Calvin Trampleasure Obituary

Calvin Trampleasure passed away peacefully at home, sharing stories and songs with family and friends. Teacher, cyclist, husband, father, brother and friend to many, his positive nature touched all who knew him. Calvin was born in Lodi, CA to the late William and Mary Lee Trampleasure. He was raised primarily in Berkeley, CA. He is survived by his loving wife Cindy Masumiya Lee, daughter Kai Lee Trampleasure, brother Lee Trampleasure (Katie Tremper), sister Grace Trampleasure Mu¤oz, nieces Ada and Bijou, and godsons William, Oliver, and Calvin Henry. From his teens to late twenties, Calvin's illustrious cycling career brought adventure and victories. This dedication transferred easily into his teaching career with West Contra Costa Unified School District. An award winning physical education teacher, he moved effortlessly into kindergarten instruction in 2009. He retired after thirty-five years of teaching due to his terminal cancer. Calvin made it to the finish line of life with the heart of a champion, grateful and unafraid of the road that lies ahead. In lieu of a funeral, he enjoyed his retirement party just weeks before passing. A celebration of life was held on his birthday under the trees of Lake Temescal with the many cyclists with whom he had shared the journey. Donations may be made in his name to Citizens for East Shore Parks, The Marin Museum of Bicycling, or Organic Consumers Association. Calvin's original stories about bicycling and teaching can be found at https://calvin.trampleasure.net/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by East Bay Times from Jul. 8 to Jul. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Calvin Trampleasure

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

14 Entries

Lisa Lewis

May 4, 2024

I had no idea that Mr. T had transcended. He was such a great teacher. My grandson who is now 13 had him for kindergarten and I sometimes went to class or events and he was great! And then my second grandson. Was in his remote class, starting kindergarten in the pandemic, and I was helping him with his projects for the first few months, and I loved helping him, it was so much fun, they were so well thought out, and really educational. That was such a tough year, but I was amazed how Mr. T made such great classes. He gave me hope in a bleak time, election year... and pandemic. Now I know his name was Calvin, and he is gone and the East Bay lost a quintessential kindergarten teacher- one of the most important grades to every child. He was very brave, living large to the end. Bon voyage Mr. T. RIP

Bonnie Cediel

August 29, 2023

Calvin was a wonderful teacher. He saw kids for who they were, well beyond P.E. I was principal at Sheldon Elementary one year when he was the Phys Ed teacher for our school. I mentioned to him that the boys were hogging the basketball court at lunchtime, and no girls were playing. He made a rule that the girls would get the court on Tuesday and Thursday. Then he started a girls' after-school basketball team. Then he took them to a Cal basketball game and arranged for them to meet the star player. His spirit was an inspiration to us all.

Tom H

August 2, 2023

I knew Calvin for more than 45 years and always knew what a fantastic bike racer and special person he was, but it was only in the last few years that I got a sense of what a special teacher he was too. No surprise! He's left a lot of positive influences in the world and you can't do much better than that. R.I.P. Calvin, and condolences to Cindy and family.

Chris Lewis

July 21, 2023

I give thanks to all of Calvin's friends and family who helped guide him on this journey.

Janis and Marcus Lowe

July 21, 2023

We had the pleasure of knowing Calvin through Cindy and soaking up some of his tremendous positivity. He was a lucky man to have experienced so much adventure in his life and to be able to follow his passions. Our sincere condolences to Cindy and their Family.

Beth Zeitman

July 20, 2023

Calvin (Mr. T.) was an amazing teacher and individual. I got to know him while he was the Madera P.E. teacher for my daughter's class. His love, compassion, creativity, and infectious positivity touched many lives.

I got to know Calvin even more when I produced a feature video on him for his Teaching Excellence Award, presented by the Ed. Fund, and from that grew a nice friendship. What a blessing to have a connection with Calvin. He will always be in my heart.

July 20, 2023

He was my pe teacher at Washington elementary and I still sing the songs he taught us!

Samantha King

July 15, 2023

I only knew Calvin for a short amount of time since I came to madera during covid. Parents let me know how much they respected him. I so enjoyed the talks that we had. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Samantha King 1st grade teacher.

Dr Mary Hughes-Tutass

July 13, 2023

Calvin and I were teachers at Bayview when n 1989. He steadily encouraged teachers to know that it only takes one "somebody" to make the difference for a student. He was/is that somebody who made a positive difference... for students AND for teachers and coworkers. I am grateful that he gave to our community.

Patricia Ogura

July 11, 2023

Calvin was my son's PE teacher at Madera 25 years ago, with amazing team building activities (remember Big Blue & human ladders). Later, he led teacher trainings with his 4C's program, so influential. His infectious positivity touched everyone. Rest well, Calvin. Well done.

Anna Wirsig

July 10, 2023

Mr T was my elementary PE teacher and years later became my colleague and daughters kindergarten teacher. He is hands down the best and most influential teacher I have ever met. He helped shaped me into the person I am today and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Laura Buffi

July 10, 2023

At a PE professional development many years ago, Calvin introduced the concept of smiley/frownies, a system where the students could reflect on their experience privately and with noticeably positive results. I will always remember this simple and effective way he taught me to encourage my students to rate their performance in a very simple, effective, and non-judgemental way. Thank you Calvin. You were ahead of your time.

Denise

July 10, 2023

My favorite Kindergarten teacher at Madera. Loved the stories you would share about you and your bike. Thinking of you Mr T.

Frank Vigna

July 8, 2023

We LOVED AND LOVE CALVIN and along with his wonderful Cindy. He was a treasure to all who were fortunate to know him. He will remain vibrant in our hearts. Judy and Frank

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results