Calvin Leon (Cal) Alford, aged 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the River Mountain Village Advanced Care Facility in Newport, Washington.

Cal was born in Coquille, Oregon, on November 26, 1939, to Everett Vernon Alford and Ethel Alyce (Fisher) Alford. The youngest of five siblings, Cal grew up with a strong work ethic. He completed the eighth grade before entering the workforce, later proudly earning his GED and completing technical training in office machine maintenance and repair at Spokane Community College.

On May 10, 1958, while on a brief military leave following basic training at Fort Ord, California, Cal married the love of his life, Ellen Kay Lauzon, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Their union marked the beginning of a beautiful 68-year marriage. Just days after their wedding, Cal was deployed overseas for 19 months to France and Lebanon. Serving on a peacekeeping mission that brought American participants under hostile fire, Cal returned home to civilian life and a 10-month-old firstborn child.

Cal was a devoted provider who worked hard in the woods as a logger for most of his life. He also lent his talents to several local businesses over the years, including Pickwick Hardware, Selkirk Electric, Vanarsdale and Oscarson Hardwares, Naco West, and Thousand Trails resorts.

In early 1976, Cal experienced a deep, stirring faith that beautifully and marvelously transformed his life. He unequivocally identified the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was later ordained into active ministry at the New Testament Church on Highway 2 in Newport. A man who truly lived his faith, Cal’s life was defined by a single, enduring theme: "helping others." He consistently went out of his way to serve anyone in need, simply because he believed it was what God called him to do. He performed numerous weddings, prayed deeply for everyone he knew, and frequently called his children just to hear their voices and offer a blessing.

Cal loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. To Cal, family was not defined strictly by flesh and blood; if you married into the family, you were entirely his own. He was heavily invested in the lives of his children, teaching them how to fish and how to love others. In his later years, he fell in love with riding recumbent bicycles, frequently making long trips to Sandpoint or Spokane alongside anyone willing to pedal with him.

He was a beloved fixture in the community, volunteering as a grandparent for the Newport Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Gifted with words, Cal wrote personalized poems for all of the children in his life and eventually authored a book, The Poetic Love of God, which remains available on Amazon.

Cal is survived by his loving wife, Ellen K. Alford; his five children, Ken Alford (Anita) of Newport, WA, Lonnie Alford of Spokane, WA, Deanna Alford of Newport, WA, Everett Alford (Tina) of Cusick, WA, and Jerry Alford (Heather) of Spokane, WA; as well as a rich legacy of numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Ethel Alford; his sister, Edith Pflug; his brothers, Elmer, Dennis, and James Alford; and his great-grandchild, Tyler Alford.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 423 W. 2nd Street, Newport, WA 99156 (509-447-3118).

A public viewing and opportunity to pay last respects will take place during the service on September 10th, followed by a formal procession and Military Honors at the Newport Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home. Alternatively, memorial donations in Cal’s honor may be made to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) at 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463, or online at cbn.com.

If sending flowers is your wish you can order locally from Floral Traditions 208-448-2611 or Safeway (509) 447-2506