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Kenneth Gordon Calhoun, Sr.
1925 - 2012
Kenneth Calhoun, Sr. Obituary
Sept .14, 1925 – Jan. 23, 2013
Kenneth ("Papa") Gordon Calhoun Sr., passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his loving children, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Rideout Hospital in Marysville following a brief bout with pneumonia. He was 87.
Ken was born in Alameda, on Sept. 4, 1925. He led an exemplary life. Having grown up in the Depression he worked very hard to make a comfortable life for his family. In 1945 Ken became a Class 45C pilot in the Army Air Corps, earning his wings on May 23, 1945. Following WWII he attended San Jose State University majoring in ag business and playing football. It was in an animal husbandry class, that he met the love of his life, Vivian Brizee, thanks to dear friend Mern Arkley.
Ken and Vivian were married on Nov. 25, 1953, in San Francisco. They settled in Yuba City where they raised their four children, during which time Ken became the head of field operations for Hunt Wesson Foods in Northern California, until his retirement in 1991, after 42 years.
Our father was a very civic-minded man. A loyal member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, Rotary Club of Yuba City-District 519 for 58 years, the Middle Mountain Foundation-Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, the Citizen's Advisory Committee for flood control in Sutter County, the Madison River Foundation, Ennis, Mont., and he played an extremely active role as a trustee for the Mary M. Aaron Memorial Trust-Scholarship Fund.
Throughout his life he was an avid hunter, fly-fisherman and photographer. It was 47 years ago that Ken and Vivian began piling the kids into the family vehicles for the long day and a half drive to West Yellowstone, Mont. This is where fly fishing, friends, photography and Yellowstone became the annual summer pilgrimage. Following Kens retirement he built his dream cabin, overlooking Hebgen Lake, where our family will continue to vacation every summer with gratitude.
Ken and Vivian traveled extensively through much of the world. A favorite destination was England where Vivian's family is from. He was a huge San Francisco 49er fan going back to the days at Kezar Stadium. He loved watching golf, playing poker and watching 49er games with his good buddies. He will be fondly remembered for his generosity, kindness, his huge, infectious smile, his beautiful photographs of the Sutter Buttes and his knack for being a little intimidating at times!
Ken is survived by Vivian, his beautiful wife of 60 years. He is also survived by sons Kenny Calhoun (Lisa) of Woodland, Jeff Calhoun (Mary Mendivil) of Visalia; daughters Cindy Miller (Troy) of Bozeman, Mont., and Becky Foster (Harold) of Yuba City. Grandchildren include Leslie Calhoun (Chris Camp) of Oakland, John Calhoun (Amanda) of San Jose, Callie Bassett (Brandan) of Bozeman, Max Miller of Bozeman, Kelsie Foster of Yuba City and Amie Wallace of Woodland. His greatest joy, recently, was his great-grandson, Benjamin, "The King," Calhoun, son of John and Amanda. He sadly leaves behind his beloved brother Wayne Calhoun of Livermore, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Road in Yuba City at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, following a private interment. Donations in Ken's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the charity of donors' choice. Ullrey Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Calhoun, Sr.
Eric Nelson
January 20, 2020
At 4:30 AM this morning, as I sumbled around our home I spotted a large picture of Snow Geese that my son Colten took and had framed. My first thought was of you and your extensive collection of waterfowl photographs. Now as I sit waiting for Colten to get moving, I am sipping coffee and remembering you along with so many others who broke trail for me in my life of Duck Hunting. I smell a pipe!
Colin & Lori Kalahar
February 19, 2013
Outstanding man. They just don't make them like this anymore. However, Ken can give some of us younger Calhoun descendants something to aspire to. God Bless.
February 9, 2013
Goid Bless all of the Calhoun FAMIL LOVE MARY SNYDER
Marc Beoshanz
February 1, 2013
Kenny,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you loved your father very much. I never had a chance to meet him but if he was anthing like you then I know he was a good man.
Eric Nelson
January 30, 2013
I, like you, have a love of Mother Nature's Paradise. Know that your picture still hangs on the wall at Blind Toms Duck Shack. Every once and a while I smell pipe smoke in the blind. It brings me good feelings to know life can be that good. Ken, you lived it right. I'll wet a few flies while attempting to emulate your superb casts. I'll think of you while training Debbe's new German shorthaired pointer ChoLee. And when the light is just right warming our Sutter Buttes I will remember the best photographer of our little mountain range. Thanks for the memories.
