Gordon Calvert

M. Gordon Calvert, 70, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver after a long battle with congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Gordon was born in Longview, March 1, 1946, the son of Clyde and Nellie (Nevala) Calvert. He was raised in Lexington with two brothers, Gregory and Alex, and a sister, Barbara. As a child, Gordon raised cows on his family's small farm and very quickly fell in love with farming at a young age. He participated in 4-H and FFA, and played football upon entering high school.

Gordon attended Kelso High School and graduated in 1964. He attended Lower Columbia College and then Washington State University in Pullman, earning a degree in animal science and graduating in 1968. Gaining experience while working at WSU's Dairy Center, his love for the dairy industry grew. He moved to Snohomish County to begin working at various dairy operations for the next couple of years, until 1971 when he partnered in his first dairy on Puget Island, in Cathlamet. He continued to farm on Puget Island for eight years, then moved his operation to Oakville, Wash., in 1983, owning and operating South Bank Holsteins until selling the farm in 1998.

Gordon spent the remaining years of his life semi-retired, fulfilling his passion of showing cows and operating a small farm on Puget Island with his family. He was an amazing father and loving husband. He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball, being an active member of the Wahkiakum Fair Board and Lewis County Holstein Club, and was an avid high school sports fan.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Calvert; his children, Kim Palmer, Tracy Brown (Mike), Lisa Frink, Elizabeth Jordan (Jeremy), Nathan Frink, Brook Calvert and Zach Calvert; his sister, Barbara Ortner; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and 10 grandchildren.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Nellie; and his brothers, Gregory and Alex Calvert.

A service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at J.A. Wendt Elementary School. A viewing is planned from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday at Dowling Funeral Home in Cathlamet.

- Paid Obituary -