Calvin J Stokes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Calvin J. Stokes (Cal) on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at the age of 84.  Cal passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones at Community Hospital of Anaconda.

Cal was born to John and Florence Stokes on August 13th, 1940, in Missoula, MT.  The early years of Cal’s life were spent in Anaconda, MT and later Musselshell, MT where he graduated 2nd in his class at Musselshell High School.  Cal spent several years after high school working in the Butte and Cominco mines, at which time he met the love of his life, Lucy.  The two began building their life together and settled in their forever home in Deer Lodge, MT with their 4 boys. Cal was a loving husband and an exceptional father.

The dangers of working in the mines, with a young family at home, made the decision to go work for Gene Anderson an easy one.  Cal spent many years in the logging industry as an independent Gyppo logger working in Montana, Alaska and South Dakota; he enjoyed operating his own 550 John Deere crawler.  Cal had a unique knowledge of tree species and could calculate scale of trees quickly in his head.  It was often noted that Cal was one of the hardest workers in the forest, working daylight to dark; he truly enjoyed working in the outdoors.  Cal was proud to have three of his sons sawing alongside him for a short time.

With the decline of the timber industry in the early 1980’s, Cal took a position driving an 18-wheeler for a well-known trucking company.  Cal was a long-haul trucker for 15 years before retiring.  His grandchildren recall several trips riding with Cal while hauling timber from Anaconda to Bonner. Cal would always give the young kids a “trucker salute” when they gestured.

Cal had many hobbies he enjoyed sharing with his wife, sons, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.  Cal loved to fish and hunt. His last season hunting was shared with his great grandchildren by his side, tagging out on a 5x5 mule deer in the fall of 2023.  One of his favorite fishing stories was of the time he caught a 50 lb halibut in Hoonah, AK.  Cal and Lucy loved to snowmobile and were part of the Deer Lodge Snowmobile Club for many years.  Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were among his favorite shows, making Cal a wealth of knowledge in all areas.

During his retirement, Cal & Lucy spent summers enjoying their property at Seeley Lake.  Cal really enjoyed being the “camp host” of his family’s little piece of paradise.  He loved a nightly campfire surrounded by his children and grandchildren telling campfire stories and roasting smores.  Cal’s greatest treasures in life were his children and their families; he loved each of them dearly.

Cal leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years Lucille Stokes, sons Richard Stokes, Frank (Orsay) Stokes, Dave (Marsha) Stokes, Shawn (Brenda) Stokes, 9 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, 6 great granddaughters, and 7 great grandsons.  Cal is also survived by several extended family members and numerous close friends, too many to list individually.

A celebration of life luncheon will be held for friends and family October 6th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Hall, 2:30pm.

The family requests that memorial donations be sent to Community Hospital of Anaconda Foundation in recognition of the outstanding care provided to Cal and his family.

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