coming to check on me before they sent me off to Baghdad after I had been wounded. His concern was sincere and I was confident that he would be able to pick up the slack in my absence. As his squad leader it was my job to make him the best Marine that he could be. Those efforts payed dividends once we arrived in Ramadi and began doing our jobs. On one particular occasion during a gunfight on April 10, 2004 Cody actually surpassed me in tactical and strategic thinking by moving his machine gun and gun crew to the top of a near by building. This decision ultimately enabled him to suppress the enemy fire long enough to allow the pinned-down Marines of 2nd platoon to seek cover in near by buildings. Marines are trained to make those types of high stress, split second decisions and Cody made them with no hesitation. I saw the potential in him the day that he arrived in Echo Company. He was smart, witty and confident. Truly one of the best Marines that I served with. I would like to thank the Calavan's for giving me the opportunity to know Cody. Of all of the men that we lost over there He has the closest. All these years later I still think about him and am thankful that I had the opportunity know and serve alongside him.
June 20, 2012
I will be eternally grateful to PFC Cody Calavan for his service to this nation.
Peggy Childers
May 27, 2012
May 29, 2012
To the family and friends of Pfc. Cody S. Calavan:
Always remembering Cody. "Some gave all."
christine r
July 8, 2011
i actually went to school with joey, i remember when his mom passed and just recently found out about him and his brother. i cant believe it. joey and i were in the same class, he was my childhood crush......rip
Kelly-o Calavan
May 30, 2011
To Pfc. Cody S. Calavan & Family:
As a Calavan family member,I hold Cody I my heart. Cody gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to The Calavan family and Cody. Rest In Peace. "Cody gave all."
Peggy Childers
May 29, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Cody S. Calavan:
Please accept my remembrance of Cody on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
L Neal
May 28, 2011
To the family of PFC Cody S. Calavan:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
james boring
May 15, 2011
Only God and are men and women of are military have sacrificed their live's for the good of all. James Boring
May 15, 2011
My prayers go out to the Calavan family. As being in the military myself and servicing in Iraq, I know that Cody showed a lot courage servicing in the Armed forces and never will be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
May 30, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Cody S. Calavan:
Remembering Cody on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Elizabeth Lobo
May 23, 2010
Cody, You were loved by our family from the beginning of your life. The Twins thought of both you and Joey as their brothers, and indeed you all acted like brothers when you were together on those summer weekends when your mom worked and your dads were in Alaska. I miss the closeness of our families in those days...and the loss of you all is palpable in these moments of stillness and remembrance. I wish you peace.
pris geneve
May 9, 2010
Dear Cody, it's coming to your 6th anniversary. Your leaving had left a void to all those for loved and knew you. You were one of the greatest warrior God has sent and sadly I guessed he has another mission for you in heaven. If you can received this message, on behalf of all the people supporting the troops, I wanted you to know that you will never be forgotten and your memories will never fade in our hearts.
Kenna larra
October 12, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected]. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642
Peggy Childers
May 28, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Cody S. Calavan:
Cody gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
R Collis
August 7, 2008
It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Pfc Calavan. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Pfc Calavan knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never have to experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Pfc Calavan!
Shirley Stark
May 29, 2008
I am truly sorry for your loss. My heart shares your grief as we both lost our hero's on this date. I'm the grandmother of a Fallen Hero who is now in heaven with our Lord. Our brave boys served our Lord and country with dignity and honor and now it's time for them to rest. May God always be at your side and comfort you as He has me.
Bless you
Shirley
SPC Michael Wiesemann's grandma
In Memory of Cody ~ (Debra Estep)
May 29, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Cody, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
Your family has endured such painful losses, I pray your faith has carried you and continues to do so.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
Visit this link to hear the song.
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
The Neal family
May 17, 2008
To the family of Pfc. Calavan,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss(es). God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
April 5, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Calavan!
Andrew Calavan
April 3, 2008
Rest in Peace Cody.
Althea B
July 25, 2007
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and all that we hold sacred. Though tears can never bring you back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that you made and our sorrow at your passing. You are truly a hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your mission on earth is complete. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the heroes who have passed before.
July 10, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Calavan and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Garnet Jenkins
May 28, 2007
In Remembrance of your Fine Young Marine, Pfc. Cody S Calavan, with so much gratitude for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom. May Cody, rest safely in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with David Calavan and the Calavan family. I was so deeply sorry to learn of all the losses that you have endured within the past several years.
