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Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 07 October 2018 07 October 2018

chriscalvinChristopher Jay Calvin, 56, was born in Fairfax, Missouri, on October 30,1961 and died in Silver City New Mexico, September 19, 2018. Chris was a Navy Veteran, AQ3 Petty Officer 3rd class, Aviation Structural Mechanic maintaining all aircraft main and auxiliary hydraulic power systems, actuating subsystems and landing gear. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in February 1982. Chris is survived by his mother Jerrianne Stites Jones of Silver City, who will always love and cherish him and who is grateful for his life and his love. Chris enjoyed life experiences. After leaving the Navy he decided to take the GED test. He walked into the office and 30 minutes later walked out with the GED, having scored 99% in every category. He continued his education with several semesters at the college level. He was passionate about music, played the guitar, and was employed for a number of years by a concert company in Phoenix which managed most of the touring band venues for the area. Chris was able to hear first-hand the interesting lives of many of his favorite musicians. For many years Chris bought and sold mineral specimens at area swap meets where he was in his element as there would be many people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences with whom he conversed with at length. He possessed a keen wit, an extensive vocabulary (he would read dictionaries) and excellent writing and speaking skills, and assembling a library of all things World War II, airplanes, art music of the 60's and 70's, sports, 50's cars, TV programs Top Gear and Mythbusters, owning just the right tool for the job, an avid tennis player---Chris' interests were broad. He pushed his computers to greater and greater extremes to create original works of art. He wore his favorite turquoise rings and bracelet, wore his wild, curly long hair with pride, most likely in protest to his parents’ choice of "buzz cuts" in early childhood, and sported a wild, long grizzled beard. 

Chris had many close relationships in his lifetime: his comrades and family, his friends and his companionship with many 4 footed "kids" all enriched his life. He was a staunch supporter of personal freedoms, a cheering squad for the underdogs, a kind gentle, compassionate person who on occasions by the power of his emotional responses would be moved to tears. He believed in letting those he knew and loved that he cared for them, and that in sharing each others' lives, thoughts and experiences was of great importance to him. Treasured friends include Colleen McDonald of Arizona with whom there was a friendship that began in college with a love of ideas, music and dancing (Collen’s quote"...and how that man could dance!”) Chris and Colleen spoke just days before his death planning a time for Colleen to come to Silver City for a weekend together. Also, Doyne Wrealli, who moved to Silver City and whom Chris joined. And Karen Carr of Washington who with Chris shared the companionship, love and devotion of their adopted "Best Dog Ever" Brandy the Rottweiler. More recently, those who have shared with Chris include Christie, who always had time for him and his many questions, his pal Art, who spent long hours at the Hurley Flea Market trading stories with Chris discussing their shared passions for buying and selling, for second-hand stores and swap meets, and Dave who shared his experiences and knowledge, opening new ideas and thoughts to explore. Chris' life was enriched by your friendships and love; ("...weave a thread of love into everything you do…it's yours to show the way..."). Chris engaged in life and found it was good.

A family memorial service was held on Tuesday, September 25th, on Chris' Grandmothers Stites' birth date at Little Walnut picnic grounds, where we were graced by the presence of a protective mother deer and her young offspring. Those who cared for Chris during his illness are remembered by his family with gratitude and appreciation for the care and compassion they so freely gave. His father, John Jay Calvin of Arizona preceded Chris in death in January 2017. Chris is also survived by his beloved younger half-brother Ian "Bro" Calvin of Arizona, with whom a brotherly bond exists and abides.  Chris is also survived by his Aunt and Uncle, Ingrid and Del Stites of Nebraska and Sweden, and their daughters, Cousin Sara Stites of Oregon and Cousin Kirsten Stites and her husband Dominic Blaney, parents of daughter Iona of Nebraska. Chris is also survived by his Aunt Trudi Calvin of Florida. Chris was preceded in death by his Great-Great Grandparents Van Dorn Stites and Minnie Belle DeShazer Stites, Great Grandparents "Tip" Calvin and Charles C. McClellan and Goldie Scadden McClellan, Grandparents Delbert E. Stites and Virginia Lee McClellan Stites and Homer and Helen Kline Calvin.

Inurnment with military honors will be held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery on what would have been Chris' 57th birthday. If desired, please make donations in Chris' name to the Gospel Mission SPIN (Supporting People in Need or High Desert Humane Society all of Silver City). Chris' family wishes to express their appreciation to the personnel of Terrazas Funeral Chapels for their guidance and support.  Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.