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Calvin Trudo Obituary
SALISBURY - Calvin Lawrence Trudo, age 84, died Saturday, November 8, 2008, following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family, at Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury.
Mr. Trudo was born in Leicester on July 29, 1924, son of Alfred and Alice (Benedict) Trudo. In his early years, he had worked the family farm. He was a veteran of WWII having served in the United States Army in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in August 1946. Upon returning home, he operated a farm in Salisbury. He then began a career in the construction business; eventually he owned and operated Cal's Drag Line for many years. Following his retirement from construction in 1988, he continued working in the rubbish removal business until finally retiring at age 78. He had served the town of Salisbury as selectman for two terms. He was a member of Brandon American Legion Post #55 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Middlebury. He was an enthusiastic beekeeper and enjoyed hunting for wild honeybees. He was an avid hunter of rabbits and deer.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris Bryant Trudo of Salisbury, whom he married on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947, in Forestdale; two daughters, Calleen Brosse and her husband Richard of Brandon and Tonia Mulcahy of Salisbury; two sons, Keith Trudo and his wife Gerry of Addison and Kevin Trudo and his wife Sherry of Portales, N.M.; sister, Charlotte Elliott of Northampton, Mass.; a cousin, Royal Garvey of Rensselaer, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, Tracie, Patrick, Heidi, Heather, Matt, Sara, Kyle, Ben, Sam, Amanda and Troy; 18 great-grandchildren, Austin, Colton, Trysten, Erin, Ethan, Alex, Chantelle, Rylee, Cody, Breanna, Jakob, Caleb, Peyton, Jeremiah, Ashley, Megan, Broch and Lochlan. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by a grandson, Kristoffer; two brothers, Merrill and Joseph Trudo, and three sisters, Dorothy Mitchell, Viola Blasko and Evelyn Harris.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at 1 p.m. at The Forestdale Wesleyan Church. The Rev. John McDonald and Mr. Bertram Coolidge will co-officiate. The graveside committal service and burial with military honors will be held on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in West Cemetery in Salisbury. Following the committal service, the family will receive friends at the family's home, for a time of fellowship and remembrance.
There will be no public calling hours.
Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made in his memory to The Salisbury First Response Squad, c/o Gary Smith, PO Box 22, Salisbury, VT 05769; or the Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association, 19 Elm St., Middlebury, VT 05753.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
View the guest book at rutlandherald.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Trudo
KEVIN &FAMILY TRUDO
July 29, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD WE MISS YA BUT KNOW YOU FEEL BETTER GOD BLESS
Ben Trudo
November 29, 2008
Today we come together to remember my Gramp, my friend. Last Saturday Gramp was taken from us and given peace. We do not want to remember Gramp in his last hours on earth, as they were painful ones. We should instead look at this as a learning experience for all.
We are all given time on this earth to make an impression on others, like you and me. Gramp did this. Gramp showed me a lot about life and the things that we can do with what we have. Gramp did not tell me, he showed me.
Like finding fun in the smallest things in this world, like making a pair of stilts for me and Sam to play with for the weekend and to let me and Sam cut down all the small trees on the hill that we could as me and Sam called it clear cutting. That is the first forestry practice I did and I still like it.
One of the best memories of Gramp is the day that I got to driving all over Brandon and other towns to go and talk to people. We talked to so many people that day but one person was not home and Gramp said to me; ‘Ben, go up on that porch and pull the chairs in front of the door,” Without a second thought, I dash up to the porch and pull all the chairs up to the door and ran back to the car. As we drove away I said, “Why did we do that?” and he said back “Well they are not home so they now know that I was here.” Or the times he would see a husband and wife and comment, “Is that your daughter?”
Taking me and Sam out every spring to go digging for leeks and where the best places were to find them us a yearly mission. Leeks were a prize for Gramp, a very smelly one at that.
Everyday we need to stop and take a breather, think about what is important. Last Saturday morning, when Gramp took his last breath and found peace, he left a part of himself in all of us. He showed me how to grow. To live is to remember, and at the end, remembering is better than never having the chance to know.
We all have to remember to live, see, or think about Gramp in your own way and in that way he will never leave us.
To live is to be mortal and to be mortal we all have to die. However, good does come, at times with the biggest tragedies in life. To look back now, you see not only the hard times but also the good times. The good times are more vivid and these are what we will bring forward with us. If we did not experience hard times, we might never remember the good times that we spent with Gramp, my teacher, hero, and friend.
We will miss you Gramp.
