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Post new topic Gene Calkins has passed away
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Author Topic:  Gene Calkins has passed away
forrest klott

 

From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
Post  Posted 30 Sep 2020 6:26 pm    
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It is with an extremely heavy heart that I let everyone know that Gene Calkins of Cedar Springs Michigan passed away this morning.

While he was never to my knowledge a forum member, there are those here who knew him and may not find out any other way. He was active in the steel guitar clubs here in the state and a lifelong, professional musician. When I use the term professional, I mean that he didn’t just earn money by playing music. Gene was a professional in every sense of the word. He was one of the local steel players who took me under his wing when I first started playing, and helped me land my first two band jobs. I will forever be in his debt for what he taught me.

A funeral service is in the process of being planned for Monday morning in Cedar Springs. I will post more information as I receive it from his daughter.

Please keep his family in your prayers.

Skeeter
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forrest klott

 

From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2020 3:24 pm    
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Here is his obituary:

https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=eugene-p-calkins&pid=196885926&fhid=8222
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forrest klott

 

From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2020 3:27 pm    
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Gene and I at the 830 Post in Grand Rapids, MI 1994. The day this pic was taken was the first time my mom came out to see me play.
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Bill Alexander


From:
Gowen, Michigan, and Homosassa Florida
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2020 2:09 am     Gene
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A great guy, loved the steel guitar. Thanks for the picture.
_________________
It's all about the music
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Willis Vanderberg


From:
Petoskey Mi
Post  Posted 3 Oct 2020 1:06 am     Gene Calkins
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Yes thank you Skeeter for posting this.
Condolences to the family
You are absolutely right about Gene.He was a fountain of information about the steel guitar and music.
I met him many years ago ,He was related to my aunt who introduced us.
I always looked forward to the Jams at Truufant as you could always count on him being there along with Al Marcus,another great talent.
Go rest high on that mountain Gene, you will be missed.
Who's gonna fill their shoes ?
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