Bob was born on March 6, 1930, in Sand Coulee, Montana, to Merton and Mayme Calvert. He joined a family that included older siblings George and Bud Mitchell, Gladys Calvert Renning, and Norman R., Marybelle, and Betty Calvert. Bob was the youngest in the family and maybe just a tiny bit spoiled.
Bob attended schools in Belt, Montana, and Gig Harbor, Washington, before enrolling at Franklin High School in Seattle. There he excelled in football and baseball and credited his football coach, Mr. Lanman, with helping him find a path that kept him out of trouble—most of the time. He graduated from Franklin in 1949 and enrolled at Whitworth as a freshman, then transferred to Western Washington College of Education the following year.
In 1951, Bob joined the Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. He enjoyed many aspects of his service, but when his two years were up, he returned to Washington and completed his education at Western.
Bob became a classroom teacher and then an elementary principal in the Sumner and Puyallup school districts. In 1968, he was hired as a principal by the Vancouver School District. His young family sold their brand-new home and headed to Vancouver to start all over again. With Bob came his wife, Mattie; stepson, Chris; and two daughters, Linda and Cheryl.
After 19 years and assignments at several schools in the district, Bob realized he could retire, and in 1987, he did just that. His retirement was filled with days on the river looking for a steelhead or two, sitting at the cabin on the Lewis with his best friend, Sammy, or hunting the woods for a nice buck and building huge campfires on those chilly fall evenings. Many hunting and fishing trips were shared with the kids, as well as with neighbor John Smith and his boys. When he wasn't fishing or hunting, he enjoyed playing golf and cards.
Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary; daughters Linda Jordan (Lance) and Cheryl Thomas (Marty); grandchildren Phillip Jordan, Dustin Calvert, Chris Calvert, Amy Beers, Josh Joy, Brittany Jewell, and Destinee Thomas; and great-grandchildren Gunner, Bowdy, Carson, Luke, and Logan. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his son, Chris. He also lost his nephew and gambling partner, Mark.
Bob would have loved a few more trips around the sun—he was planning on it. He will be truly missed by those of us who spent time with him, laughed at his stunts, and listened to his stories.
All County Cremation & Burial Services were in charge of arrangments. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to accommodate family members.
