Calvin Maison

TRAVERSE CITY — Calvin F. Maison, lifelong resident of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at Bortz Health Care in Traverse City. Cal was born and raised in Traverse City to the late Frank and Julia (Forton) Maison.After serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, Cal met and married the love of his life, Marvel R. Hair, of Charlevoix. They married on Sept. 16, 1950, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City and were together 55 years at the time Marvel's death in 2005. After living in Kalamazoo for seven years, Cal and Marvel moved back to Traverse City for good. Cal worked for Carnation Company as one of their top salesman for 15 years before striking out on his own with Maison Distributing, selling wholesale merchandise in northwest Michigan.Cal had a zest for life. He was passionate about his God, his family and sports, particularly the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees. Cal played on and managed many Class A division baseball teams, including Rennie Oil, Carnation Milk, Northern Stainless, Maison-Pierce and Yankee Boy.Cal led his family to know the goodness and power of our almighty God. He taught by example and had an abundance of inner strength, a competitive spirit and a desire to help those less fortunate. Cal nurtured and provided for his family all the days of his life.Cal is survived by three daughters, Diane Kirt, Kathleen (Donn) Johnson and Dawn (Dave) Koschara; and a son, Joseph Maison, all of Traverse City; grandchildren, Triston (Susan) Kirt, Aaron Kirt, Lindsey (Ethan) Bassett, Calvin Maison, Austin Maison, Bradin Maison and Quintin Maison; and many nieces and nephews.In addition to his wife, Marvel, he was preceded in death by his father, Frank Maison; his mother, Julia Linderleaf; stepfather, Elmer Linderleaf; brothers, Lloyd, Donald (Audrey) and Norman (Ruth) Maison; sisters, Mildred (Don) Price and Betty (Edward) Sherer; son-in-law, Lee Kirt; and grandson, Tyler Maison. Funeral services celebrating Cal's Life will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, where friends may begin calling at 1 p.m. the Rev. Dr. Kendale Dennis will be officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery in Traverse City after the service. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at East Bay Calvary Church on Hammond and Four Mile roads after the burial.The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Father Fred Foundation, Cherryland Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Hospital.Please sign Cal's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Calvin Maison

September 16, 1950