Obituary
Calvin Leavitt Wellman was born April 10th, 1930, in Mountain View, Alberta. When he was four, the family moved to their ranch just north of Waterton Park, where he spent the rest of his life.
Cal loved the ranch life, starting with the family’s dairy operation (the first dairy in Waterton Park), then pigs and his last love, Hereford cattle. Cal and his father John ranched together until John’s death in 1978.
He was a good neighbour, fond of dropping in for a cup of coffee, a good conversation, and possibly a game of crib or bridge when time allowed. He also enjoyed dances at Twin Butte Hall and Waterton in his younger years.
Cal and Bob Jenkins took their cattle to the Exhibition in Toronto in 1969, where he placed 5th in show. He detoured home through New York City where he visited his older brother.
He was a rancher and cattleman through and through. He always seemed to know what to do with his herd and thought the ranch life was perfect – maybe not quite as much when it was 30 below with a wicked west wind, though! He was opinionated and was always up for a spirited conversation.
Cal enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to ride just like he taught so many of his nieces and nephews. He also taught them how to drive a tractor, deciding he had better do so properly after a three-year-old John beelined out of the house and climbed up on the Case, trying desperately to start it and “drive like Grandpa”. As he grew older, he appreciated the assistance from his neighbours and close friends.
Cal went into the hospital on August 2nd for what we thought would be a short stay. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away August 11. He went peacefully, with his daughter Lynne holding his hand and his favorite music (Wilf Carter) playing in the background.
He was predeceased by his wife Doris, his parents John and Rhoda, his siblings: Richard (Doris), George (Peggy), Harry (Rosemary), Elaine (August) Lenz, Bill (Norma and Dorris), and Jenny (Frank) West. He is survived by his daughter Lynne (Stan) Walker, his grandchildren Calvin and John, his sister Enid (Fred) Barnhardt, and numerous nieces and nephews. Close family friends Morgan and Colleen Brady, Sheldon and Brandi Dollman, Kathy Flundra, Dustin and Niki Flundra, and Marcia and Sam Stahl also mourn his passing.
The family would like to thank Drs. Jared Van Bussel and Beverly Burton; the amazing nursing staff on the Acute Care ward and the ER for their exceptional and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cal’s name may be made to Windy Slopes Health Foundation, or Peigan Ponokamiitatopii – Equine Assisted Learning Program.
At Cal’s request, there will be no Service.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Calvin Wellman April 10 1930 August 11 2022 (age 92)..
Death notice for the town of: Fort-Macleod, Province: Alberta