Dave Charles Calhoun

1950 - 2021

Dave Charles Calhoun

November 8, 1950-August 7, 2021

Dave Calhoun, who was loved and treasured by all, died on Saturday the 7th of August, 2021 at his family home in Anamosa, Iowa, with a full belly and a happy heart after having dinner with dear friends, as was his custom. He was 70.

David Charles Calhoun was the only child of Charles and Laura (Chambers) Calhoun, born on November 8, 1950 in Estherville, Iowa. As a boy growing up in Armstrong, Iowa, Dave accompanied his parents to many supper clubs throughout the Midwest and thus his love of great food and friendly hospitality was born. This tradition continued throughout his lifetime: having a meal with Dave was a privilege and a celebration in and of itself. In his growing-up years, Dave enjoyed summers at Okoboji which fed his love of all things nautical and the great outdoors. When Dave and his parents moved to Anamosa, as a 15-year-old, he purchased a plot of land in the middle of town to serve as a safe, suburban habitat for wildlife. He loved watching birds, possums, deer, and many other woodland creatures from his own backyard.

Dave graduated from Anamosa High School with the class of 1968 and went on to major in industrial administration at Iowa State University. He began his career with the Iowa Department of Corrections in 1973 at the Anamosa State Penitentiary as a guard. In 1975 he made his home in Davenport and served as a probation and parole officer for the 7th Judicial District, Scott County at 605 Main Street. Dave never lost his love for the wonders of nature, but quickly discovered that his love of people took precedence. Thus, he spent 36 years in dedicated service to the DOC, pouring wisdom, kindness, and love into his clients and coworkers.

During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Dave devoted much of his free time helping with support groups through APQC, now known as The Project QC. Giving his time to those who needed a listening ear was of utmost importance to him.

When he could get away from work, Dave loved spending time in South Florida, combing the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva for shells. Two Rivers, Wisconsin, at the Lighthouse Inn overlooking Lake Michigan was another favorite getaway location for him. He loved having dinner parties with friends, and was also often found at the Boat House in Davenport, enjoying great company, a nice meal ("That's a tail-wagger!"), and views of the Mississippi River.

A true ambivert, Dave loved re-charging with friends just as much as he enjoyed his solitude. He was an avid reader and maintained a subscription to The New Yorker to his last day. He loved the writings of Carl Hiaasen which allowed him to travel in his mind and "revisit" South Florida whenever he wanted. Dave's backyard in Davenport was his quiet retreat; he spent many days on the back porch reading, relaxing, and sharing time with the kitties and possums who made their home on his porch. He had a keen eye for decorating and design and his unique style was present in his homes, both of which are blue - Dave's theme color. He also always enjoyed having a cool car or truck to get around in, and whenever it was time for an upgrade, he was known to give the old vehicle to someone who "needed it more than he did."

Upon his retirement in 2009, Dave split his residency between Davenport and Anamosa, spending time with his mother until her passing in 2017. Dave chose to live by George Eliot's quote: "What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?" This thought truly permeated everything he did, and every life he touched - whether relative, friend, client, stranger, or critter. In his retirement speech, Dave quoted another favorite author, Peter Matthiessen: "The absurdity of a life that may well end before one understands it does not relieve one of the duty to live it through as bravely and as generously as possible." Dave understood and lived out this concept and he challenged his friends, loved ones, and clients with the idea that "kindness has always been our most important tool. When faced with options, always choose kindness first."

Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com. A celebration of Dave's life is planned for this fall in the Davenport area; please check the Goettsch website for details. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the nature conservation group of your choice, an animal shelter, or Bat Conservation International.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and several treasured friends.

Those left to cherish his memory are Sylvester, the gray and white abandoned kitty who adopted Dave, and all of us whose lives were made richer by this incredibly generous and loving man who taught us all a thing or two about humility, kindness, and unconditional love. May each of us continue to live the legacy that Dave Calhoun instilled in us throughout the years.

"I love you...You be careful out there." We love you, too, Dave. You be careful out there.