I wanted to share a few thoughts on my Dad…

My dad was full of joy, and his laughter was absolutely infectious. Everyone loved being around him. He had a way of making people feel seen and cared for, and we can all learn from the kindness and love he shared so effortlessly.

Cal was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandpa, a great-grandpa, an uncle, and a friend. Born in 1941 in Ocisco, Indiana, he began life’s journey with determination and grit — the weakest of triplets, kept alive in chicken incubators. In 1943, his father moved the family to Hanford, Washington, in search of a brighter future beyond the coal mines. They first lived in Prosser before settling in Richland when the schools opened in 1944.
He grew up on Thayer Drive, just across from Columbia High School — later renamed Richland High — before the family moved to their home on Kuhn Street. He proudly graduated from Columbia High School in 1951, carrying with him a lifetime of memories.

After graduation, he moved to Seattle, where he worked for Boeing and married Mary “Bonnie” O’Connell. Together they welcomed their son, Greg. While working he attended Seattle University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. In time, he and Bonnie returned to Richland, where he began a long and dedicated career at Hanford. They soon welcomed their daughter, Christina, completing their family.

Throughout his career, Dad held various technical positions supporting the production and cleanup of weapons-grade plutonium at facilities such as PUREX, the Plutonium Finishing Plant, and the 222-S Laboratory. Some of his favorite assignments involved Hanford construction projects and collaborating with the Department of Defense on explosives — work he found both challenging and rewarding.

Outside of work, Dad was happiest outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and taking dirt biking and canoeing adventures with his family. Each year, he looked forward to his hunting trips in the Blue Mountains with his twin brother, Al — a cherished tradition filled with laughter and stories. Summers were for family reunions at White Pass, where he reconnected with his siblings Keith, Al, and Patra, along with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families. He was always ready for a lively game of croquet and was known for his competitive spirit and infectious laugh.
He also loved traveling with Mom, especially their cross-country train trip, exploring the East Coast and tracing family roots in the South.

Dad will be remembered for his love of nature and adventure, his endless curiosity, and the joy and laughter he brought to everyone around him. Above all, he will be remembered for his heart — big, kind, and generous.

A Few Stories That Capture Who He Was:

When I was a kid, everyone knew how much Dad loved fishing and hunting. This time of year was always his favorite — the season he reunited with his best friend and twin brother for their annual week in the Blues. Now, the “triplet crew” is together again in heaven.
Dad gave me my Indian name, “Squat in the Bush,” and taught me the little things — like keeping my fishing pole pointed down and always watching where I was going. I remember how much he wanted an Ugly Stik fishing pole back then — it was the best, with its clear tip. When it finally arrived on the porch from his favorite mail order company, Cabela’s, he was so excited.
I was only eight and thought, If Dad loves that pole, it must be special. So, I “borrowed” it and made it mine. And the amazing thing is — he let me. Years later, I apologized and asked why he never said anything. He just laughed and said, “Ah, shoot, I just wanted a fishing buddy.”
That was Dad — a man with a big heart. He didn’t care about things; he cared about people. What I learned from that moment has always stayed with me: Love big, just like Dad did.

When I was in middle school, I came back from Spokane and everyone was already in sports. I hadn’t played anything, but thankfully baseball was Dad’s sport. He taught me every day at the neighborhood park, then became my softball coach. He was so proud when I pitched, caught a line drive, and tagged two people out to end an inning. From that, I learned something lasting: be your family’s advocate.

In high school, I did a work program at Westinghouse Hanford Company — the same place where Dad worked. One day, he called and said, “Let’s do lunch this week.” I had never gone to lunch with him before. I grew up with him taking a bus to Hanford early in the morning and returning for dinner. He took me to Godfather’s Pizza — dessert pizza and all — and I was in heaven. That day, sitting together at lunch, I realized something important: Take time to enjoy life.

When I got married, his advice was simple and true: Always believe in God, and be a forgiver.

Later, I had the privilege of working in the same laboratory where Dad had once worked — the high-level radioactive lab, 222-S Laboratory, at Hanford. Everywhere I went, people spoke of him with warmth and admiration. They loved his laugh, his humor, and his joy. From every corner of the organization, I heard the same thing: he was a kind, genuine, and honest man.
Knowing how deeply he touched others filled me with pride. My takeaway from that experience is one of his greatest lessons: Kindness is a legacy. Be good to others, and it will ripple forward — just like Jesus taught.

Dad’s life was full — full of adventure, laughter, curiosity, and love. He gave so much of himself to his family, his friends, and everyone who crossed his path. Though we miss him deeply, his spirit lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love that continues to surround us.

I love you Dad! ❤️😇

Please share any funny stories that you have about Cal!! I would love to hear them. He was such a character!