Calvin "Cal" McPhie died June 8, 2014 in Murray Utah at the age of 90. He was born on September 10, 1923 at home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cal was the seventh of nine children born to Joseph Hyrum and Ruby Larsen McPhie. He married the love of his life Dodie Butters on October 20, 1950.
Dad grew up in the Old Pioneer stake during the Great Depression. He was a proud graduate of West High School.
Cal was very proud of his military service in the Navy. He loved his country and the freedom we all share and enjoy. Dad served on the USS Finback whose many missions included rescuing a shot down pilot by the name of George HW Bush, who would later become the 41st President of the United States. Cal loved being a submariner and as an active veteran he shared his story with civic, school and church groups. Dad has been instrumental in getting the ball rolling for the Submarine Memorial and has been actively pursing the relocation of the coning tower from the retired Nuclear Sub USS Salt Lake City.
Right after the war Cal started working at Alta Ski Area. Skiing was a passion he shared with his wife and children. After dad and mom were married dad became a welder. He was very good at his profession. His specialty was repairing crane booms. He worked at Shurtleff and Andrews for what seemed like forever. We don't know if dad ever retired from there as he was still called in to do his specialty welding.
Mom and Dad owned Little Mountain Ski area up Emigration Canyon starting in 1951. Anyone who was ever anyone learned to ski there!! It was a fun family place to introduce children and adults to skiing. And ski we did!!! In the mid 1960's Cal operated Gorgoza. It offered both night and day skiing, skating, tubing and the first toboggan run in Utah. Gorgoza was a favorite gathering place for many.
Cal and Dodie were very active with the Intermountain Ski Association and Dad was honored at the Alf Engen Museum at the Utah Olympic Park. Cal was always thinking ahead and was truly a pioneer in the ski industry here in Utah.
He was accepting, non-judgmental, and quiet in faith, humorous, generous and kind. He was a joy to know and is loved and respected by many. To have Cal as a friend was to know he would always be there for you no matter what. He never asked why or what was needed, he just gave. Dad was a man of all men. Dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.
Cal loved each of his children and was proud of all of their accomplishments. He adored his grandchildren and in turn they adored him. He felt his family was rather remarkable.
Dad is proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Ruel, Mac and Reed, 3 sisters Jeanie, Beth and Virginia, 2 infant sons David, Mark and son Matt.
Cal is survived by his loving wife Dodie, son Scott McPhie (Kristie) Bozeman Montana, daughter Lisa Cox, South Jordan and his brothers Jerry and Bill.
Grandchildren Meagan McPhie Binenstock (Stuart), Mark Eagle McPhie, Heather McPhie, MacKenzie Cox (Cameron), Caitlin Cox, Mark Cox (Emily), Brent Cox (Megan), Cindy Winget (David), Karen Ford (Ryan), Darin Cox and Michelle Cox.
Also surviving him are 10 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Dad could fix anything from the crack of dawn to a broken heart, we wish he were here right now to fix mom's. Love ya too much!!!!!
A viewing will be held to honor this unique and genuine man on Friday June 13th from 6:00pm ‚ 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Funeral Services will be on Saturday June 14th at 1:00 pm at the Monument Park Stake Center located at 1325 South Wasatch Drive (2400 East). There will be a viewing at the Stake Center on Saturday from 11:00 am ‚ 12:30pm. Online condolence www.larkinmortuary.com