Greta Geer Heinz
November 28, 2008
I found out yesterday, on Thanksgiving, of the passing of Calvin. I am so thankful that I got the privilege to know and be around Calvin when I was a kid. He was the best grandfather I could ever imagine and I had endless hours of fun goofing around with him. One day, binoculars in hand, he made Sara and me look at what we think was a catamount that was lurking at the edge of the woods across the road from their house. I will never forget that. He would also patiently sit in his chair in the living room while we would watch episode after episode of Saved By the Bell (I think maybe he even grew to like it;)) My other favorite memory is of your whole family-the dinners that you guys would sit down to and include anyone who was around. They were the BEST! Calvin, Doris and the extended family-you were all so generous and loving! Thank you for all of the great memories that I have of Calvin and the rest of you! I know Calvin will be greatly missed but will stay in my memories forever...Sara's childhood friend,
Richard & Joyce Humiston
November 26, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Gerry Trudo
November 26, 2008
“Your favorite father-in-law is here!” This is how Calvin always entered when coming to our house. Answering the phone and being asked, “What do you want? Why did you call?” These endearing remarks would keep me ever vigilant with just as endearing comebacks. You always had to be on your toes and Calvin enjoyed the banter. Many years we have done this exchange. He would laugh when I got him back.
I was always on a point system with Calvin. He always kept reminding me these points were very important. I was not so sure. On the day Kyle was born, I told him I was all done collecting points. I needed no more as Kyle was just born on Calvin favorite holiday, his birthday. I am sure through these many years of his vigilant campaigning we all have this day marked on our calendars.
Singing was important to Calvin, especially when he was in the bathroom. Or the classic bar stool leaning on the bathroom door. That got everyone and Calvin had a hard time keeping a straight face when you reprimanded him for the prank. These always broke the ice for newcomers into the family, as well as his other one-liners. I know it did for me. Calvin was not one to hug but he did let you know he cared, in Calvin’s subtle ways.
Bee hunting and beekeeping was one of Calvin’s many loves of nature. The year I did a speech and presentation for a class, Calvin could not believe I was so knowledgeable. He commented how he would have loved be there for it but as he could not, if I could record it. He kept calling for advice or pointers, as he then deemed me an expert. For Christmas that year, he looked for months for the perfect gift for me. Hand picked by Calvin, I received a book, “Robbing the Bees.” This book I will always treasure.
I could go on with other personal fond memories of Calvin but they will stay with me, as I know they will with others. Life is short and Calvin knew his was ending the last time he and Doris came to dinner. We were able to talk alone, while everyone else was busy, to say a few things. This I will always remember, as I knew this was his goodbye. It is never easy to say goodbye, so Calvin this is not a goodbye but a see you later. Keep on your toes because we will meet again. See you then.
Love you, from your favorite daughter-in-law in Vermont.
Debra Galiano (Curavoo)
November 24, 2008
Dear Aunt Tink and Family,
I can't believe that Uncle Cal passed away. Every weekend that I went up there with my grandparents when I was young. Uncle Cal always put a smile on my face. He would always tell me that your grandmother Rosie would be so mad at him for moving the furniture on the porch. That was his way of letting them know he was there. I always looked foward to go up to the house on the weekend to see Aunt Tink and Uncle Cal and all the jokes he told. Aunt Tink keep your head up and always remember that Uncle Cal is with you every day and night. God Bless
Mandy, Josh, Megan, and Ashley Murray
November 24, 2008
Grandpa,
I will never forget the times when we would all get together at the house for Sundays and Holidays and you would tell us that the alligator, ratcoon, or someother wild creature bit your thumb off. I also will never forget your trips to New Mexico to see us when we moved there. You will truely be missed but I am consold in the fact that you are in a better place now B.Sing with the best of um! Love Always
Sara, Brian and Rylee Murray
November 18, 2008
Gramp,
You were more like a Dad to me than a Grandpa. I will always cherish these memories and think of them with a smile – going on walks and looking for the perfect walking stick, skating in the meadow, mornings on the garbage route and when you would let me roll around on the foot stool when Grandma wasn’t home.
I am so happy that you were able to watch Rylee grow up over the past year and a half, she liked to argue with you and I know how much you enjoyed picking on her. I know you will continue to watch her grow from up above.
You mean the world to all of us and we will never forget you. You will always be with us, in our hearts and in our memories. We love and miss you more than you will ever know. Love always and forever.
