Calvin T. Kanan, 73, of Fremont, Ohio passed away on November 8 in Bellevue, Ohio. He was born April 28, 1949, in Fremont to Van and Mary Jane (Gabel) Kanan. He married Shirley (Hardy) Kanan on August 18, 1973. After attending Fremont Ross High School where he was a standout member of the wrestling team, Cal enlisted in the United States Army where he fought for his country in two tours of duty in the Vietnam War from January of 1968 to August of 1969. He finished his decorated service as a sergeant having earned a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Air Medal, among other commendations. After concluding his service, Cal devoted his life to his career and his family. He was a source of comfort, loyalty, and dependability to those in his professional and personal life.
Cal is survived by his wife Shirley, children Kandice M. Kanan of Castalia, son Mathew J. Kanan of Albany, Ore., three grandchildren, Logan (21), Paige (12), and Zoe (9), and siblings Amelia Kayes of Kettering, William A. of Columbus, James E. of Fremont, Ronald C. of Colorado, and Robert E. of Fremont.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Van R. Kanan (2001), Mary Jane (Gabel) Kanan (1998) and brother Herman R. Kanan (2012).
Make Sure
He always made sure his family was taken care of.
Made sure we were provided for,
Made sure we had everything we needed,
He always made sure.
He always made sure our mom was provided for.
Made sure she knew he was there,
Made sure he was a resource for her,
He always made sure.
He always made sure others came first.
Made sure his country was fought for,
Made sure his customers came first,
He always made sure.
He always made sure to be there.
Made sure to be the calming presence,
Made sure to be the safety net,
He always made sure.
Now, it’s time for him to be made sure.
Made sure that it’s time to rest,
Made sure to know we will be ok,
Made sure to know he is loved,
Made sure to know we are grateful.
We will make sure.
Cal’s wishes were to have no services.
Memorials can be made in Cal’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or ProMedica Hospice.
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David Bain
Shirley, so sorry for your loss of Calvin I know Calvin for many years we bought cars from him and it was good to work with you and Calvin earlier this year.
Steve Pfefferle
Prayers to all
Joanne McDowell
Shirley and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, Cal was one of a kind and a great guy to know.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Marc Eisler
I am so sorry for your loss. Cal was a great guy. My condolences go out to his family and many friends.
Vicki Hoffman
So sorry for your loss Shirley and Family.
Lots of Prayers and Hugs sent your way.
Gary Chudzinski
My condolences and prayers to Cal’s family! Knew him well as service manager at Advantage Ford and radio control model airplane hobby. A very talented person. RIP my friend!
Dave “Birdie” Rohrbacher
Rest easy Cal. After I bought just the first car from him- we were friends. Always a good conversation and sincerely a great guy. Lost a good man.
Richard Hufford
I knew Cal as a banker. He was an outstanding car salesman for years. The reason for that was he was very honest and hard working. He was a great guy and will be missed. R I P Cal.
Marda
So sorry for your lose. Cal was a great guy! Condolences to all!
Steve Pfefferle
Prayers to all
John Lauer
Shirley and family you have our deepest sympathy. Cal was a great guy. He will be missed.
John Lauer
Judy Weickert
Shirley, you have my deepest condolences. I enjoyed my years working with him in real estate.
He was honest to the core. He will be missed. God’s blessing to all.
Judy Weickert
Chuck Dewyre
Cal and I worked together for 2 1/2 years at Tod Motor Sales. We became unlikely friends, unlikely because we were just different people. Looking back now 45 years later, I now realize he was more than a friend – – he was the big brother I never had. I wish now I had told him that at some point. I know I’ll never forget him.
Kindest regards to Shirley and his family.
Brenda L. Havens
Shirley and Family! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a BIG HUG!
Debbie Muszynski
I knew Cal when I went to Fremont Ross. He helped me thru difficult times and was a good friend. I moved away but never forgot him. He was a great guy and a really good person. I always hoped he would find love and have kids and grandkids. Sounds like he did. I hope he had a blessed life. Have not seen him for over 50 years but as I said he was not easily forgotten. Wishing peace, strength, and healing to his family.