Having lost my 19 year old brother. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967 and the loss of a daughter 12 years ago, I know the pain you have and still are experiencing. I also know that ever so softly and slowly time does heal.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain. For the former things have have passed away." ~ Revelations 21:4 ~
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Cody, his brother and their mother, will remain in your heart forever. And Please know that this Grateful Country will Not Forget Cody's Sacrifice.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
SALLY BAGWELL
March 23, 2007
TO CODY'S PARENT'S AND FAMILY.I WORKED WITH CODY AT MCDANIELS FOR THE SHORT TIME HE WAS THERE,BEFORE HE LEFT TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY.BEING ALOT OLDER THAN HIM,I TRIED TO GET HIM TO CHANGE HIS MIND,AND GO TO COLLEGE INSTEAD. BUT I COULDN'T HELP BEING SO PROUD OF HIM WHEN HE SAID"NO,I WANT TO GO" WE TALKED ABOUT HIM FINISHING HIS EDUCATION WHEN HE GOT BACK,AND HE PROMISED HE WOULD.I KNOW HE WOULD HAVE.HE JUST WANTED TO TAKE A BREAK FROM SCHOOL RIGHT NOW,AND THEN HE COULD GET HIS EDUCATION PAID FOR.HE WAS ALWAYS THINKING AHEAD. I WAS PROUD TO SEE HIM COME IN,IN HIS FULL DRESS UNIFORM,JUST BEFORE HE LEFT.I SAID A SILENT PRAYER FOR HIM.HE NEVER REGRETTED THE CHOICE HE MADE.HE WAS ONE OF THE BRAVE THAT STOOD UP FOR WHAT HE BELIEVED IN AND FOR OUR COUNTRY.YOU ARE THE WONDERFUL PARENTS OF A HERO.I WAS HONORED TO KNOW AND WORK WITH A HERO.THANK- YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE.I KNOW THERE ARE NO WORDS TO HELP YOU AT THIS TIME,JUST KNOW HOW MUCH WE LOVED HIM AND HOW MUCH FUN WE HAD WORKING WITH HIM.AND HE WAS A VERY GOOD WORKER. GOOD-BYE HERO CODY,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Laura Cameron
September 10, 2006
To the family and friends
I have only just begun this journey and may not have known your loved one personally.
I extend to you my deepest condolences. No words will ever express the grief those close to this lost treasure are feeling. I can only say that I can share this grief as I too lost a loved one July 8, 2006. I will continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers and especially the family and friends of our lost hero’s. I only hope the memories will carry us through. I will continue pray that you also will believe and know that our heavenly father will not give us more than we can handle.
As always I read (and cry) through the memorials of our lost hero’s, So many people have already expressed the things I would also say. I am amazed and take comfort that so many people care. I can only thank you for the sacrifice you and especially Cody have made to protect our country. As others have said “I am only an email away.” I would be honored if you so choose to share about this fine man.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Laura Cameron
(CPL Joseph P Micks KIA 7/8/2006 Ramadi, Iraq)
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 2, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Calavan family in the loss of Cody. I did not know Cody, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the wonderful things written about you. It is coming up on 22 months since you were taken. Cody you are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Mandy Reid
December 26, 2005
I met Cody at Joey's Memorial service, being that i was one of Joeys best friends. Cody was an amazing person. I glad i got to meet him and that even though I only knew him for a tiny bit of time, i will always remember him and his loyalty and braveness. miss you cody and Joey!!! love ya
Angie Thomas
December 21, 2005
Cody, thank you for all you did and who you were. God keep you always.
Carter MSgt Wolbaum
November 3, 2005
PFC Cody Calavan will never be forgotten for his service and sacrifice.
S.F.
MSgt Wolbaum C
Jamie Hovik
August 15, 2005
We miss you Cody! And we pray for you and your family every day! Rest In Peace!!! xoxoxo
we love you
Laura LaCasse (Sister to Cpl. LaCasse, USMC)
August 3, 2005
Thinking of you guys, as I often do.
Vikki Paxton
August 2, 2005
The short time Cody and his brother Joey were on this Earth, their smiles brightened lives...with the devil twinkling in their eyes, they were both Angels...
Two souls of sunshine
Once babes in your arms
You’ll remember them always
For their sweet special charms
Their first smiles, first teeth, first steps and first “no’s”
The glimmer in their eyes when they teased you so
Their laughs and their hands, their hair and their toes
Will always be with you wherever you go
Now Angels in Heaven
With God by their sides
They’ll watch over the family
Through smooth times and trials
Men in their souls
Boys in your eyes
Love in your prayers
Remembrances in your lives
They’ll be remembered daily
By both family and friends
And with their Mom in Heaven
They’ll send peace for souls to mend.
Be proud and take heart
For they’ve not gone away
They’re just a bit quieter
As Angels are these days
You’ll hear them when you’re sleeping
You’ll see them when it snows
But rest assured they’re with you
For their love still grows
Cody...Joey...you are missed!
Mindy Duffy
May 23, 2005
I first want to say that I am so sorry to hear about Cody. He was one of the best people I ever had the pleasure to meet. I can remember meeting Cody at Lake Stevens Middle School. Since that day we were good friends. He always had a smile on his face...a smile that I will never forget. Cody was and always will be a great man. He will never be forgotten.
LaReine Ervin
June 16, 2004
I was heartbroken to hear of Cody's passing and the tradegies that have faced the Calavan family. My only memory of Cody was when he was very young and went to the same daycare as my daughter, Elyce. I remember his sweet little face, blond hair and big smile. I worked at ADE/AME with David for many years in the 80's.
As an American I thank Cody and your family for the service he gave to our country and for giving the ultimate sacrifice to do so.
God Bless you all.
LaReine
(formerly Steve Sandbakken's wife)
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