Clyde Lacey Calvin, 1934-2021, passed away on Nov. 3, in Richmond, California with his wife, Carol, by his side. He was born in Winlock, Washington and grew up in Toledo, Washington with his parents and 3 older sisters working on the family dairy farm, hunting, and fishing, to include organizing various ‘snipe’ hunting expeditions. He left Toledo to pursue a career in botany, where he earned his bachelor’s degree at Washington State University, then proceeded to Purdue where gained his master’s degree. He acquired his PhD at the University of California, Davis. Clyde taught briefly at Long Beach State University and Western Oregon University then as a Professor at Portland State University where he taught, conducted research, and mentored graduate students. At his passing, he was a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley where his collections and research archives will be housed. He was highly regarded in the field of Botany, publishing books and peer-reviewed research papers that mostly focused on native mistletoes around the world.
Clyde had a large family and vast circle of friends that he visited frequently and cared for deeply. He was very gregarious, insightful, and always willing to assist and provide helpful advice to those in need. Clyde had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories and have a good laugh. He also loved adventures, big and small. Throughout his life, he traveled to many fascinating places collecting research specimens of mistletoe and Iris with his wife, Carol, friends, Al Solheim and Victor Marquardt, and many colleagues. He traveled throughout the United States and exotic places, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
He is preceded in death by his father, Clyde R. Calvin; mother, Ellen R. (McClanahan) Calvin; and sisters, Roberta (Calvin) Spencer and Jeanette (Calvin) Ward. He leaves behind his wife, Carol A. Wilson; sister, Elsie Calvin; 4 children: Stephen C. Calvin (Jane); Carolyn K. Calvin-Fennell (David); Christopher Rooper (Jennifer); and Jeremiah Rooper (Tammy); 4 grandchildren: Angela Pederson; Briana Weber; Ty Rooper; and Jaya Calvin; as well as 4 great-grandchildren: Mia; Emmalee; Thomas; and Cora; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date
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