This is an excerpt from his obituary written by my mother, Cathryn Page Oldham:
He was born July 4th, 1926 in West Point, Utah, to Lena Bardella Barney and William Russell Page.
When Calvin was in his early teens, his father traded property in Ogden for a farm in Cache Valley, Nibley, and the family relocated. He attended South Cache High School and when he was 17, he proudly joined the U.S. Navy. He served in World War II and traveled extensively throughout the South Pacific. Upon returning, he met and courted his sweetheart Rose Marie Hulse. They were married June 21, 1947, in the Logan LDS Temple. They shared nearly 65 years together and were blessed with a family of seven children.
He attended Weber College where he studied and earned a degree in horology (the science of watch making and time keeping devices). The skills he learned there became a hobby he used his entire life. Later on, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves where he served his country honorably for many years.
In the early 1960's he had the opportunity to manage and operate the Beeline Gas Station on south main in Logan, which he enjoyed very much. He then went on to work at Hill Air Force Base as an instrument technology manager, retiring after 27 years.
Calvin was devoted, loving and sacrificed very much for his family. He was a stalwart and valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was known for his dedication in any calling he was given and served as a home teacher, Sunday School teacher, Elders and high Priests quorum leader, ward clerk and Bishop.
For many years, he spent every Saturday working on cars, mowing lawns, painting houses and other service projects. He spent countless hours fixing and repairing bicycles for all the children in his neighborhood and ward primary.
Through those same-hardworking hands, he was admired for his beautiful calligraphy like handwriting. We will all cherish his loving notes, letters and cards.
His example if obedience, love, compassion, and charity blessed the lives of all who knew him.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to all those who lovingly served Calvin in his final years. Thank you.
I was honored to speak at his funeral.
Here is my talk:
Our loving Grandfather always had time for his Grandchildren. For many of us he took time to pick us up from dance or piano lessons, and would take some to and from school. We knew we could always rely on him. He often would make the most of these moments and take us to get hamburgers from Central Park or an Egg Mcmuffin.
He was very giving, if it wasn't a trinket or prize from a magazine, it was a trip to the dollar store to let the kids pick out a coloring book and some crayons.
Grandpa always had a sweet tooth, (and I don't think I'm the only one who knew where he kept his stash) he had juicy fruit gum in the cupboard above the stove, licorice in the drawer, and there was always ice cream in the fridge. Not to mention sodas in the garage! He loved hot dogs and peanut butter sandwiches, and he could never turn down a fresh garden tomato!
He was very particular about his yard and enjoyed having his grandchildren work in it. They mowed his lawn, shoveled his sidewalk and raked leaves. He even saved up pop cans to recycle with the grand kids. I love that he carried a handkerchief, and I know mine wasn't the only nose wiped clean by him. He took pride in being neat and tidy. I remember the first time I introduced him to my now husband Jeff he said, "He'd be a pretty handsome guy if he'd shave." it was so important that Grandpa approve of him that before Jeff asked me to marry him he asked not only for my parents' blessing, but for Grandpa's too! In fact, I think all of his granddaughters have had their guys "Grandpa approved". He'd say sweet things like, "wow your guy is one lucky fellow...he did so good to get you"...then he would add, "course you didn't do too bad yourself." with a chuckle.
Grandpa always had good advice to give on any subject. He was wise and had life experience in almost everything. All of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were special to him, he bragged over what a beautiful family he had. He made each one of us feel like we were his favorite! It was like he was waiting the whole day to see you and when you came... his day was complete. And he always told us how much he loved us! I liked to tell him he was my favorite grandpa, because he was my only grandpa. When my Dad's dad passed away he asked Grandpa Calvin to watch over my dad, then 19 with a young family. Grandpa, you did a wonderful job! I was so excited to name our first son Calvin after you! I cherish each moment as a gift from God.
Some say, "the only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life."
We all know that Grandpa had an abiding love for the Savior. He had a testimony of the gospel and shared it through the many blessings he gave; blessings for newborns, baptisms, and confirmations, letters to missionaries, marriages, and Temple attendance. He paid his tithing and gave fast offerings.
We will sorely miss our beloved Grandfather who has truly enriched our lives. We will miss him in his recliner watching old westerns, we will miss him in his kitchen chair watching for the postman to come so he could give him a cold Pepsi. We will all miss hearing him say, "hi precious...is that you? How's my darling?.. And "Hi pumpkin dunkin!"And "you're so pretty, you're as beautiful as ever!" And,"hello gorgeous."...We will never forget his soft chuckle and seeing him light up when families and friends stopped by for a visit.
"Death leaves a sadness that nothing can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal. "
I put together a poem in honor of Grandpa:
You know, our Grandpa was grand!
He'd sometimes disapprove, but he'd always understand.
He was a bit "gruff" around the edges, but was a soft marshmallow in the middle.
His tune seemed to sweeten over time, kind of like an antique fiddle.
He could fix just about any old thing, a bike or a car of a broken swing.
He loved watching ball games and staying up late,
Telling stories about the Navy and he and Rose Marie's first date.
He had a hot temper and never backed down from a fight,
Decked a few "deserving" souls and bragged with delight.
The cleanest car on the block was his in deed,
But he'd give you a car wash token if yours was in need.
When grandpa dished you up, you had to eat every bite
And when you're talking to your mother...(Michael)...you'd better speak nice! ;)
When you did a good job he'd give you a treat.
His loves and his hugs just couldn't be beat.
With creamies and Popcicles he'd spoil us rotten,
And on Birthdays or holidays, none were forgotten.
He loved model trains planes and cars,
Watches and jewelry were often gifts of ours.
We couldn't wait to play with Lincoln logs, Legos and more,
Outside on the tramp or under the house was never a bore.
But oh, how the winds of change have blown!
We say goodbye to him, and much that we've known!
We'll remember how he'd wait for us there in his living room chair,
To visit and chat and tell us he cared.
He had hair of silver and a heart of gold,
Oh, how I wish he'd never grow old!
He taught us that greatness had little to do with outward signs of prosperity or position,
That true beauty is found on the inside of a person.
Sweet memories of Grandpa will bring peace and comfort to our hearts
We'll love him for all those yesterday's, and all the tomorrow's that we're apart ...
For "those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved still missed and very dear."
May we honor the legacy our Grandpa Calvin has left for us and celebrate his life through following his example of bearing one another's burdens, being kind, giving, gracious, and compassionate.
I know you will be watching over us now, guarding and protecting us! Thank you Grandpa! We love you!
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
One story a woman told us at his funeral was very touching. She told us when he was her Bishop she was in the process of a bad divorce. She needed to move out but didn't have anything or anyplace to go. She had two kids and came to him for help. She said he not only got her an apartment, but fully furnished it for her and her children. She was so touched and was able to start her life again on the right track. I loved that she told us about that, Grandpa never said anything about it to anyone, just quietly served others.
Another interesting story is that Grandpa was Jeff's family's home teacher! This was before Jeff was born, and his parents had very little. (literally a starving artist family). They said that he(Grandpa) would glue the kids' souls of their shoes together and place them under a table leg to dry abd cure overnight. Grandpa later served as Bishop Wallis's ward clerk.
I must also add that I think it's kind of cool that on the 1st anniversary if his funeral, Jeff and I are having our IVF surgeries. Kind of neat to begin new life while celebrating, loving, and missing one well-lived. :)
Awww, tears...so lovely brought back so many memories!
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