Clarence "Cal" Raymond Cardew

1927-2011 Cal Cardew, surrounded by his wife and family, passed away peacefully at his home on February 26, 2011 after a brief battle with melanoma. He was the youngest of four children born to English immigrant, Peter, and his bride, Eva, in Ely, Minnesota. After high school, Cal joined the Navy near the end of WWII and upon his return from duty, moved to the Pacific Northwest to begin his independent life. He met his first wife, Nancy, and her two young sons, and was married shortly after. Loving children and wanting a large family, Cal and Nancy moved to a small family farm in southeast Portland which became the setting to raise their growing family, which eventually included six children: Daniel, Patrick, Caren, Peter, Shirley, and Gayle. To this day, memories of that family farm radiate from family conversations. Cal didn’t hesitate to climb trees to prune for harvest, plow the vegetable plot, care for the livestock, and build custom horse stalls and chicken coops, while remodeling the old farm house. He also built up his own wholesale company of women’s fashions, hats and handbags, Pacific Fashions. He was active with the PTA at his children’s school and was a Cub Scout leader. Cal had an ardent work ethic. Although his week was full, he still took the time to take the children to Sunday school and then roller skating afterwards each week. Camping vacations on Mt. Hood and to the Oregon coast were an annual treat even though it meant loading up six kids, the little red rowboat, a tent and all the paraphernalia necessary to spend a week in the woods by the lake. After 24 years, Cal and Nancy divorced and Cal began another chapter in his life with his marriage to Shirley. He also welcomed Shirley’s children, Tracy and Jim. They later moved to and refurbished a home in Lake Oswego. Cal eventually retired from his clothing business, but continued to work at various employments he enjoyed including Irwin & Paul Wholesale Jewelers, where he finally retired again. Shirley helped Cal learn to relax a little and start enjoying life more. They began to play golf and enjoyed frequent trips to Hawaii’s lovely courses. Their motor home allowed them to travel all around the United States to see the sights and visit children and grandchildren. They explored Europe and Cal’s English roots. Favorite memories include dozens of cruises exploring the ports of the Mediterranean, Panama, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Mississippi River. Cal was active with the Church of the Nazarene, Elks and the American Legion. He kept busy and continued to enjoy his vegetable gardening; customizing his beds and watering system with precision. The birds and squirrel of the neighborhood knew where the best buffet in town was as they gorged themselves on every conceivable treat he used to tempt them. He enjoyed watching their antics up until his last days. Shirley took meticulous care of Cal while they were together and helped him battle back from bypass surgery and numerous strokes, but even her will and determination could not help him overcome his cancer. After nearly 27 years of marriage, she kissed him good-bye. Cal is survived by his children: Patrick Cardew of Briggsdale, CO, Caren White and Shirley Cardew of Portland, Gayle White of Estacada, Peter Cardew of Beavercreek, OR and step children: Jim Bachofner of Kalispell, MT and Tracy Jones of Beaverton. Twenty-three wonderful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive Cal. After a private graveside service at Willamette Nat’l Cemetery, there will be a memorial gathering for family and friends at Cal and Shirley’s home on March 11th from 2-5 pm. Cal’s family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the Kaiser Hospice staff and to neighbor, Ken Clark for their help and support. Remembrances to the American Cancer Society or Kaiser Hospice in lieu of flowers.