Calvin Mercer Washburn, 91, of Canterbury Woods, Garfield Avenue, Attleboro; formerly of Homestead Lane, Attleboro; died unexpectedly on March 17, 2006 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro following his admission after having spent an enjoyable evening with family. He was the husband of Virginia (Spooner) Jackson to whom he was married on October 2, 2004. He was also the husband of the late Doris M. (Mills) Washburn who died on Thursday, October 24, 2002 and to whom he was married on October 8, 1936.
Born in Beverly, Massachusetts on September 25, 1914, he was a son the late Rev. Charles J. and Florence (Barber) Washburn. He was one of five children born to Rev. and Mrs. Washburn.
In his youth he was a “skinny kid who had all of the kid’s diseases” Growing up, he enjoyed outdoor sports and played on numerous organized teams. As the son of a preacher, his family moved often and had called Beverly, Massachusetts; Sebasco and Auburn, Maine and New Bedford and Springfield, Massachusetts, home. He resided in North Attleboro for many years prior to moving to Attleboro in 1972.
He was a graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was one of three members of his family to attend Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachusetts and he graduated in 1944 and later attended American International College and Boston University. He had the distinction of playing on the first football team of the American International College. In later years, Mr. Washburn recalled that his team did not win many games but as the saying goes, tbe experience “built character”.
While earning an education, he was employed by Hood Milk Company for several years. In 1940, he accepted a position in New London, Connecticut as a time study man at the Babcock Printing Press Company.
During the World War II years, he worked at a defense job with Manning, Maxwell and Moore in Boston. He was a production specialist in high pressure steel valves, which were in demand by the United States Navy. His duties included scheduling, production and allocation of this material to various shipyards under the direction of the United States Bureau of Ships.
Mr. Washburn had a double major in college – economics and education. He was offered and subsequently accepted a position teaching economics at Burdette Business College. After one year, he left.
He later worked as the Production Manager for Glenwood Stove in Taunton.
In 1948 he returned to manufacturing accepting employment with Swank, Inc. in Attleboro. After 31 years of interesting employment, he retired in 1979.
A longtime and active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Attleboro, Mr. Washburn served as Chairman of the Congregation for three terms of three years each.
During the time he resided in North Attleboro, he was a member of the Town of North Attleboro Finance Committee, served on the Town of North Attleboro Town Hall Needs Committee and served on the Town of North Attleboro Town Hall Location Committee.
He was an avid gardener with a special ability to grow tomatoes. He enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and reading. Since moving to Canterbury Woods he was an active member serving the residents and participating in numerous activities, events and serving on numerous committees.
In addition to his wife, he leaves three daughters: Nancy W. Johnson and her husband, Linwood Johnson, of Dighton and West Palm Beach, Florida; Beverly S. O’Neil and her husband, Daniel P. O’Neil, of Norwich, Connecticut; Marilyn J. Martin and her husband, Kevin M. Martin, of Bedford, New Hampshire; a son: Robert E. Washburn and his wife, Sheila (Lavell) Washburn of Vero Beach, Florida and Banner Elk, North Carolina; his wife’s children: Rev. Lynn McCracken of Providence, Rhode Island; Sheryl Ercolano of Westbury, New York and Keith Jackson of Attleboro; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; three sisters: Sarah Brigham of Easton, Maryland; Esther Randall of Niantic, Connecticut and Alma West of Terre Hill, Pennsylvania and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Marian B. Washburn.
Visitation has been respectfully omitted.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at 2:00 PM in the Evangelical Covenant Church, 841 North Main Street – Route 152, Attleboro with the Rev. Kent Palmquist, Pastor, officiating.
Following the memorial service, relatives and friends will be invited to join the family for a gathering in the church fellowship hall.
Private burial will be in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Evangelical Covenant Church, PO Box 208, Attleboro, MA 02703 or to the Community Visiting Nurse Agency, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.
To send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit our on-line register book located on the internet at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.
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Published in Legacy on Mar. 17, 2006.