Our Creator called Home yet another one of His children. On April 18, 2024, at precisely 16:12, Calvin Martin Sr. was delivered to Heaven in the loving arms of Jesus.
Calvin was born on June 12, 1923, in Perris, California, to Daisy Mary Cohota Martin, the daughter of Civil War hero Edward Day Cohota (US Army, Retired 30 years).
As a young boy, Calvin learned to shoot and hunt to help feed his family. His excellence in marksmanship earned him the title of Gunner in the US Navy during WWII. He served honorably aboard USS Stephen T. Mather, USS Alcoa Pioneer, and USS Kershaw. Immediately upon his discharge in 1946, he hitch-hiked his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle “right off the line.” His love of adventure led him to join the US Merchant Marines when he returned to California, and he sailed to ports of call around the Pacific.
Calvin recalled seeing “his destiny” in a schoolhouse film depicting the incredible abundance of wildlife and unparalleled beauty of Alaska. It fostered within him the thrill of hunting and fishing adventures and the excitement of exploration. He knew he would go.
In the spring of 1949, Calvin made his way north. He spent nearly 50 years in the “Last Frontier.” Cal worked as a carpenter and a commercial fisherman. He also was a gunsmith and owned a gun store in Anchorage in 1952. Cal had a friend in the trades who was planning to become an electrician. He offered Cal the use of his books and Cal studied relentlessly when he could make the time. In 1957, Calvin passed his professional exam and earned his electrician’s license. He was invited to join the IBEW Local Union 1547 in Anchorage. Cal was a partner in a lumber supply store on the Kenai Peninsula and built a 32-unit motel in Kenai – The Katmai Motel, in 1968. And when the Alaska Pipeline Project began, he made his way to the North Slope to employ his electrical skills. He also worked on the construction of the Kenai Petroleum Refinery. Cal was a union member for 66 ½ years with the Local 1547.
In 1978, Cal and his wife, Luci Chamberlain, became partners in the General Store on the Homer Spit, Alaska. Also known as Sportsman’s Marine Supply and Raven Marine Charters, the General Store was the favorite job Cal ever had – he loved Homer. And he loved Alaska most for the fishing and hunting, “It was out of this world!” Cal owned boats and airplanes for most of his time in Alaska. He enjoyed soaring above the majestic landscape that Alaska provided. He hunted for meat and helped numerous families survive the Alaska winter. Cal was known well for his generosity. He loved to help others.
Cal spent 30 years of retirement in Northern Nevada, where he continued to hunt for as long as he could. His last years were enjoyed in Fallon, where he could be seen walking in the park. Cal was well-known and well-liked by all of his neighbors. Cal was the oldest member of the American Legion in Fallon. And he was warmly honored by all the folks at the VFW Lawton Silva Post 1002 of Fallon, Nevada.
Calvin is survived by multitudes of generations of descendants – too many to count. And he will be greatly missed. Cal’s family is eternally grateful and would like to extend a “Special Thank You” to:
The Staff at Reno Veteran’s Hospital
Honor Flight Nevada
Quilts of Valor of Northern Nevada
Gary Sinise Foundation and Soaring Valor
American Airlines
The WWII Museum in New Orleans
Patriot Riders of Northern Nevada, American Legion Riders, and all Riders in the procession in Honor Calvin C. Martin Sr.
Americans who honor WWII Veterans and all veterans who have served
Veterans Coalition of Northern Nevada
VFW Lawton Silva Post 1002
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the VFW Post located at 405 S. Maine St. in Fallon, NV.
Cal’s Honor Services will be conducted at the Northern Nevada Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, NV, at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024.
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