Calvin Ray McWilliams, age 62 of Cohagen, MT, passed away in his home near Jordan, MT on July 27, 2021.
Calvin was born on July 5, 1959 in Casper, Wyoming to Dean and Clara McWilliams joining his brothers Jim and Larry. After Calvin, his sisters DeAnn and Rhonda joined the family.
In early childhood, Calvin’s family moved often because his dad worked construction. In 1963, they moved to the farm in Cohagen where he grew up. Calvin attended the Cohagen School and Garfield County High School.
From a young age, Calvin learned how to farm and mechanic. The older farmers tell stories about how they would call Dean for help and Calvin would be the one in the tractor when it came over the hill to help them.
His mom tells stories about how he was always getting into things. His mom also said that he was always getting hurt. She tells a story about how when he was two years old, he got his arm caught in a washing machine ringer. Then when he was 12 years old, he was helping his dad fix the baler and cut all the tendons on the back of his hand and went to get it stitched back together. His mom said when they got home, she looked out the kitchen window and he was up in a tree!
In 1977, Calvin married his high school sweetheart Twila Jo Phipps and they made their home in Cohagen, MT. In 1977, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl Trixie Melanie McWilliams. Three years later, they were blessed with a sweet baby boy Colin Ray McWilliams. In 1982, they were blessed with another beautiful baby girl Amber Lynn Rae McWilliams.
Calvin constructed a smaller model of the World’s Biggest Tractor, Big Bud. His model, which he called Little Bud, began as a drawing on his garage wall and is now a running tractor. He also fulfilled his dream of having a pivot. This pivot runs off of another great accomplishment, natural springs that he dug into a reservoir. He always loved to fly and in 1982, he bought an ultralight that he enjoyed flying for years.
The last few years of his life were spent farming with his family members. Spring planting and Fall harvesting were times when much of the family got together and helped out. He also enjoyed going and watching his grandchildren do the things they loved. Calvin loved getting to spend time in the mountains too. Snowmobiling was something the whole family enjoyed getting to do together. He built a dirt bike track out at his place for him and his grandchildren to enjoy. No matter the weather, if his grandkids were out there playing, you could bet you’d see him out there on his quad playing with them. He left a legacy of kindness, generosity and hard work that will be cherished and remembered forever.
Calvin was proceeded in death by his father Dean Ralph McWilliams, grandson Kolter Garner, Ralph and Clella McWilliams and Phillip and Maggie Rath.
Calvin is survived by the love of his life Twila Jo McWilliams; his daughter Trixie, son Colin Ray (Erin), and daughter Amber Lynn Rae (Pat); grandchildren Blake, Felicity, and Mason Jessen, Tiffany, Jace, Cooper, and Presley McWilliams, and Carson, Bryce, Carter, and Olivia Garner; his mother Clara McWiliams; brothers Jim and Larry McWilliams, sisters DeAnn McWilliams and Rhonda Losinski; and many more family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cohagen Hall in Cohagen. Interment will follow in the Cohagen Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Garfield County Ambulance Service, Garfield County Health Center or Cohagen Grade School.
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MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Bob and Pat Corbin says
This just breaks my heart. Hugs to all the McWilliams family. Hold those memories close.
Roxie Saylor says
A Golden Heart stopped beating two working hands at rest.God broke all of our hearts as he only takes the best.Rest In Peace.Farm high in that big sky.We are sure going to miss you.
Sally Fitch Ness says
My prayers t pop the family and friends.
Sandie Green says
My heart is so sad for you all – Calvin always had a smile and never forgot a friend – he will always be Daddy long legs to this spider – Heaven gained a hard worker God created a farmer and sometimes calls them home!
Live and hugs from us all !
Debbie Weyer says
My deepest sympathy to all of Calvin’s family. It doesn’t seem real that someone I went to grade/high school with should pass away already… I am struggling with it all. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you to help you thru this difficult time. A friend sent this to me yrs ago and it is one of my favorite quotes. “DEATH, leaves a heartache no one can heal; LOVE, leaves a memory no one can steal” author unknown.
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family, it’s hard to believe that we have more time to spend with our loved ones until God takes them home…
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
To Calvin’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Pamela Goplen says
Our sincere condolences to all of Calvin’s family. He was an awesome man. Will never forget him from our time at Cohagen.
Pam and Mark Goplen
Garth Sleight says
Twila and family, I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Our condolences go to all of you.
Duane Fischer says
My deepest sympathy for the family. Sorry to hear of his passing. Alot of memories from grade school.many prayers for the family. A very good person.
