Calvin Shoemaker

Calvin C. Shoemaker, 95, beloved father, grandparent, friend, “Cowboy” and “Candy-man” made his final ride from Fieldstone Orchard West on the morning of November 11, 2019. He goes to join the love of his life, Rose, who has been patiently waiting for him for 29 years, and into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dad was born on October 10,1924 in Mitchell, Oregon to Ermal and Wilda (Hall) Shoemaker. Joining a brother, Loren and later the addition of brother William.

Dad grew up on the ranch in Mitchell, run by his dad and his uncle (Ermal’s twin) who handled the cattle. Dad did not like sheep so he would get out of school and ride his horse to uncles and help tend the cattle. He told stories of trailing cattle from Mitchell to Salem or Eugene to the train and the ride home again.

Dad was in 4H and very proud of his Reserve Grand Champion steer. He earned more money then was normal at that time. He played basketball, football, and was a baseball pitcher in high school. He was tall and lanky with a long throwing arm. His basketball coach stated that he was one of the best.

Dad was not accepted for the military because of his flat feet, the recruiter told dad he would not want to be in a fox hole with dad because he also had hay fever, it would be “achoo, achoo, achoo!”

Dad married the love of his life, Rose Isabelle Osborn, in Prineville, OR. They had 3 children and were together for 45 years. In Prineville dad worked for 21 years for Hudspeth Logging and Cattle Company. He and the family moved to Yakima in 1966 to work as a foreman for a construction company burying telephone cable.

Dad loved to fish and hunt with trips to Alaska, catching king salmon and halibut. While living and working at Camp Abbott he would fish on the Deschutes River and would yell for mom to “Bring the Net!” He took many hunting trips up the Nile with family and friends.

Dad was a member of the Steel Headers for 10 years until mom passed away, his focus then became spending more time with his family.

In 2017 dad moved to Fieldstone Orchard West. He made many friends that genuinely cared for and looked after him. We and he so appreciated their gentle kindness and tenderness.

Dad is lovingly remembered by his children: Sue (Art) Smith, Karen (Andy) Post, Walt (Barb) Shoemaker and numerous grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren, which included one with red hair like his grandma.

Graveside services will be celebrated on Monday November 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Terrace Heights Memorial Park located at 3001 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA. Services are under the direction of Keith and Keith Funeral Home. To leave a message for the family please visit keithandkeith.com.