Vernon E. CALSY

1929 - 2016

CALSY, Vernon E. Vernon E. Calsy, age 86, passed away at his home in Santa Rosa on September 1, 2016. He was born in San Francisco in 1929, the son of George and Theresa Calsy and a resident of Santa Rosa for 58 years. He is survived by his wife, Jean; three daughters, Adrianne, Alison, and Bethany Calsy; three stepsons, Neal, Byron, and Carey Blodgett; their spouses and 16 grandchildren; a sister, Meredith Steele of Grants Pass, OR; two nieces, and a nephew. Vernon grew up in San Mateo and graduated from San Jose State and Berkeley. He served his country during the Korean conflict in the Air Force before starting his career as an educator, working as a teacher and elementary school principal for 35 years. Vernon believed strongly in the importance of community service and was fully committed to whatever he was involved in. Over the years, he served as a board member and president of the YMCA, on the Library Commission and Advisory Board, on the United Way, the Symphony board, SIRS, an investment club, Redwood Empire Shipwrights, and the Chair of a City Task Force for Community Involvement. Vernon was a member of Resurrection Parish. He had a special affinity for Yosemite National Park having worked there as a youth, was a Master Gardener, and in retirement, taught himself to play the ukulele. Vernon especially loved to travel the world and dearly loved his family. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the YMCA, 1111 College Avenue, SR, 95404; to the Yosemite Conservancy, 101 Montgomery, Ste 1700, San Francisco, 94104; Sonoma County Public Library, 211 E. Street, SR; or a charity of your choice.