Eric Nelson
Lori South
January 30, 2013
My thoughts are with all of the family and wish I could have been there yesterday to pay my respects. I have many fond memories of our Easter outings, now so long ago, and always look forward to seeing you guys when you were in Livermore. Your dad sure had a wonderful life and has left you all with many good memories.
Tom and Ginny Monroe
January 29, 2013
Kenny and Lisa
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ed Gerving
January 29, 2013
Jeff,
Saw the notice in the newpaper about your Dad. Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.
Kevin Winn
January 29, 2013
Our thoughts go out to you! May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 29, 2013
Calhoun Family,
I knew both of your parents through church and am so saddened by your recent loss. Your dad's photograph graces our office (Yuba City Fire Department) and I so remember visiting with your dad numerous times to choose the perfect view of the Sutter Buttes. He was a perfectionist and so heartfelt in everything he touched.
May your grief be lessened by knowing your dad lived life to its fullest~!
Janelle Lemoine Saigeon
Chris Benedix
January 28, 2013
Dear Family,I have a message from my brother Chris Benedix,he retreats that he will not be able to attend the service tomorrow he is sick. He said he learned a lot from your Dad& he will miss him very much. Love, Chris
January 28, 2013
What a wonderful friend he was to our family, and to our parents, Bob and June Wallace. He made regular visits to their house on his daily walks, when they were unable to get out much themselves. God bless him. My deepest sympathies to the family, Sincerely, Tim Wallace
Jon Renfrow
January 28, 2013
I can remember years of hunting with Ken and my father and to many potluck dinners to count. Ken came to my parents home after their passing in Dec. 08 just to see if we were ok. He was one of the kindest and warmest of my parents friends and I keep one of his photos taken on a day we were hunting on my wall. We are so sorry for your loss. Best regards,
Jon Renfrow
Dan and Maryalice Mahoney
January 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May your wonderful memories of your Dad sustain you--We are so pleased that we have one of your Dad's beautiful photo's of the Sutter Butts--We have it in a great place where we can look at it every day and think of all of you there in Yuba City.
We send you love--hugs--and prayers...Take good care--Maryalice and Dan--
Lori Hudson Puente
January 28, 2013
I recently had the privilege of an amazing week at the Calhoun/Mentink West Yellowstone digs. Mr. Calhoun's lasting impact and legacy will abound for generations. It's never easy to lose a father no matter how long or short their life. My heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
January 28, 2013
To Becky and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I loved talking to him over the many years of him shopping in Raley's. I also loved making the rose arrangements for him to take to his lovely wife. "Mr. Calhoun" as I always called him, always had a great smile and fun story for me. He will be greatly missed!
Sincerely,
Terry, Karl & Kathleen Lundeberg
January 28, 2013
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your recent loss.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family
January 28, 2013
The Schneider's will dearly miss seeing and visiting with Ken at Hebgen Lake. His sharing of photos and stories with us was always a great time and inspired us to take more time to enjoy the great outdoors. Condolances to the entire Calhoun clan.
Mike, Anne, Matt, Joe, Brittany, Tony and Sandie Schneider.
Joseph Antonini
January 28, 2013
To all the Calhouns,
It was a great pleasure to know Ken. Ken worked with 3 generations of our family while at Hunt's. I enjoyed staying in touch with Ken after his retirement as Ken was always very gracious and caring about how everyone was. The Calhoun family has much to be proud of and we will all miss Ken.
The Antonini family, Rudy, Bev, Karen, Joe and Mark
The Rineks
January 28, 2013
A remarkable family. Remarkable children. Our most sincere thoughts and wishes
January 27, 2013
Thank you Ken for offering such a warm welcome to us when we joined the small family of Hebgen Lake. You were such a caring person and we have thought of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you know. Please rest peacefully in your new home. It was a real joy to know you.