Benjamin Burnett
November 18, 2008
I wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you. Something that has provided me with much comfort during these difficult times is the hope that the bible holds out. I have gained much comfort from the scripture in Isaiah 25:8 where it speaks of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah swallowing up death forever. That will surely be a wonderful time when we will no longer experience the pain of losing our loved one in death.
calleen brosse
November 17, 2008
The story of the dragonfly was brought back to my attention by a dear friend who gave me a copy along with a new dragonfly pin. I have been wearing dragonfly pins for quite a few years because of this story.
The Dragonfly
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.
Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened their friend was dead, gone forever.
Then, one day, on little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had ever known existed.
Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now that he was dead. He wanted to go back and tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.
But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they too would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!
Pamela Ketcham
November 17, 2008
Dearest Calvin, the news of your passing took my breath momentarily...and then I felt a great sorrow for the family you left behind...Then I began to remember all the fun times you have had over the years..... all the get-togethers....getting wood in Sudbury with the boys...and running the chainsaw...(a little scairy I might add)...and then driving yourself to salisbury....(even scarier)...but you made it!... gatherings and celegrations of life and the wondrous love you felt for each other....through good times and bad you were always there Cal...through it all you wrapped your arms around your family and friends and showed us what a great man you were...a wonderful husband to your wife and a lovingly supportive wise father to your sons and daughters...and an exceptional grandfather to all the children....a great friend and neighbor...come visit if you can....... we will see you again.....sometime.....Brian/Pam/ Boys/Ketcham Family...
Tonia
November 17, 2008
Forever in our hearts. Never forgotten. Always missed. I love you Dad.
Jeri Layden
November 17, 2008
Your whole family was so loving toward my daughter, Anna. I recall how wonderful and joyful your home was. I send my thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Sincerely,
Jeri Layden
Jakob Mulcahy
November 15, 2008
Hi grandpa i will miss your story you always told and all the love you were full of. I love and miss you
Keith Trudo
November 15, 2008
To try to express my thoughts about my Dad in this space is a futile effort. To try to capture how much I enjoyed all of the time we spent together splitting wood or going to lunch is impossible. My Dad and I spent so much time alone doing so many things and just talking. I listened, most of the time. He had a way of sneaking his advice into a conversation, as he never wanted to tell me only guide me.
My earliest memories are of him making me feel special. Letting me get a donut at Palmer’s restaurant or run the grease gun while” helping him” on the Dragline. He always included me, taught me, and helped me. I have tried to do the same with my boys. I hope I have.
During my teen years, he followed my football games with pride and passion but never letting me forget that I was a Trudo boy so I had better be tougher than the rest. “When your in a fight, never give up or you will get the worst of it” Those words are what I thought of in the biggest game of my life as I tried to play one armed against Winooski. I could not let him down. Trudo boys are too tough for that.
One of the biggest surprises for me as to how much he followed me came long after high school. I was speaking to Kyle one day when Kyle was playing baseball for Otter Valley. Kyle had just had a game in which he hit two home runs. I had commented that I only ever hit one but it was a grand slam. Dad spoke up and said, “Yes I saw that”. He explained that he had left work, drove to Bristol and sat in his truck watching the game. He saw me hit the homer. He never said anything to me about it. I had never brought it up when I got home so he did not either. All those years later I still at that moment was just as proud as if had met me at home plate.
Hunting rabbits was always my favorite thing to with Dad. Cap Dutton, Uncle Bob Bryant and others would join us at different times. Most of the time it was just the two of us, I loved that. I still love Beagles having grown up with several.
In later years we did other stuff together, again most of the time just the two of us. Bee Hunting was always fun as was going here and there to visit. The running history lessons and the memories of past hunting successes always dotted the conversations. I will miss our lunches and the rides to cover the fact that we were just going to lunch.
I do not know how many people can truly say they have no bad memories of growing up. I do not. I will miss you Dad and yes, as you told me to, I will try my best to take care of Mom. Love you and thank you.
Aron Griggs (Chamberland)
November 14, 2008
Uncle Cal, I will always remember the way you would tell my sister and me about the alligator you kept in your basement. We believed it for so long! My thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Tink and the rest of the family.
Jim and Doris/Browe Pullar
November 14, 2008
Aunt Tink: We are both very sorry for the loss of uncle Cal. There has always been a special place in our hearts for both of you. Knowing that he lived a happy and fulfilling life, we can only hope, in time, to join him again. May he rest in peace.
