Calvin Beach

1951 - 2024

Calvin Charles Beach, 'Cal', a lifelong Edmore resident, 'completed his last hunt' at his home on December 11, 2024, surrounded by his family, friends who had become family, and his beloved dog Cisco. Cal was born in Alma, Michigan on November 25th, 1951.

The life given us by nature is short
but the memory of a life well spent is eternal. Cicero

Cal attended kindergarten through 4th grade at the Wyman Country School (Cal remembered the teacher asking him to sing more quietly when he was belting out We Three Kings in the Christmas program. He said it always squelched his singing career.) Cal was blessed to still be in touch with friends from the Wyman school days. Upon completion of 4th grade, Cal transferred to McBride School, where he met others who would become lifelong friends. Cal continued his education at Edmore and later, Montabella, when the school districts consolidated. (In high school, Cal drove his motorcycle to driver's education class--so Cal.) Cal graduated with the Class of 1970. Cal also attended Montcalm Community College and Central Michigan University.

Cal received his Draft Notice two days before Christmas 1970. He served in the Army in a variety of capacities from 1971-1973. Upon discharge Cal was in the National Guard. He clearly remembers helping with traffic flow on the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk and feeling the bridge sway slightly in the breeze. Cal was a member of the Edmore Amvets and Blanchard American Legion.

Cal grew up helping on his uncle's farm and remembered driving tractor when his feet did not reach the pedals. He had 'itchy' memories of hauling hay and putting it up into the hot barn, as well as memories of long hot days picking stones sometimes when he was too short to see into the wagon in which he was pitching stones! After returning from the army, Cal worked for SubSurface Construction all around the state of Michigan. He then began working at Hitachi Magnetics as a Millwright retiring from there in 2008. Upon retirement, Cal became Home Township Supervisor, serving in that role from 2008 to November 2024.

On June 7, 1986, Cal married Jane Anderson of Edmore. They were married for 38 years until his passing. Cal and Jane enjoyed travel as well as spending time at their cottage near Desbarats, Ontario, Canada. One of their favorite pastimes was attending auctions, which Cal continued until very recently. Both Jane and Cal love dogs (Cal's mom told Jane that it was lucky Cal married her so he could blame loving dogs on someone else).

Cal had an almost photographic memory and was a challenging opponent when playing cards as he could remember what cards had been played when. Cal loved bluffing when playing cards as well and was known for a hearty laugh if the bluff paid off!

Cal fondly recalled extended family Christmas and birthday parties including wonderful meals-cherry pie and chocolate sheet cake were often mentioned. After dinner-let the card playing commence!!!

Cal enjoyed music and could remember lyrics to a variety of songs. He would frequently recite some song lyrics (still not singing from the early squelching experience in country school). Artists Cal particularly enjoyed were Elton John, Jimmy Buffet (Yes, Cal was a Parrothead.), John Pryne, Tom Waits and Frank Zappa to name a few.

Cal had a true passion for the outdoors and all it encompassed. Cal fondly recalled fishing trips to Canada with his uncles when he was still in school. This anchored his love of fishing which has carried forward to the present day. For over 30 years, Cal and friends went on Labor Day fishing trips to Alaska. A special joy last year was walking back to Brooks Falls to the Katmai bear viewing area.

"For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one." Khalil Gibran

Cal enjoyed walking his property, riding in his 6-wheeler as well as taking evening pickup rides to view wildlife at dusk. He enjoyed watching flights of ducks and geese come in and land as the sunlight dwindled. Cal was an avid hunter, enjoying trips to Canada, Maine, Iowa, Arkansas, New Mexico, Argentina and Alaska. However, Cal most enjoyed hunting his own property and sharing that joy with close friends and family members. Many evenings were spent in the garage, and later basement, talking of that day's hunting, planning the next day's-who would hunt where and other 'necessary' strategizing. There were many great hunting stories told-some spot on and some perhaps 'slightly' exaggerated! The shared love of the outdoors fostered lifelong friendships with others-all of whom are still in his life today. Cal was a longtime Ducks Unlimited and Safari Club International Member.

"When a hunter is in a tree stand with high moral values and with the proper hunting ethics and richer for the experience, that hunter is 20 feet closer to God." Fred Bear

The ebb and flow of nature, the rhythm of the seasons, the joy glimpsing birds and deer, the beauty of the earth and its creatures were where Cal found peace and meaning. This followed Cal all his days-if not out in the woods, he could be found eagerly looking out the window to spot deer entering the yard for nighttime nibbling of plants and shrubs, or to glimpse birds at the feeder. Hummingbirds and Pileated Woodpeckers were a special delight.

For many years, Cal and friends, planted trees every spring, eventually covering many acres with a variety of pines, fruit trees, and berry bushes.

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees
under whose shade you do not expect to sit." Nelson Henderson

Cal was noted for a wicked sense of humor. The humor was usually paired with his hearty laugh. That humor was evident even when he was not feeling well. His humor created many memories still talked about today. Many people reading this probably are thinking of a Cal anecdote or two!

Cal was a man of strong convictions who lived by his principles, personal ethics and values-- and expected the same from others. He generally was a quiet private person- a man of few words. Cal took time to think things through and make well-rounded decisions. After deliberation, Cal would make a decision and live with it. He often said- "I am not always right but I am always certain." Cal always looked forward in life and enjoyed planning his next day, week or month-especially if it involved hunting, fishing or spending time with friends. He was courageous and demonstrated great perseverance in dealing with obstacles.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Frances (McCarthy) and Marion Beach, his sister Betty Anne Turner, and many aunts and uncles. Cal is survived by his wife Jane, dog Cisco, niece Anne Michelle Turner, nephew and wife Patric and Diana Turner, Jason Gripton, and special cousins, including the '1951s'. Cal was rich in enduring friendships-and is also survived by the Wyman school kids, Montabella classmates, lifelong hunting buddies, Hitachi buddies and other treasured friends (You all know who you are and each one of you meant so much to Cal.)

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to all those who assisted Cal on his health journey. The excellent care and wonderful caring from all were deeply appreciated.

"Seeing death as the end of life is like
seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean." David Searls


A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

For those wishing to honor Cal's memory, his fondest wish would be that you would take a young person hunting or fishing and introduce them to the great outdoors.

For those interested in a Memorial Gift, the following options are suggested:

• Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center where Cal received phenomenal care (and caring) for many years:
https://give.ccf.org/give/353275/#!/donation/checkout

• The Central Michigan Goldstars, a youth archery and conservation program for ages 8-18, open to all in the Central Michigan Area. Donations can be sent to:
Central Michigan Sportsmans Club
PO Box 406
Stanton, MI. 48888

Hurst Funeral Home is serving the family, and memories of Cal and messages of condolence for his family may be shared at www.hurstfh.com.