Calvin Henry Gamma, 88

“Heaven’s gate opened wide and let an amazing man in.”

Calvin Henry Gamma, of Kalispell, passed away unexpectedly Aug. 6, 2015.

He had many names: Calvin or Henry, Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, friend, but in recent years he was known as Gramps by many.

He was born at Ashley Lake on July 5, 1927, to Anton and Bessie (Arnold) Gamma. He was the youngest of four children, brothers Frank “Pete,” Ben and sister Mary. Most of his younger years were spent at home ranching and working in the woods. He only attended school through the eighth grade.

He served in the U.S. Army for one year, as back in those days all hands were needed at home to help ends meet. So back home he came.

He met Thelma Lorenson Madsen in 1951 through her cousins, who he was working for. They married on July 12, 1952, and he gained an instant family, Gerald and Joyce Madsen, and to this union two other children were added: Roland in 1953 and Roleen in 1954. They divorced in 1972 but remained very good friends.

He married Anita Hansonl in 1978 and to this union Melissa was added to the family. They also divorced and he lived a single life for the rest of his days.

After returning from the Army, he was a self-employed logger and ran his own sawmill. In 1966, he went to work for Forest Products. He moved to Missoula for one year and hauled cement blocks for R-Lite Co. On returning to the Flathead, he was fortunate enough to get on for the City of Kalispell and retired after 26 years.

Retirement was not for him, so for the next eight years he he worked for Black Magic, finally retiring for good at age 75.

He loved to fish (especially Ashley Lake), bowl, anything outside and was ready for a road trip any time. Other than one year in Missoula he spent his whole life here in the Flathead.

Calvin is survived by his children, Gerald and Sherry Madsen, Joyce and Mead Stokes, Roland and Ella Gamma, Roleen and Carl Anderson and Melissa Gamma; grandchildren, Rex and Donna Stokes, Donny and Dev Stokes, Rae Dean Barker, Geremy Madsen, Jeanice and Jack Myrtue, Krisha and Joe Dull, Lisa and Jason Schreckendgust, Bruce Gamma, Brice and Alisa Gamma, Janice and Justin Mordja, and Niel Gamma; 16 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Hoversland; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank “Pete” and Ben; and grandchildren, Michael Gamma, Dlorah Stokes and Jason Madsen.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be 1 p.m. on Aug. 29 in the basement of the Eagles Club, 37 W. First St., Kalispell. A potluck will follow. In honor of gramps, please wear something with a John Deere on it or green or yellow, as he was a collector of John Deere paraphernalia.

Until we meet again, Gramps, to the world you were one person, to your family you were the world. We love you and miss you.