GOD BLESS
Cathy (Catrina) Browe
November 14, 2008
Aunt Tink,
I know your days will not be the same without your partner. I was so glad I got to visit this summer. Uncle Cal always had a special place in my heart. My prayers will be for you and your family as I know how much you will miss him.
Calleen Brosse
November 13, 2008
To my dearest family, some thngs that I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I'll welcome you."
It's good to have you back again: you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closet to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human. they are bound to bring tears.
But do not be araid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosohy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help soembody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed aong the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free,
remember you're not going...you're coming here to me!
Heather Shaw
November 13, 2008
Grandpa- I will always remember our road trip to New Mexico. You taught me so much that summer. You were a wonderful and caring Grandfather to everyone. You will always be in our hearts. Love you!
Tracie Quesnel
November 13, 2008
Gramp..where to even begin with all the things we did over the years. You were so much more than a Grandpa..I will miss your 8:30 a.m. phone calls to the store and if I wasn't there yet you telling the girls to fire me or how good they looked that day. I'll miss calling you when I have news about something. But the thing that I will miss most is hearing you call me pooper-doo. The name you gave me and the only one that could call me that!! I told you last saturday it has been a hell of a ride..thanks for taking us all along!!! Love..Pooper-Doo
Lorie Mulcahy
November 13, 2008
Grandpa,
I miss your daily calls asking about the news in Orwell. I miss your laughter when the kids and I would visit. You got so much joy just from watching them play and crawling up to your big chair to give you a hug. Our parties won't be the same without you there to steal and hide the kids new presents or for you to tell me my chocolate cake was only okay. You were the Grandpa that everyone needs and dreams of. Thank you for being you. We love you and miss you.
Calleen Brosse
November 12, 2008
Dad, There were only two perfect people in the world and now one is in heaven leaving me here on earth. I know in my heart we will meet again when it is my time to join you. The memories go back so many years and we sure had some good times. I can never forget all the trips we made across this country and also in the state of Vermont.
What fun! You always knew that I would travel most anywhere you wanted to go and take any side road that met your fancy. I could go on and on about our realtionship but I know that you loved me as much as I loved you. You are in my thoughts most of the time and will be there and in my heart forever. May you rest in peace and be loved by all who are there with you. Love you always Calleen
MATT MULCAHY
November 12, 2008
GRAMP YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. I WILL MISH YOU ALOT. I WILL MISS YOUR EVERYDAY CALLS. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. SOMEDAY I HOPE I CAN BE AS GOOD AS A GRANDFATHER TO MY GRANDKIDS AS YOU WERE TO ME THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES AND KNOWLEDGE YOU SHARED
Shelley & Bill Brown
November 12, 2008
Tinker and Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this time. He was a great man. May your memories of him help you through your tears.
Bob/Rollande Bryant
November 12, 2008
Tink & family- We will always have many memories of the "FAMILY" gatheriengs and Cal. He was like a brother to me and he will be greatly missed. May god bless you.
Dorothy Bird
November 12, 2008
We have all lost our "favorite Uncle". I will miss his calls to me at work when he would tell the receptionist that she had "too much make up on today". He always asked about everyone in a way that always made me smile. His calls were a bright spot in the day for me. We so enjoyed the couple of trips to New York with both you Aunt Tink and Uncle Cal. I am glad we got to share those times with you. We love you and are thinking of all of you.
Peggy Corellis/ Browe
November 11, 2008
Aunt Tink and Family,
I'm truely sorry for the lost of Uncle Cal.He had a great sense of humor and always made you laugh. I will fly there for the week-end. Hugs and kisses. See You soon.
Virginia Lappie
November 11, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Beth Tichacek RN
November 10, 2008
I was Calvin's visiting nurse for only a few months, but in that period I really looked forward to our visits. Calvin was such a character! Inside that gruff exterior was a person with a wonderful sense of humor and a kind nature. My heart goes out to all his family, but especially Doris, who took such good care of him.
Kevin Sherry Troy Trudo
November 10, 2008
Dad you will be missed in ways you never thought when you were with us but you will never be FORGOTTEN All who read this Please leave a message because I will print them all off and give to my mom THANKS Kevin
Terry Wetmore
November 10, 2008
Our thoughts are with you and we wish that we could be there to celebrate Uncle Cal's life. Sue, I and the kids loved him very much and he will be missed.
God Bless
Sue Wetmore
November 10, 2008
Uncle Cal, we will miss you!!! We all loved you so very much!!!! Rest in peace!
Tina & David Boyd
November 10, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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