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CALVIN STANLEY SKAGFELD
Born: Nov 19, 1929
Date of Passing: Apr 12, 2021
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CALVIN STANLEY SKAGFELD
OH CALVIN!
How does one put into words and do justice to a 91 year life so well lived. As we gather thoughts and memories together, tears flow and chuckles rise. Cal, if some of the character you taught us can shine through then I think we will do just fine.
Born November 19, 1929 in Winnipeg, Cal was predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Lila May (nee Huehn, d. November 17, 2009). He is survived by his loving big sister Irene and all his children - Cathy Jackson (Punch), Arlene Skagfeld (Wendy), Paul Skagfeld, Diane Skagfeld-Dyck (Dave), Laura Skagfeld-Waters (Cory); grandchildren - Carrie (Sean), Sarah (Skylar), James (Tamara) Jackson; Skye, Calvin "Siggy" (Lindsay), Sam Skagfeld; Jordan (Krystal), Benjamin Dyck; Cameron, Emily (Julian) St. Godard, Kieran, Celina Waters; great-grandchildren - Aidan Chelsberg, Fiona Skagfeld, Oliver Seale Jackson (and one on the way!).
Cal was an entrepreneur, an innovator, and a mentor. In 1960 he brought Canada's first dine-in pizza to Winnipeg, starting the Pizza Place as "the place to go for pizza". After selling in 1975, Cal, Lila and Laura moved to Papua New Guinea for two years as a CUSO volunteer before landing in Victoria, BC for the last 40 years.
Where Cal and Lila went, family followed; where family went, they followed - with four of five children on Vancouver Island. He loved his entire family and extended family and kept up on their activities. Even in this very tough last year he stayed connected to the world, family and friends with Facebook, messenger, email, google and good old fashion phone calls.
Cal will be fondly remembered by all who met him. He put people at ease, shared stories freely and connected because he was genuinely curious and interested. Cal was quick to reach out in good and bad, or just because. And he was always there in times of need. His presence and charm were matched only by his love of shared laughing-out-loud hilarity. Uff dah!
Cal was a real gentleman and man of integrity, with an amazing mind and caring heart. He maintained his sharp mind and sense of humour to the end. His only lifelong lapse in judgment … Minnesota Vikings. His outlook on life was to find the positive that is there, if we but look.
Cal passed with grace and in peace. The family offers deep appreciation for his friends old and new, Dr. Lush and Dr. Bell, the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria and his dear friends there, his VIHA caregivers, Emil and Reno, community healthcare, and the beautiful professionals at Victoria General Hospital - Leah, Christina, Dr. Hegan, Dr. Bester and the extended team.
He wanted us to celebrate his life - the family will lay Cal to rest beside Lila soon, and will arrange for a celebration when we can all gather and raise a glass, share stories and hug in person.
Oh Calvin, we love and
will miss you deeply.
Donations to the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria, in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 24, 2021
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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On my mother's side of the family, Cal was a special personality. He was a man with whom I'd had contact mostly in my younger years (although we visited during a trip out to BC following his move from Manitoba), he was always very kind and very high-spirited. Unusually, this was not someone who seemed influenced by negative emotions of any kind according to my memory of him - memories which shall endure the remainder of my life. My condolences to all members of the Skagfeld family and those who otherwise knew Cal. - Posted by: Ross Holder (Nephew) on: Apr 28, 2021
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I worked at the front desk at the deli of the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria Wednesdays. Cal was a regular, always ordering a Corned Beef sandwich and a diet coke. When his smiling face appeared at the door, I automatically wrote up his order and when his daughter joined him, it was a tuna sandwich, no bread. I always looked forward to seeing them and having a short chat with them. I am so sorry for your loss, he was truly a special person. Martin - Posted by: Martin Kogan (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2021
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I remember working in early 60’s at the original PP as a dishwasher on Saturday nights. Cal was always friendly and outgoing individual. A few years later, I started to deliver pizzas around the city driving a Crushman scooter. Those scooters were quite a hit and helped to establish the PP along with it’s catch song. Eventually, we graduated to driving International Scouts. My final pizza delivery vehicle was a Volkswagen bugs. I worked weekends while attending high school and university. Now that I look back, Cal hired a lot of university students who were happy to be making some extra money. I last met Cal and one of his daughters in the mid 80’s when we both landed at the Edmonton Municipal Airport. During our conversation, he told that he was returning to Victoria where he now lived. He was still like the Cal of old “a very nice gentleman who was interested in your welfare”. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Robert LaFontaine (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2021
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Dear Laura and family, I am so sorry to read of the passing of your beloved dad. The couple of times I met him, he was so friendly and welcoming. The beautiful tribute written for your dad tells of a life full of love and adventures. What a wonderful example for you all! Take care, Deb - Posted by: Deb Kropla (friend) on: Apr 24, 2021