The Honorable Calvin "Cal" Sanders

The family of the Honorable Calvin "Cal" Sanders is sad to share that he passed on March 22, 2023, at the age of 99. His passing was peaceful, at home with his daughters Deb and Miriam by his side.

Judge Cal was born in New York City where he attended elementary and high school, and then attended Cornell University where he earned his BS Degree. Cal's college education was interrupted at age 18 when he enlisted in the US Army during World War II. Cal was stationed at Debach Airfield in England where he flew 35 missions as a B-17 Navigator before being honorably discharged in 1945. He remained in the US Air Force Reserves until being discharged in 1951.

After completing his service, Cal returned to Cornell University to complete his degree. There he met Lee, and they were married in 1947. Married for 73 years, together they had two daughters, who gave them grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who live in California, Arizona and Virginia.

As a busy father and while working full time, Cal continued his education in the evenings by earning a law degree from American University's Washington College of Law. He then worked in private practice for 15 years before being appointed as a District Court Judge in Montgomery County, Maryland. He was then elevated to a Circuit Court Judge, and served as a Professor at the Washington College of Law. Among his legal colleagues, Judge Cal was known for his fairness, judicial temperament, and good humor. When he retired, the headline in the local newspaper read: "Gentleman Judge Retires."

While on a romantic anniversary weekend getaway in Oxford, MD, Lee and Cal discovered and immediately fell in love with Maryland's Eastern shore. They first purchased their weekend getaway in Sherwood, MD, and later retired full-time to St. Michaels, MD.

Dad never saw a boat he didn't like, and Mom served as an expert first mate to him on several family motorboats and immediately became a skilled crabber. Dad warned Mom that if she missed a crab on the trotline, she should be prepared to dive in to capture the escapee. She never missed one. To the delight of our family and friends, they became masters at hosting pre-dinner happy hours. This tradition continues in our family to this day.

Lee and Cal traveled extensively around the world with their family. They especially loved cruising, and the family enjoyed many hours at sea both domestically and abroad. They delighted in joining discussions to select the family's next travel adventure and were happiest when there was a "next adventure" on the calendar.

Lee and Cal continued their Eastern Shore residency by moving to Londonderry on Tred Avon in 2009. Cal actively participated in wine and beer making (and tasting!) and it became a very happy home for them.

Special thanks to Dad's care team, who became family to him and supported our family. Talbot Hospice compassionately assisted us while caring for Dad at home.

Cal will be celebrated and missed by the family and friends he leaves behind, who draw comfort from the ease of his passing and knowing his was a life well- lived.

A private service will be held at the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, MD. There will be a celebration of Cal's and Lee's lives at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Cal's name to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

Visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com for online condolences.