Mitzi Beecher says
So sorry for your loss God bless you all keep all the memories close.
Karen Barnes says
To all of Calvibn’s family I send sympathy and prayers. May all your wonderful memories bring some comfort to you at this time. May God Bless you all.
Steve and Judy Nixon says
Our love and sympathy to this great family, especially Twila, Trixie, Blake, Felicity, and Mason. We love you, please let us know if we can do anything for you.
Duane & Terri Jessen says
Thoughts and prayers for the entire family we are so very saddened to hear of Calvin’s passing and may he rest in peace.
Duane & Terri Jessen
Connie and Jim Blonigen says
Sending our condolences to all of Calvin’s family and friends. We hope that the many good memories you have of times spent with him will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Dawn Colton says
So shocked to hear of Calvin’s passing. He’ll be sorely missed.
John murnion says
Too soon sorry to hear about it
Kayla Higgins says
To the McWilliams family!
My deepest sympathies to all of you during this difficult time. Calvin was a great man with a friendly smile and a happy personality. God must of needed one of the best farmers up in heaven. Keep those memories you have with him close to your heart and share them with others. He loved you all so much. His love for his kids and grandkids never ending. Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May god wraps his healing and comforting arms around each and every one of you.
Lloyd and Meryl McKenna says
So sad to hear of Calvin passing on. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Calvin was such a kind man with a heart as big as the whole outdoors.
Linda Parks says
Twila,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and the family. Holding you in my prayers.
Carol Raschkow says
To all of Calvin’s family,, my condolences to all
Of you .. I am so sorry for your loss.
Larry BARNES says
Prayers to all of Calvins family. The picture says it all He was ‘ outstanding in His Field ‘ and in so many other ways. Cherish all the memories, and always remember that big ol Calvin smile ! R.I.P. And may all your fields be green and plentiful …
Becky Hanson Stanton says
All of Calvin’s family. My heart breaks for you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
May God give you peace and memories of Calvin keep him vividly alive in your mind. Hold those memories close and visit them often. So sorry for your loss.
Scott and Katie Merkel says
Beautifully written. He was good and kind man, who would always help a neighbor in time of need. I remember when I was in college and we had bad winter. He helped our family get plowed into the red shed to feed the livestock. He will absolutely be missed in our community. So sorry, thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Smutt says
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good person.
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
Condolences to all of Calvin’s Family. May the good memories of the past get you through the tough days ahead.
God Bless Each and Everyone of you.
Merl phipps says
If CAlvin cant build it nobody can . One hell of a unckle . Calvin would give the shirt off his back to help some one . You respect him and he respected you . May heaven take care of you . We loved you and going miss you . You went way to soon
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Calvin’s family He was a special Guy and will be missed by all who knew him , May you find comfort in all of your memories and in Gods love . God Bless all of you
Dan and Ruth Ferris says
To Calvin’s Family,
It is with great sadness that I learned of Calvin’s passing. I have great memories of growing up with Calvin and his family. He was funny and often made me laugh. The world lost a good man. – Dan
DJ &Gloria Rath Milroy says
Condolences with all of Calvin’s loved ones. May your many memorable times with Calvin be a comfort to each of you. Holding you all close in prayer.
Sally Fitch Ness says
Thoughts and hugs to all. I cant say how sorry I am for your lose. Prayers to all
David Gibson says
Condolences to Calvins, family, it has been many years, but I thought about Calvin often whenever I thought about my freshman year in the dorm in Jordan, Calvin helped a young freshman get around! Thoughts and Blessings!
Jo Pierson says
My condolence to family and friends.
Deon and Phyllis Belt says
We are thinking of Calvin’s family, friends and neighbors today as they say their goodbyes to Calvin. We are there with you virtually from afar. RIP good man. May your fields always be green and gold.
Muff Engdahl says
To all of Calvin’s family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are will you today as you say farewell. Heaven gained an awesome farmer and wonderful man. Calvin was such a good man, hard worker, forward thinker, mechanic, he could do anything he set his mind too! Always there to help a neighbor in need or anyone that needed help. His big smile and caring heart will be missed by all that knew him. Hold your memories close in your hearts they will help you through the tough days ahead.
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest condolences to all of Calvin’s family amd friends. He had the best smile and was always very kind. This is truly heart breaking. God bless you all now and in the dismal days ahead.
Kris Crocker says
Twila, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for a healing heart.
Paula Keeler says
My prayers are with your family. May God comfort through this time of loss.