Calvin J. Kitchen

Calvin had a gentle soul who could censor the nonsense of the world out. For more than 30 years he protected his wife, Aurora, from the craziness in which life brought, in turn, one of the main reasons she always has a smile on her face. Even during this turbulent time, the memory of him has the power to settle the storm. The parts of him that have been integrated into our lives will forever be a blessing.

The Gilroy High School was blessed for 19 years to have him protecting the gates and the students within them. In his own adolescence, Calvin spent the hot, humid Florida days fishing and rocking number 11 on the football field and basketball court. He was popular in school and enjoyed his school years in the Florida Keys.

After graduation, he wanted to see the world so enlisted in the Army in 1983. At 22 years old he was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky then served our country in "Operation Just Cause" in Panama. In 1992, he ended his service in Fort Ord Monterey, California.

While stationed in Monterey he met his soulmate on the dance floor. He had no idea what the night had to offer. It was the very last song of the night and both of them were just about to leave when he saw her there, "looking perfect" and as she described him as, "he looked so cute." From that day forth he was her protector.

From his first breath on October 30, 1961 to his last breath on June 18, 2021, Calvin J. Kitchen lived a life we are honored to be a part of. His spirit is carried on by his devoted wife Aurora Kitchen, his five brothers, two sisters, 39 nieces and nephews and an extended family of friends from every walk of life.

His loved ones will celebrate his life on July 08, 2021 for a memorial service at the Gilroy High School Quad at 16:00 hours. Afterwards we will gather at the Veterans Hall located at 74 W. 6th St., Gilroy, CA 95020 for some good ol' fashioned barbeque and quality time with the people he loved.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · June 30, 2021