Calvin Ray Zwirn

Calvin Ray Zwirn, 76, of Wray, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 11, 2025.

Calvin was born on January 29, 1949, in Yuma, Colorado, to William Arthur and Hazel Mae Zwirn (Spelts). The youngest of eight siblings, Calvin endured significant hardship early in life. When he was just three years old, he was involved in a devastating automobile accident that tragically claimed the life of his father—and resulted in the loss of one of his legs. This life-altering event set the tone for the many challenges Calvin would face, yet never defined or limited him. Instead, it forged in him a mental toughness, quiet perseverance, and grit that guided his every step, shaping how he interacted with the world and how he cared for others.

Orphaned at a young age—losing his mother at 14—Calvin was raised by his Uncle Chester Joseph Spelts (Tiny) until he graduated from Yuma High School in 1969. His early life taught him to value hard work, independence, and loyalty above all else.

Shortly after graduation, Calvin moved to San Diego, California, to live with his older sister and her family. It was there he met the love of his life, Ana (Linda), who lived just down the street. Persistent and determined, Calvin won her heart, and the two were married on August 7, 1971, in San Diego. Together, they built a life grounded in love, strength, and a fierce dedication to family.

In July 1973, Calvin and Ana welcomed their first daughter, Julie Mae. In December 1976, they moved back to Colorado, settling in Eckley, where Calvin began working as an auto mechanic for Gene Palmrose Ford. In May 1977, they welcomed their second daughter, Rosie Ann. Calvin dedicated ten years to Ford before joining the Yuma School District in 1987 as the transportation mechanic, where he remained until his retirement in June 2010.

Calvin was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. Life’s early challenges shaped his quiet demeanor, but for those who truly knew him, a nod, a pat on the back, or a thumbs up said more than words ever could. He was fiercely loyal, protective, and selfless—always providing for and looking after those he loved. To his daughters, he was their knight in shining armor—steady, strong, and always there when they needed him. He made sure their lives were easier than his own, and they remain deeply grateful for his sacrifices and enduring love.

Despite his physical challenges, Calvin never allowed his disability to slow him down or stand in the way of helping others. In fact, it seemed to fuel his drive. He was well known for his willingness to help anyone in need—especially when it came to vehicles. Whether it was a neighbor stranded in town, a family member with engine trouble, or a stranger on the side of the road, Calvin never hesitated to lend a hand. Often, his quiet presence under the hood was the answer to someone else’s stressful day. He didn’t ask for recognition—just the satisfaction of knowing he could be of use.

Calvin had a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. He loved a cold beer, especially when shared with good company. Whether sitting on the porch, around a fire, or in his garage, he cherished those moments—telling stories, laughing, and connecting with others. He had a dry, sharp wit and a gift for storytelling. Around friends and family, he could make people laugh without even trying.

He especially loved hunting. Time spent out in the fields and hills with his brothers and nephews brought him peace and deep connection. Hunting wasn't just a hobby—it was a cherished tradition full of laughter, storytelling, and brotherhood. And he couldn’t wait to pass down these traditions to his grandchildren.

After retiring, Calvin moved from Eckley to Wray in July 2010. He was surrounded by his youngest daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren as neighbors and would get a house full of grandkids over the holidays and summer.  He found great joy in being close to family—hiding balls that flew over the fence, playfully scaring the kids when they came to retrieve them, and watching his grandkids’ activities with pride. He also enjoyed tinkering in his garage and appreciated the outdoors which may have been his way to escaping the noise and chaos that accompanied whenever all the grandkids got together.

Above all, Calvin was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. His eyes would light up whenever he spoke of them, and he never missed a chance to share their accomplishments. Whether it was a graduation, a sporting event, or a simple everyday win, Calvin’s pride in his family was evident. They were his greatest joy and purpose.

Calvin was proud to walk both of his daughters down the aisle and see them start families of their own. He was a man of few words but his actions spoke loud and clear and everyone knew how much he loved and protected his girls.  He also gave back to his community, serving more than 20 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Eckley Fire Department.

After enduring numerous surgeries caused by a body worn down from years of hard labor, Calvin’s health continued to decline. Sadly, Alzheimer’s disease eventually took root in his life. Coupled with a childhood accident and the ever-changing challenges of living with a prosthetic limb for over 70 years, Calvin became immobile and struggled to manage daily activities or care for himself at home.

By August 2024, the progression of his illness made it necessary for Calvin to be admitted to Hillcrest Care Center, as his family could no longer provide the level of care he required in the advanced stages of the disease. His deterioration was swift and heartbreaking, leaving his loved ones in shock as they watched him decline over just a few short months.

But in God’s mercy, Calvin was brought home, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. He took his final breath peacefully, finally at rest.

His story is one of resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion. Calvin will be remembered for his unshakeable perseverance, his kindness toward others, and the legacy of hard work, honesty, and love that lives on in his family. Through God’s grace, the suffering his body endured for 73 years has come to an end. He is now at peace—reunited with his beloved parents, and finally resting in comfort.

Calvin is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ana Zwirn, of Wray, Colorado; his daughter Julie Dockery and husband David of Parker, Colorado, along with their three daughters Jordan, Sydney, and Emersen Dockery; his daughter Rosie Jones and husband Greg of Wray, Colorado, and their sons Brenden and Luke Jones; and daughter Halle Parker and husband Luke Bracelin, and their daughter Aubrey Bracelin, of Holyoke, Colorado.  He was kind, strong, and deeply loved by them all.  He will be deeply missed but the time they had with him was truly a gift from God.

He is also survived by his siblings: brother Delbert Zwirn and wife Paula of Oregon; sister Mary Berghuis of Eckley, Colorado; brother Charles (Doc) Zwirn and wife Nancy of Sterling, Colorado; brother Chester Zwirn and wife Marcia of Wray, Colorado; sister-in-law LuJean Zwirn of Sterling, Colorado; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Hazel Mae Zwirn; his siblings Delmer Zwirn, William Devon (Frog) Zwirn, Marietta Lungren and brothers-in-laws Melvin Lundgren and Peter Berghuis and sister-in-law Verna Zwirn. His nieces Debra Davis, Dalene Zwirn and Roberta Gebauer. His nephew Rick Lundgren and great niece Heather Berghuis.

Calvin's legacy of loyalty, craftsmanship, love, and quiet perseverance will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew and loved him.  May he now rest in peace.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Jones Family Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eckley Fire Department in honor of Calvin’s 20+ years of dedicated volunteer service.