Tam and Loretta Poland
Gary and Crystal Mentink
January 27, 2013
Vivian, Kenny, Cindy, Jeff, Becky
We were saddened to hear about Ken. We know you will find comfort in knowing how many people have great memories of your dad. We feel very fortunate to have many great memories that go back 40 plus years. We enjoyed many fun times with Ken and family in Montana. From the early days at Kirkwood eating freshly smoked trout over cocktails or playing the "Oldie Wed Game" and learning Ken did not like his pancakes served upside down. From that point on, I knew Ken was a perfectionist and it would show in his fishing skills and photography.There were too many trips to the Madison to count. From 3 Dollar Bridge to the Fence Line there were many new trails blazed by Ken and buddies to offer new access to the river. It was difficult to out fish Ken as his skills, determination and experience consistently caught fish when others were not quite as fortunate. Lunches on the river were highlighted by CA tomatoes which were treated like gold. After a hard day of pounding the river and everyone totally exhausted, Ken would magically produce some refreshments from his leather case. Suddenly there was new sign of life as the BS between the fisherman gathered steam. The stories got more expressive and the fish got bigger all the way back to the cabins. The women at the cabin were sometimes confused with the numbers and size of the trout reported by the returning warriors. The next day it would happen all over again. The fish in Montana are breathing a sigh of relief, but still shaking in their scales, as Ken's children and grandchildren are fine tuning their fishing skills that were passed down by their father and grandfather.
Ken's cabin was always open and still is for a visit or dinner. We want to thank your father for being a great friend to the entire Mentink family. So, hail to the last member of the Madison River Trout Bandits. Rest in peace but don't get too comfortable, there are a couple guys waiting to fish with you again. The word I got was, the fish are huge and plentiful. Oh, and the pancakes will be served right side up.
Thank you for the memories
Teresa Nobrega
January 27, 2013
Dearest Calhoun family,
To describe in a few words what your father meant to our family would be impossible. In short, he impacted our lives in so many positive ways; my sons loved the stories of hunting and fishing; my husband loved the float trips and his total love, dedication and devotion to the cause of all things trout; and me...I will miss my surrogate Montana Dad...who relentlessly teased me about my unorthodox cast, and consistently questioned my ability to measure the ones that got away....It was a pure honor to know you Mr.Ken....but to fish with you...now that was an ethereal experience...and I bow to your superiority on the stream....because only while fishing with you did it become more of a pleasure to watch than to participate. It was a religious experience to watch you make music on a trout stream...if there was ever more passion mixed with skill on a river, I have never witnessed it. Rest in peace my dear sweet friend...you will live on in my heart forever.
Cathy Decaro
January 26, 2013
We will miss yourDad,he was such a kind &caring person. I'm sorry I can't join you in the celebration of his life . Love the Decaros
Jennifer Renfrow
January 26, 2013
God broke the mold when he created this man. My prayer is that he and my dad are sitting down to play poker and swap hunting and fishing stories! We love Ken and Vivian and you are all in my prayers!
January 26, 2013
We have such wonderful memories of your dad. He was such a good man and a good friend. We are visiting my sister in Virginia and won't be back until Wednesday. Please know our thoughts are with you all. Pete and Cindy Jelavich
January 26, 2013
Your Dad was an inspiration. He helped Ita and I redevelop an interest in nature photography among other things. Our visits, sharing a glass of wine and a beer, after leaving the Fountains were looked forward to. His devotion to Vivian and the rest of his family were also a beauty to behold. Ken is a great man who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our prayers are with all of you and especially with Vivian. Jim and Ita Fuller
Sue Edelstein
January 26, 2013
Becky, Kenny, Jeff and Cindy
In spite the number of years that have passed since I last saw your folks, they have always remained near and dear to my heart and memories. I'm so sorry for your loss - he was a grand man indeed. So lovely, sensitive and caring. I"ll remember him fondly - always. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to talk with him on the phone a couple of years ago.
Your folks home was so open and welcoming and they accepted people unconditionally and without judgement. Exemplary role models for all of you kids and the grandchildren.
One of our greatest generations beautiful and gentle souls is gone. His spirit lives on in each and everyone of you!
Love to you all, Sue Edelstein
January 26, 2013
Family:
Linda and I are so saddened by your loss. We miss our walk around the block saying good morning to Ken. We miss the Rotary meetings and could always count on an a short visit. He always made you feel that he was interested in what you had to say. The last couple of days we've been looking at our photographs of the Buttes that Ken took. He'll always be a part of our lives. We have great memories.
Skip and Linda King
Los Alamos, New Mexico
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