Calvin William Maxwell

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Calvin William Maxwell, age 79, returned to our Heavenly Father on Monday, August 6, 2007, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cal lived a full and happy life. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 28, 1927 to William Stephen Maxwell and Isabelle Randall. After sailing around the world as a 17 year old member of the Merchant Marines during World War II, Cal began his 47 year career as a meat cutter at the Sudbury and Maxwell Shopping Center that was located at 900 South and 500 East. His skill as a meat cutter was equally matched by his cheerful, personable manner and his desire to please his many loyal customers, even by making home deliveries of special orders. He met the love of his life and companion of over 60 years, Anna May Sanders, in the store's bakery. They were married on December 14th, 1946 and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on April 27, 1954. Music filled many wonderful hours as Ann would play popular tunes on the piano and Cal would add a beautiful harmony to her lovely voice. He always wanted her to play one more song. Their singing at the piano became a magnet as the rest of the family would join in. He also loved to take Ann dancing. As a young man, he led an active life as a fast-pitch softball pitcher and bowler. After work, he still had energy for tossing a hardball with his boys. Throughout his life, Cal had a fascination with animals. He raised rabbits, chickens, turkeys and hamsters. He was rarely without a pet cat or dog. Birds of many varieties frequented his yard to partake from several bird feeders he maintained. From scraps of lumber he and Ann built and painted dozens of decorative bird houses as memorable gifts for family members and friends. Fishing at Strawberry Lake and other nearby reservoirs was a passion, as much for the comradery he engendered with several fishing buddies and family members as for the excitement of feeling a fish taking the worm he was trolling. He also loved caring for his roses and his eye-catching circle of flowers in the front yard. He always had time for his family. Long drives in the countryside were a favorite pastime with the whole family singing our favorite folk songs as we drove along. He and Ann were present for special performances by their children and grandchildren, for the family's Church ordinances, and were the life of numerous birthday and Christmas parties with their descendants, always giving us something to laugh about. They even kept their sense of humor as physicians and nurses tended to their ailments. He spent a lot of time helping his grandfather, John Stephen Maxwell, his parents and his in-laws during their declining years and caring for his dear wife as they leaned on each other for support. He was always teaching us practical lessons and showing us how much fun hard work could be. Cal served faithfully as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For many years, his unofficial calling was as the meat-slicer for numerous Church parties and functions-turkey and ham never looked so good! Cal is survived by his loving wife, Anna May, his four children, Larry (Content) Maxwell, Gene (Maurine) Maxwell, Diane (Michael) Hill, Bob (Marti) Maxwell, 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Gwen (LeRoy) Nelsen. He was very pleased to be able to attend the Bill and Isabelle Maxwell Family Reunion on July 16th with so many members of the family. Funeral services will be held on August 10th, 2007 at noon at the Canyon Rim Second Ward, 3100 E 3000 S, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held at the Church on August 9th, 2007 from 6-8pm, and from 10:30 to 11:30am prior to the service. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. The Maxwell family would like to thank the staff of St. Marks Hospital and The Residence of CareSource who provided Cal with such excellent care during his final illness. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.