I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Calvin my mentor who was always there for me life without him is like the sunshine gone forever missed pearl.

I met Calvin 1997 when I first came to Edmonton through kids in the hall he was always there when I needed someone to talk too are needed help with my taxes,then my daughter took the program and graduated and she lived Calvin because he was always there for her too,he helped both my daughter and I through so much and helped us achieve goals otherwise unachievable,I will always be greatfull  for meeting Calvin and mata ,everytime I am downtown there is a emptyness he will be greatly miss but fondly remembered by many.Pearl courtoreille

Working with Calvin I mostly remember what a calm level headed leader he was. He was the epitome of ‘Grace under Pressure’ and no matter what crazy issues had to be dealt with he always listened and took action to protect youth, staff and the business as best he could. He was dedicated and respectful. He could have pursued other professional opportunities that would have been far more lucrative but he was totally dedicated to helping youth to be productive, settled adults. He was a visionary always looking for opportunities to advance the program and float the business to keep it profitable. After he made the very difficult decision to make drastic changes to KITH he took on a huge responsibility in managing Kids in the Hall with literally no professional background running a restaurant/catering operation. That took a lot of courage and immense commitment. That fist year nearly burned him out but he kept going developing new systems to cope and thrive. His leadership skills shone through during those years. He did renovation jobs, and he was a consultant, and most importantly he was a loving dedicated husband and father. Calvin was private about his personal life but it was very obvious he put Jania and the boys first. He was so proud of his family.
 All in all, he kept his mood light and his sense of humour was almost always present. He would always see the positive side and yes he did have a good sense of humour but his compassion and generous spirit are what I remember in Calvin Avery. Our community lost an enormous man. I’m a better person from knowing Calvin. I learned so much from him. Calvin was a true gentleman.
My most sincere condolences are with his family and so many broken hearts. 

My heart is crushed. 😥 You will be greatly missed. I first met Calvin through the Kids in the Hall Program in 1998. He met me where I was at when I had nothing -just a young mom, high school drop out that lacked skills, goals and confidence. 

Calvin and Maida ran more than a program they both went well beyond their roles and really build life long relationships with each youth they met - together they made the best team!

Calvin was my teacher, coach, counsellor and mentor for over a decade. Going through the program is where living life began for me. He was simply the best at giving advice and direction always so helpful, .and caring. He  was so attentive and so patient. You never gave up on me but rather you believed in me always when I couldn’t see it!

He seen me at my lowest - he was a listening ear when I was experiencing challenges and enduring life’s hardships. He would just talk you through it without reservation, hesitation or judgement. He definitely taught me so much about myself for that I am so grateful. 

If ever I needed anything he was always there to be that support and simply to cheer you on! The best was when he greeted you in the restaurant at City Hall he always had the biggest smile - and for some odd reason as soon as he seen me he would yell “Dilly Bar”! Awe, going to miss you - you were the world’s greatest!

He had such an immense impact on my life. Today, I live that life I once dreamt about back in 1998 if it was not for him I would not be where I am at today its true - all because he believed in me. In 2008, right after I walked across the stage and received my Bachelor of Education Degree I called Calvin to say thank you to  say I did it! Yet to give him credit it was due. He showed me a way  in 1998 to set that  goal and I needed to share this achievement with him. 

I can never thank him enough for inspiring to use my wings to fly - you will always be apart of my journey! Rest easy until we meet again.  Heartfelt condolences ♥️

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Calvin’s passing. The one thing I will always remember is how deeply he cared for his family. Calvin lovingly and proudly shared many stories of the special times he had with his wife and boys. 
The passion he had for his family extended into supporting many youth throughout the years. Calvin had faith and confidence in everyone he met and I am proud that I was able to work with him. There was never a problem that could not be solved by a hot chocolate, Star Trek or the Scouts. 
Sending healing thoughts to his family and friends during this time and beyond 

I’m so incredibly heart broken to learn of Calvin’s passing. Christmas time always reminds me of him, as some of my greatest memories around Christmas were at Kids in the Hall where I worked as a Youth Worker. Christmas time there was so special and we always had hundreds of catering events happening.

I have a funny memory of Calvin and I with a cart of fruit and breakfast pastries, walking from city hall in -40 degree weather, heavy snow to the Epcor Tower.  I think a few “interesting” words of frustration were shared amongst us. But that really illuminated that as a boss he was never above doing the not so fun tasks and he was dedicated to making the bistro successful. We shared laughs when we returned back to the bistro about our trekking adventure.

Last time I saw him we were enjoying a barbecue and laughing. That’s how I will remember him; always smiling.

My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.



Dear Jania, Kieran and Brendan

I bought some Honeycrisp apples last night and thought of you, Jania.  In fact I can't stop thinking of you and your boys.  I felt like buying all the Honeycrisp in the world for you, but I know that won't help.  I cannot imagine how hard this is for all of you.  My deepest sympathy to all for the loss of your dear husband and father.  


OBITUARY

Calvin Roy Avery

27 August, 1964 – 7 December, 2019

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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