Calvin Pritchard, beloved dad and grandpa, passed away April 14, 2013 at his daughter Mary’s home in East Helena, Montana surrounded by his children. He was born June 9, 1940.
Calvin was raised with his twelve brothers and sisters on a small farm in Park Rapids, Minnesota. He spent a very short stint in the military and in seminary training before marrying August 1968. He worked many jobs everything from security to ranching to his employment until he retired at Cuz Concrete in Arlington, WA, where he was well liked and respected for his hard work. He was blessed with three children and their life adventures took them from Minnesota to Montana.
Cal, as most people knew him by, enjoyed learning new things for his job, was an active member at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marysville, WA and for Right to Life. Most of all though, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He lived for his family and the times when they were all together. It didn’t matter what they were doing, he was in his height of glory. He had a super strong work ethic and was a man who placed his faith first no matter what his endeavors were in life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Adeline (Shackman) Pritchard and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children, Mary Riitano, Martin Pritchard and Marsha (Patrick) Paine and by his grandchildren Rachel Riitano, Melissa Riitano and Ryan Paine. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters living throughout the mid-west as well as a plethora of cousins, nieces and nephews and friend Joanne, mother to his children, and Steve Riitano, father to his granddaughters.
A Vigil service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may send memorials in Calvin’s name to the Monument Fund for Calvin C/O Mary Riitano P.O. Box 1708 East Helena, Montana 59635.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Saturday April 20, 2013
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday April 19, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 20, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, Montana
Burial
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Saturday April 20, 2013
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana
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Glen & Eilene Zachry says
We came to know Cal through Eilene’s monther, when she lived in Victor Montana. When she left the farm, Glen wanted to hire Cal at Cuz Concrete Products, in Arlington, Washington.
Cal came to work for us and he was a faithful employee. for eighteen years. He was a man of integrity and he left a legacy of honesty and hard work for the employees. Cal did not know a stranger; he was a real gentleman to whoever he came in contact with.
Calvin is now rejoicing with his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, and with Eilene’s mother who inspired Cal in the things of the Lord.
Cory and Leanne Durand says
This our wish for you: comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your hearts, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, knowing that his love for you will always be in your life, the reflections of the found memories you have and joyous times you spent together will make you strong in those times of need.
Just remember these words:
Goodbye seems forever, farewell, the end
But in your hearts a memory, and there he will always be
So smile, and remember, for you will meet again, this not the end
He will be dearly missed by all.
Our hearts and prayers to your family.
Love you’s
Beverly Nadeau says
Remember there is much rejoicing in Heaven because this gentle soul is now there. I’m sure the angels were singing Welcome to Heaven My Child.
In God’s Love and Care
Sister Bev
The Most Rev. +Lucas Graywolf says
I wish to extend to Calvin’s loving family the deepest sympathy for the loss of this wonderful husband, father and grandfather, on behalf of myself and The Oblate Sisters of St Mary Magdalene. We pray that your sorrow be tempered by the knowledge that Calvin now basks in the full beatific vision of God, experiencing a love so great that we still here are unable to comprehend it!
My God in His wisdom and compassion comfort you all and bring you peace and understanding.
Most Rev Leland Lannoye says
I will place Calvin’s commemoration in the next Divine Litugy.
Bill and Myra Denny says
I wish are deepest sympathy to all the family of Calvin. Our prayers goes out to all of you
Most Rev Allwn Zaugg says
Calvin was a warm, loving, and gracious man. He will always be remembered here at Our Lady of Grace Pro-Cathedral. Calvin has and will be remembered at our Sunday celebrations. Our prayers to you and your loving family.
Rev. Joan Swails says
My deepest sympathy to you Bishop Martin and to your loving family. Your father was so blessed to have you and your family`s love and comfort . As I know you all feel blessed to have him as your father. God bless him and keep him.
God bless you all.
With prayers and love, Rev. Joan Swails
T Alston says
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the hope of seeing your loved one again by means of the resurrection (John 5:28,29)
Mark J.VonBank says
4/24/’13
To the Pritchard Families and Friends of Calvin, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time as you mourn the loss of Calvin'”Cal”. He was a friendly and kind man who always liked people and enjoyed talking to them. I remember him when he worked at the Cenex Station in Park Rapids when it was across from the Bearly Used Store which use to be the Old Milk Creamery at one time. He was always so helpful and just a gentleman in every sense of the word and instilled that in his children. May He Rest in Heaven with Peace and Tranquilty knowing that he is not suffering anymore. Godspeed Cal-you have earned your wings to Heaven!! With Friendship, Thoughts and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota.