LINDSTROM
Mr. Calvin Lindstrom of Fenn, Alberta passed away suddenly on December 3, 2013 at the age of 63 years. Calvin Andrew Thomas Lindstrom was born on March 10, 1950 in Hay River, District of Mackenzie, now known as the Northwest Territories to Edna Lindstrom. He spent his growing up years in Ft. McMurray, Warden, Big Valley, Ansac, Castor, Vancouver, Stettler and Edmonton. During these years, Cal experienced the pain of a single parent home which was afflicted by alcoholism. He became all too familiar with hunger, cold, neglect and violence. Through it all, he managed to survive, to forgive and always kept a positive outlook on life. He had immense compassion for suffering people and would give generously to anyone in need. He would think nothing of driving 100 extra miles to get a hitch hiker home and still give them $20.00 for a hot meal. Many are the folks who are wearing jackets, mitts, hats and boots that Calvin gave them, and numerous are those who left the house with a truckload of free garden produce. Calvin spent the first years of his working life employed on the oil rigs in Alberta and in the Northwest Territories. He knew by the sound of a rig how the work was progressing. In 1969, he married Joan Pilgaard. To this union three children were born; Rodney, Cory and Deanna. In 1979 Cal came to the realization that he had an alcohol problem that was destroying his life at all levels. After an all-night driving trip that ended in a crash from which he remembered nothing, he fell to his knees and begged God for help. He experienced at that point a tangible experience of God's mercy. He discovered and joined AA. This was the turning point in his life and he remained a member for over 34 years. Cal made many friends there and helped many make life changing decisions. Having changed his life purpose and outlook, he moved to Stettler and acquired an acreage east of town. He worked hard to make this a home for his first family. He fondly remembered those years raising pigeons, breeding and training Labrador hunting dogs, riding horses and hunting with his good friend Richard LaRose. At this time he was also working for the Town of Stettler. In 1999, Cal was united in his second marriage to Madeleine Dupont. To this union 10 children were born; Matthew, Sarah, Aaron, Emily, Amos, Noel, Leo, Andrew, Jerome and Annabelle. Cal and Madeleine's first home was a small rundown house in Donalda that he remodeled, expanded and transformed into a cozy home for his family. During this time, he was also working oilfield construction in Central Alberta. In 2004, the couple moved their growing family to Fenn and worked very hard setting up the farm there. Cal enjoyed playing guitar and the piano, singing, gardening, hunting, fishing, working with wood and last but certainly not least…talking. When he was visiting with people, young or old, friend or stranger, time stood still. He could discuss religion, family, gardening, recycling scrap metal or almost any subject that could be brought up. Stories of his childhood memories will remain with us forever. He will be remembered for his warm calming personality, his sense of humor and the affection he showed everyone. Cal was a model father, a loving husband, a super brother and a dear friend to all. He was very proud of his Native heritage and made sure all of his children received their Native status and a reason to be proud of their Native cultural background. Calvin leaves to mourn his passing his children Rodney (Danine) Lindstrom, Cory (Jennifer) Lindstrom and Deanna Olson and their mother Joan, his step-father Thomas Major, his loving wife Madeleine and their children Matthew, Sarah, Aaron, Emily, Amos, Noel, Leo, Jerome and baby Annabelle, grandchildren; Steven, Nicholas, Benjamin, Stuart, Sheldon, Carter and Hannah and 2 great-grandchildren Beau and Mason. He is also survived by his siblings David (Val) Bauer, Ivan (Donna) Bauer, Tony (Vera) Bauer, Valerie Bauer, Lawrence (Darlene) Bauer, Joe (Debbie) Bauer, Eric (Marlene) Bauer, Gertrude Johnson and Jack (Martina) Bauer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and so many very dear friends. Calvin was predeceased by his mother Edna Bauer, his infant son Andrew, siblings Charlie (Olga) Bauer and Mary (Eddie) Tremblay. A Prayer Vigil service will be held at the Christ-King Catholic Church on Monday, December 9, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. with the Mass of Christian Burial taking place on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the church also. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Calvin, memorial contributions may be made to the Trust Fund which has been set up for his children in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2L0 who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.742.3315. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.brennenfuneralhome.com.