Calvin D. Nelson Obituary (1924 - 2018)

Our father and grandfather Cal Nelson had a long, wonderful, loving, healthy and successful life. Cal had the brightest blue eyes, with a sparkle that let it be known that he might be up to no good, even at age 94! Born on September 4, 1924, he retired from his own family business with enough energy and skill to pursue his passion for tennis and win many medals, trophies, and honors well into his nineties. Cal was a family man and adored his three children William/Bill, Richard/Dick (Toni), and Julie (Danny); Five grandchildren, Melissa (Brett) Nelson-Stippich, Danielle (Sean) Clark, Aaron (Ai Fujii-Nelson) Nelson, Moey, and Kara (Jake) Rogers; And six great-grandchildren, Sadie & Olive Nelson-Stippich, Keeland & Calvin Clark, and Maya & Louie Fujii-Nelson. Cal passed peacefully in his own bed, in his own house, on November 26. We were so thankful to have enjoyed one last lively Thanksgiving holiday with our Dad/Grandpa. He enjoyed the comfortable and independent life he created for himself, and we will miss him dearly. Cal attended East High School. Shortly after, he served in the Navy during WWll and was stationed at Pearl Harbor (beginning in 1942) and Jacksonville FL. After the War, he graduated from the University of Utah and LDS business college. He and his brothers Norman and Don built up the feed division of their Father’s family business, Nelson and Sons, into a very successful company with clients all over North America and franchises in many countries of the world. Cal played varsity tennis at the University of Utah and casually throughout his life, but when he retired from the business in 1993 he was able to devote more of his time to competition. He participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games for over 25 years, winning 24 Medals, as well as traveling all over the country to participate in tournaments as a nationally ranked men’s doubles player with his wonderful friend Gaylen Young. He served on the Utah Tennis Association Board from 1992-97 and was a substantial contributor to the renovation of the tennis facilities at Liberty Park, where a building was named in his honor. He was also active in Murray City politics, serving as President of the Kiwanis Club of Murray and a member of Murray and SLC Jaycees. Cal grew up in the Sugarhouse area of Salt Lake with his father Sterling and mother Alberta (Mimi). Cal had two sisters, Faye Newsom and Betty Taylor, four brothers, Richard, Ralph, Donald and Norman. Cal is survived by his brother Norm (wife Jan). His parents and other siblings preceded him in death. Cal and his wife Judy were married in Salt Lake City. They lived and raised their children in Murray, where Cal’s business was located in the Murray Elevators feed mill, a local landmark. They were members of the Salt Lake Tennis Club and Cottonwood Club. Cal and Judy loved to spend time with friends and family at their cabin in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. In later years it also became a project for Cal who loved “puttering” around and constantly improving it. It was both his haven and retreat. Cal also loved traveling with family to the beach in Southern California and more recently, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Judy and Cal divorced after nearly four decades of marriage and Cal never re-married. Judy passed away in 1999. His beloved sons also predeceased Cal. Dick in 2013 and Bill in 2014. It was Cal’s wish for a private graveside ceremony and a party to follow. He will be interred at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery. It is the family’s wish for a Celebration of Life party to be held later in the Spring. If you would like details, please email us at gpacalmemorial@gmail.com. Please share online condolences with the family at www.jenkins-soffe.com.