Calvin W. Harris

Calvin W. Harris, 73 of Springvale Township, Petoskey, died at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 19, 2014. Despite his four year battle with multiple myeloma, Calvin lived his life to the fullest. Born in Knoxville, TN on April 13, 1941, Cal moved to Michigan and was raised in Dearborn by his uncle and aunt, Otis and Katherine Monday.

After graduating from Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Cal attended Wayne State University, where he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Vocational Education.

On September 16, 1967 he married Kathleen M. Gliniecki in Bad Axe. He taught vocational food service at Livonia and Novi Public Schools for several years and in 1980 he joined Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey as Food Services Director, retiring in 2001. For four years, Cal also worked in food services at Bay Bluffs. He held high standards for himself and those who worked with him, yet he had the respect of his former students and employees, many of whom considered him a friend.

Cal embraced all whom he met and quickly became a Dad or Papa to so many. He was a man of integrity and principle, found the good in all and lived on the sunny side of life. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his ability to connect with young people. For many years Cal coached Petoskey youth girls softball and soccer. He excelled in horseshoes and bowling and was inducted into the Emmet County Bowling Hall of Fame. In retirement he and Kathleen enjoyed traveling worldwide. Cal also enjoyed his volunteer work for the American Red Cross, St. Francis turkey dinners and breakfasts and preparing meals for the children at Camp Quality.

Survivors include Kathleen, his "lil darlin'" wife of more than 46 years; his children, whom he adored, Jason (Amy Schmitz) Harris of Ruth, Scott Harris of Mt. Pleasant, Kristen Harris of Monroe and Jack (Kim) Frost of Skandia; grandchildren, Theron, Aran and Ian Harris and Aria, Aydin, Ansel and Kimmy Frost; his cousins, who were like brothers to him, Otis, Dennis and Keith Monday; Lena Foster, whom he considered family and several nieces, grand nieces and nephew.

A memorial luncheon for Cal will be held Tuesday, June 24th at the Petoskey Knights of Columbus Facility, 1106 Charlevoix Avenue in the Big Bay Room at 12:00 pm. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Red Cross, Hospice of Northwest Michigan, Camp Quality or charity of their choice.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Ave in Gaylord.