Calvin Lynch, 98, a saxophonist and a member of Local 802 since 1949, died on May 25, 2023. A veteran of World War II, he is survived by his wife Ida; children Lawrence (and wife Vernadina) and Deborah (and husband Charles); grandchildren Calvin, Brandon, Brittney, Lawrence and Danielle; and great-grandchildren Brooklynn, CJ, Camryn, Jru, Calvin, Titus, Aerial, Anias and Nola.

Mr. Lynch’s wife Ida sent us the following personal tribute, which appeared in the funeral program for Mr. Lynch. It was written by Mr. Lynch’s children Deborah and Lawrence.

Calvin Lynch possessed an infectious and warm smile and some of the most hilarious habits. He was affectionately called Cal. Bub, Grandpa, PaPa, GGPa, and more.

He was an incredible provider, protector and fixer. (If he put it up, it wasn’t coming down.) He was a professional jazz musician (his first lady of choice, the saxophone) who, until a few years ago, many were unaware of the commercial he made for Singapore Airlines. He played for a multitude of big bands, spanning over six decades, and traveled the world doing so.

Calvin Lynch was part of an era of old-fashioned great men who took care to love their wives, daughters and sisters. He was an impeccable dresser, and mother made sure of that. Calvin and Ida would have been married for 65 years on July 26, 2023, a true blessing that isn’t attainable by many. Mom always said they had a great life together: we know and believe that from the way they loved and treated each other. They weren’t perfect but they were PERFECT for each other.

God promised us threescore years and ten. Dad lived – not existed – 28 years beyond that, to the well-seasoned age of 98. He lived and experienced so much in that span of time and had stories to prove it. He was able to know his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he taught life lessons without saying a word.

We thank God for the time given and we thank everyone for your prayers and well-wishes. We thank the eldest grandson Calvin W. Lynch and his wife Christin Lynch and great-grandkids Brooklynn and CJ Lynch for all they have done to provide comfort and care for our father and for making this difficult time just a little easier for their grandmother.

Calvin Lynch was that MAN who so many can only dream to become. No one will ever come close to who he was. A king among kings: ROYALTY!

Rest easy; rest in peace; take your place, sir…until we meet again.

***

The strength that my father possessed wasn’t flashy or in your face. In many ways, he was a quiet, unassuming man who just got on with things.

Beneath the service of dad were where his principles, integrity and determination lay. That was most evident in how he put his family first – the way he ensured we were protected, no matter what. He said what he meant and meant what he said.

Many men are strong, but few can mix the right amount of strength and gentleness. He did exactly that. In doing so, we got a man who was loved, admired and respected and looked up to. He was that man you could talk to, who listened and understood. But if you inadvertently asked for advice, you were about to get a lesson. He’d say your name with a firmness then rear back his chair with his head to the side and pause for what seemed like eternity. If you paid any attention, you received pearls of wisdom.

There was a time when Dad told my brother and I that we better get along because he wasn’t going to be around for too many more years. He was in his early 50’s at that point. We looked at him, then at each other, and laughed. We were definitely onto something because he has outlived many. He was well seasoned.

Calvin Lynch was an accomplished jazz musician. His instrument of choice was the tenor saxophone. I don’t know what he called her, but that sax was his first lady. He also played the clarinet, flute and keyboard. He read, penned and understood music, and had tons of sheet music to prove it. He played with notable musicians over a span of 70 years. He traveled as far as Russia to play, and even made a commercial for Singapore Airlines…this man was one cool cat!

Dad’s ability and understanding of mathematics was second to none. No matter what and how we were taught math in school, dad showed us how HE did it, arriving at the same answer. But guess what: he got the A, and we got the F, and were told by the teacher, “Tell Mr. Lynch that his formula is wrong. The answer is correct, but the formula is all wrong!”

Dad was an extremely particular man. He was strategic in his building and always had a blueprint for anything he was building or repairing. Whatever he made was not coming down unless you had a sledgehammer. We witnessed as we grew up how he changed our house into a HOME, floor by floor and room by room. He required assistance from no one: it was done his way and he knew it was the right way.

Even though Dad was an impeccable dresser– shined shoes, crisp white shirts and dark suits — every now and then he would make a bold fashion statement, like wearing white socks with sandals, or wearing shoes and a button-up white-collared shirt to work in the garden. He was the best-dressed man whether he going to his 9-to-5, working a gig, working in the garden, washing the car, or just disposing of garbage.

His other love was going to the casino. Whenever Mom planned a short trip, he was always ready to go the night before. He would say to me that he’s “going to work.” I said, “Man, you’re retired – what are you talking about?” He said, “We’re going to the casino! I’m going to make some money!” He was proud of his Hard Rock Casino cap. It was lined with casino pins. Hopefully this wasn’t a sign of his winnings.

I can go on and on about how Mr. Calvin B. Lynch was — there’s not enough time! I just know that anyone who encountered him loved him. As Mom says, “He was the nicest man I have ever met.”

We are left with a legacy unlike any other. He set the bar and standard for the males in this family, who continue to make him proud!

Mr. Calvin Lynch was a king among kings. He is ROYALTY! We remember who you were to us – each of us had a different experience – prayerfully one among many who live in us now and forever.

Dad, you didn’t wear your feelings on the outside for all to see. You didn’t talk a lot to be heard. You kept things to yourself. You taught in silence. We rarely spoke about feelings in so many words, but I always knew how much you cared. I knew it a million ways, a million and one little things you did to let it show. I’ve always known that beneath that tough exterior was the most special, loving and caring father in the world. Thank you to the man who quietly shaped my life, to the man who celebrated all of my achievements. I was always proud to be Mr. Lynch’s daughter, always proud to call you my DAD!