Calvin Charles Brown

Calvin was born on August 28, 1941, in Russell, MB, the eldest child of Charles and Violet (Crookshanks) Brown. He grew up on the family farm north of Rossburn and attended Braun Elementary Country School before moving on to Rossburn Collegiate.

Calvin began his working life on the Veitch family farm before venturing north to Thompson, MB in November 1961 to start his mining career with the Inco mine. He worked as a miner earning $1.81 an hour, later finishing his mining career in April 1963 at $2.38 an hour. During his time in Thompson, he lived in a tent before housing became available.

After three years with Inco, Calvin returned home and began a new chapter as a grader operator for the Municipality of Rossburn. He worked there for several years before starting out on his own.

Calvin founded CB Construction & Sons, starting with bulldozing, clearing brush, road building, and any job in between. As his career grew, he retired the bulldozer and went on to build a well-respected business known for welding, repairs, and his unwavering dedication to the Rossburn community and surrounding areas. Many will remember seeing Calvin arrive in his purple Ford or later his white Dodge work truck.

An avid outdoorsman, Calvin enjoyed hunting and fishing all across Manitoba. He loved sports whether watching from home or at the rink and was a proud supporter of the Wayway Wolverines. He rarely missed a home game and even traveled to the odd away game until he was no longer able.

Calvin was also a devoted volunteer. He served with the Rossburn Volunteer Fire Department, worked as a town councillor, and held the position of chairman for the United Church, later known as the Community Church. He contributed both time and materials to numerous community projects. Some local projects around the community you may recognize are the walking bridge on Main Street, the cross at the Glen Elmo Church, and the bridge at Queen Elizabeth Park. He was always willing to lend a hand whether that be at town events, during harvest, or to anyone who needed help. Calvin was always there.

Calvin began dating the love of his life, Joyce Koscielny, in March 1967. They were engaged on June 1st of that year and married on September 2nd. Together they had  four children: Bradley, Darren, Chris, and Tannis.

There was nothing more important to Calvin than his family. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 58 years, Joyce; his sons Darren (Sandy) and Chris (Angie); his daughter Tannis (Barry); and his grandchildren Dustin, Wyatt, Cayden, Lindsey, and Charlee-Jo. He is also survived by his brother Sheldon (Barb), sister-in-law Cecilia, brothers-in-law Stan (Prony), Victor, Mervin (Margaret), and Brian; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including Jeff who held a meaningful part in Calvin's life

Calvin is predeceased by his son Bradley; his parents Charles and Violet; his brother Lloyd; his parents-in-law John and Margaret Koscielny; and sisters-in-law Marcel, Delilah, and Margaret.

We watched him long he murmured not

We watched him all that day

His aching heart grew less and less

until he passed away

Someday sometime our eyes shall see

the face we loved so well

Someday his hand will clasp in ours

And never bid farewell