Calvin “Cal” Irish, age 96 passed away December 14, 2019 at the VA Community Living Center.
Cal was born June 15, 1923 to James and Edith (Wharton) Irish at Ridge, Montana. He spent his childhood there and around Broadus, Montana with his four brothers Kenneth, Maurice, Norman, Dwight and a sister Laverne. At the age of 15, Cal left home and went to work for the CCC’s, building reservoirs. Cal enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1943 – 1945 serving in Normandy and Germany. Cal was a Bronze Star recipient for his exceptional service during the Battle of Normandy on D Day. In 1946 he married Ethel Gene Thoet. They had a daughter, Linda Marie. They later divorced. On April 16, 1949 Cal married Mary Pearl in Miles City. They raised four children Linda, Tim, Diana and Rene. Cal drove truck for Babcock and Lee.
They worked on many local ranches such as the Ram Bottom Ranch, Ball Ranch and the 71 Ranch. In 1968 they moved to Cohagen, went to work for the Smith Cattle Company. Cal said many times that they had great neighbors and great people to work for wherever they lived. In 1975, when recuperating from a airplane wreck, he learned to crochet from Francis to give him something to do. Through the years, he has made hundreds of afghans for family and friends. He crocheted up till the end. He worked at the State School for two years as farm manager. They then moved to Billings where he drove for CF and Mary worked at Wards. Mike Ryan was their neighbor there they had some good times together. They moved back to Miles City and they ran the Tongue River mail route for many years. Mary passed away in 2010 and Cal missed her so much. Life wasn’t the same after that. Through the years, they enjoyed dancing, square dancing, visiting their kids and grandkids. He loved his kids and grandkids and was very proud of them all. Cal enjoyed riding horses, flying, crocheting, reading and visiting with his buddies at the Bison Bar.
We would like to thank Dr. Trotsky and the nursing staff at the VA Community Living Center for your love, kindness and wonderful care of Dad.
Cal is survived by his five children: Linda Stinebaugh of Coeur d Alene, ID; Linda Marie Imhoff of Kelso, WA; Tim (Sheila Marie) Irish of Medora, ND; Diana (Calvin) Thomas of Jordan, MT and Rene (Jim) Gibson of Jordan, MT; his grandchildren: Tawnia (Steve) Moore of Spokane, WA; Brenda (John) Elmore of Gillette, WY; Casey Thomas of Jordan, MT; Brandi Gibson of Miles City, MT; Berry (Caitlin) Gibson of Great Falls, MT; Denim (Kate) Irish of Ashland, MT; T.J. (Awna) Irish of Miles City, MT; Missy (Woodson) Betz of Kelso, WA; Dustin (Janae) Poindexter of Kelso, WA; fifteen great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary of 61 years, four brothers and one sister.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with full military honors. Interment will be held in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 21, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 21, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sally Ness says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Calvin will be greatly missed. He was one of my very favorite men. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.
Sandy & Sonny says
Calvin was so important to both of us, and we loved our visits on the phone and in person. His passing leaves a big hole in our hearts. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We loved Calvin so much . We enjoyed visiting him and have special memories of celebrating his birthday and having him join us for family dinners. I will always cherish my very special Afghan that he crocheted! We will always have those memories of the good times and wonderful conversations. He will be deeply missed!
Stewart Hillis says
My heart felt sympathies to Calvin’s family. The loss of such a beautiful person is impossible to replace. I have only been good friends with Calvin for a bit over a decade but I feel like I have known him forever. Whether it was going to the 600 for breakfast, lunch or the Montana, Bison or our favorite place Parker’s for a few beers. We always had a great time. Calvin knew so many people and was respected by everyone. Anita and I so enjoyed having Calvin out to our place for a BBQ or a nice sit down dinner. My last visit was last Thursday, we had a nice talk and shared some things which I will cherish for the rest of my life. Rest in Peace until we meet again.
Linda Meidinger says
Remember Calvin from when I worked at the VA years ago. He was always so much fun to visit with.
We always had so many laughs when he was there. He was like an old friend every time we ran into
him. I hadn’t seen him for years but know he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.
My prayers and sympathy go out to his family.
Nick Clauson says
To all of Cals family, he was a great guy, always had a smile on his face, you will miss him. Our prayers will be with you as you grieve. Sincerely, Nick & Betty Clauson
Kathy and Dale Gangner says
I can still see Calvin and Dad laughing at who knows what and Mary and Mom getting disgusted, making them laugh even harder. The world has lost another wonderful man in Calvin Irish.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Sending warm thoughts and sympathy for the loss of your Dad… Jay has early memories of Calvin and I enjoyed him later when he and your Mom delivered our mail! He lived a long and full life! God Bless you with peace and comfort.
Linda says
Thanks to Tim, Diana and Rene for all that they have done and continue to do, as I cannot be there right now. I will be there in spirit. Love to you all.
Jim and Carol Williams says
Our thoughts are with you at this heartbreaking time. Cal’s was one of the first names we heard about when we came to Montana 40 years ago.
Alvin & Denise Rich says
So sorry to hear about Calvin’s Passing.
Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Debbie Weyer says
To the Irish family, So sorry to hear about Calvin’s passing. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you at this difficult time. “DEATH leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal”. author unknown.
Karen BARNES says
Keep all the good memories in your heart – may they be a comfort to all of you during this sad time.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
My folks always said you could set your clock by the mail delivery when Cal & Mary ran their route. He was spunky and spirited with a big smile for everyone! We’re so sorry to hear he has passed on, but you can bet there is a rollicking time in Heaven with all kinds of visiting and reunions. May all of your wonderful memories of your parents bring peace and by visiting those memories often they will remain alive in your heart.
Steven Allen says
Uncle Calvin. I’m going to miss you. Working together on grandma Pearls apartment with my dad you and Uncle Gordon. You were a Great man. Kiss Aunt Mary for me. Hug my Dad. Until we meet again. Love your Nephew Steven Allen
Luci says
Condolences to the family.
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Our condolences and heartfelt prayers with all of Calvin’s family. Those we hold close in our hearts are never truly gone from us. May you hold your memories close and may they be a comfort to each of you.
BONNIE CURRAN says
Condolences to all of Calvin’s family. He will be missed by a lot of people. It was a privilege for me to go with him on the HONOR FLIGHT. It was very planned out for everyone. The Congressional people were great to the veterans,also. Thoughts and prayers out to all.
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers for all of the Irish Family
Donald John and Alice Cameron says
1 thing is for sure—Calvin was 1 of a kind. We have lots of memories of good times with both Calvin and Mary. There aren’t a lot of the people from the old Cohagen days left and now we are the old farts. Just want you all to know that we are thinking of you and remembering Calvin with good thoughts of good times.
Linda says
I am so sorry for the loss of Calvin. My name is Linda, and I have known of Calvin for most of my life. You see my dad Ray Johnston and Calvin were best friends as they went to the Invasion of Normandy together. They always kept in touch with each other until my dad passed away about 7 years ago. I would call Calvin 4 or 5 times a year and we have the best talks. I called a few times and something in my heart knew, so I started looking around, and my heart was right. So I can just imagine that Calvin and my dad are telling war stories to each other once again. The men of that time were made of tuff stuff, and were one of a kind. My heart hurts for you all. I will miss Calvin.