Calvin Lee Hamm
February 13th, 2016
HAMM, Calvin Lee
Calvin Lee Hamm was born September 26, 1962 in Edmonton AB. He was adopted by Leonard and Bertha Hamm of Devon, AB. They had five children of their own and Calvin made an even ½ dozen. They moved to Kamloops, BC where most of Cal’s childhood memories were made, then to the acreage by Mission, BC. Calvin moved to Didsbury in September 1979 to work for Kuelker’s Manufacturing for Clem Kuelker. His Uncle Adolf Neufeld got him a job there! Shortly after he met Rhonda Ness, they were married April 4, 1981. Calvin was 18 and Rhonda was 17. Two sons completed the family, Kyle Kenneth in 1985, and Kurtis Alan in 1988. Most of their married life was spent in Didsbury.
Calvin was a journeyman welder and later became a Journeyman Machinist. His most amazing gift was to design and then build whatever he was working/thinking on. In 1998, Cal started Wild Rose Machining which he owned and operated for 9 years. In 2009 we found Cal’s biological family and he was thankful for the opportunity to meet as many as he had. He loved camp fires, camping, fishing, hunting, quading, argoing and Rhonda, his family and spending time with friends. He was an interesting mix of tough and tender.
Calvin had a heart attack on February 5 and he was taken to Foothills CICU. Despite all the efforts of the medical staff, Calvin never regained consciousness. He will be dearly missed. HE leaves to mourn his loving wife, Rhonda; sons, Kyle (Taren) Hamm of Olds, Kurtis Hamm (Natalie Lawson) of Didsbury; granddaughters, Bella and Dakota of Olds; grandson, Sawyer of Didsbury; adopted sons, Chrisopher Craig of Didsbury, Cody (Amanda) Craig of Olds, and their children, Kaiden, Rylan, Autumn ( Calvin called her “Fall”); his siblings, Emil Hamm of Abbotsford, BC, Ruby (Larry) Reynolds of Kamloops, BC, Pauline Johnson (Ron Nikkel) of Chilliwack, BC, Homer (Ivona) Hamm of Kamloops, BC, Bernard (Cathy) Hamm of Mission, BC; his biological father, Terry (Colleen) Vail of Surrey; siblings, Carmen Macbach of Vancouver, April Vail (Ingmar) of Chilliwack , Susan Vail (Rob) of Penticton, Dan ( Jody) Vail, and Sarah Vail; Aunt, Joan (Charlie) Mingo of Milo, AB; brother, Jay (Shirley) Chahley of Red Deer; sister, Debra (Stephen) Savage of Edmonton; mother-in-law, Mary Ness of Olds AB; brother-in-law, Chuck (Josee’) Payne of Port Sydney, ON; as well as numerous nieces nephews cousins and friends just like family.
Cal was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Bertha Hamm; his biological mother, Donna(Leroy) Chahley; father-in-law, Clarence Ness and sister-in-law, Rita Payne.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church, on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donation's in Calvin's memory may be made to:
Heart and Stroke, 200-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6.
Messages:
Rhonda and family, I met Cal when he worked for my parents, Cliff and Wilma, at Hometown Machine in Sundre. I have a memory of him that is still as clear as day. I was sitting on my parents' deck out behind the shop, and Cal came out and was working with a bunch of pipes that was beside the deck. Cal didn't see me, and thinking he was alone, he started singing at the top of his lungs! I started grinning but didn't want to embarrass him so I stayed quiet. After a minute or so he looked up and saw me. He laughed and smiled and just kept on singing! I love this memory and I thought so highly of him. I think the world could use more people like Cal! I'm so sad that he didn't get enough time here to share that laugh of his. Please know that the Ratcliff family will really miss him and we are thinking of your family with love. Sheryl Ratcliff Larson
Rhonda and family My Sincerest Sympathy on the passing of your husband and father Calvin. Blessings, Glenda Klinck
Rhonda and family - our hearts go out to you. We have lots of great memories of Calvin as I'm sure you do - hang onto them. I'm sorry I couldn't be with you today. David
Our thoughts and prayers for your family at this sad time .
Rhonda, we are so sad to hear of Calvins' passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I wish I could be there today but know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Luv Marion, Tom & Girls.
The world will be a lesser place without Cal. He was always positive & had a knack for making everyone feel like they were his best friend.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My love to you. Myra Dykstra
Wilma and I are so sorry to hear of your loss, and are thinking of you.Cal had a special place in our hearts.
So sorry for your loss , our thoughts and prayers to you and your family .
We are deeply saddened to hear of Calvin's passing. Our thoughts are with Rhonda and the family during this time.
Rhonda and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and I hope memories of good times together bring you comfort
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Rhonda and family, Blessings and healing to you! Rita Krebs
I had the honor and privilege of working with and collaborating with Cal as co inhabitants of the premises when both our businesses were still in their infancy. As the new owner of Kuelkers supplies, it became very advantageous to have such a talented and generous individual to help make our business stronger. I've rarely met a more hardworking, kind and caring individual. It was obvious to all that he cared deeply for his family and friends. My deepest sympathies to you,Rhonda, and all who loved him. God bless and remember him fondly. Regards,Jim Craven.