Calvin Kelly Gwinn

Kelly simply loved life-every moment of every day. His enthusiasm, positive attitude, and warm smile drew people to him. Kelly made people happy. He valued lifelong relationships and also creating new connections. He enjoyed sharing stories, visiting and laughing with anyone, anytime. Above all Kelly loved his family. He and his wife, Dana, lived an amazing love story and created a magical marriage of 26 years. They had a perfect and enduring love that was the foundation for the family they built together. Kelly was an incredible father to his two sons, Justin and Jacob. Kelly was a profoundly proud dad who was eager to participate in life's adventures with his boys. Whether he was reading a bedtime story, cheering on (or cheering up) at the boys' sporting events, cooking an amazing meal, or providing guidance, he did it with an abundance of love. Together their family had numerous and frequent adventures that took them to Disneyland, Hawaii, Sunriver, Lake Chelan, many National Parks, and a recent amazing vacation through Italy. Kelly was the "fun" dad who was always up for anything; golfing, hiking, skiing, snorkeling, poker, concerts, or staying up late to attend a Harry Potter movie premiere. You could also find him jumping off a cliff in to Lake Chelan, scaling Yosemite's Half Dome, or awaking at 2:00 a.m. to get to see the sunrise on Haleakala with his family. Kelly believed a life should be lived fully and completely and he thrived on creating memories with his family that were filled with happiness and laughter. Kelly had an insatiable curiosity and an absurd amount of relevant knowledge of what was new or great. He loved being a resource for family and friends needing recommendations for a new restaurant, a new musical talent, an anticipated wine release, or venue to visit. Kelly truly enjoyed work. He was a dedicated, hard-working, and dependable employee throughout his career. He woke up every day anticipating a good day ahead and looked forward to being productive and contributing to the successes of his work teams. Kelly felt privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside people he respected and admired as a commercial electrician at Oregon Electric Group, Dynalectric and ultimately with the Clark PUD. He felt very fortunate to be part of the PUD family. Calvin "Kelly" Gwinn was one in a million and even though cancer made his life story far too short he would never dwell on the illness but instead focused on his blessings. Kelly remained optimistic, positive and he battled to stay with his family he loved for as long as he could. Kelly will be forever remembered and loved by his wife, Dana Gwinn and his sons, Justin and Jacob Gwinn. Calvin "Kelly" Gwinn was born April 20, 1961 to Mike and Leslie Gwinn in Shelton, WA. He was raised in Vancouver, WA and was a graduate of Columbia River High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy and trained as a radar technician. He was the beloved brother to Amy (John) VanDyke, Kevin (Debbie), Kerry, and Casey Gwinn. Kelly was the fun and amazing uncle to his nieces and nephews. Kelly was a good man and true friend to so many. His warm smile, enormous heart, compassion, and caring spirit is what will be remembered. To honor Kelly, he would hope that you spend time with those you love, smile at a stranger, take a walk on the beach or make a toast to lasting friendships and family. If you would like to make a gift in honor of Kelly's life, please consider donating to Clark PUD's Operation Warm Heart. Donations may be made online by visiting clarkpublicutilities.com or by phone at 360.992.3000. Please join the family in celebration and joyful remembrance of the unbelievably rich and wonderful life of Calvin "Kelly" Gwinn on Thursday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 905 NW 94th Street, Vancouver, WA 98665. Reception following the service at the Gwinn family home

Calvin Kelly Gwinn

April 20, 1961 - July 8, 2017