Funny guy that Cal, never met him.

He offered many times for me to come to Alaska borrow his Savage 99 in 308 and kill a moose at his house.

I offered the same on wherever I was living, and it looks like one of us should have done it.

You run out of health and life before you do time or money.

I will always have a soft spot for him. He has a youtube channel, I would imagine that if someone doesn't log into it, that it will eventually not exist. I don't know if someone on youtube is tracking that or not.

https://www.youtube.com/channe...VFzgTyNGqzMGgOx2yz2A

quote:

All I know about him is that he was a single schoolteacher, carefully saved his money, never went into debt, started very thoughtful collecting -- Winchesters, then double rifles, then back to Winchesters recently -- enjoyed many, many safaris and hosted the Alaska double rifle shoots.

He was very disciplined and focused with money and that enabled him to build an amazing gun collection and enjoy many many safaris that people making many times as much cannot afford. As an example, he used to live within walking distance of work and a grocery so he didn't need to buy gas unless going on a trip, and he build his 'retirement' house while working so he had a mortgage free home to move into when he retired that he continued to expand and improve over the years, he could use wood for heat, a well for water etc. Many years ago he told me his utilities at the time totaled $60/month. That enabled him to work when he wanted as a substitute teacher (he had a couple of masters degrees) and still have plenty of room for life and generosity. He made a ton of very deliberate choices to not fall victim to the rat race.

As an side, there is a youtube video of him giving a high school graduation speech and he kindly gave each graduate $1,000. Not US dollars mind you, Zimbabwe ones, but it was the thought that counts.

Rest In Peace, Cal. You were one of the good ones.

We all benefitted from his knowledge and generosity in sharing it.

This is terrible news. Thank you for everything Cal

Very sad news, RIP Cal.

RIP Cal.

We never talked or met, but you kindly shared your knowledge and experience with doubles etc. on AR and to me personally.

Morten

quote:

Originally posted by Omnivorous_Bob:
I first met Cal at a gun shop when I was there to pick up a new-to-me 8-bore double rifle. Needless to say we hit it off and were soon making hunting plans, shooting together, etc. It took a few years but we went on a trip to Australia with a few others from AR. He also helped a ton with my first trip to Africa and put a picture of my young son shooting his Daisy BB double rifle in the back of his bore rifle book, which I still think is awesome. RIP my friend, and cheers on a life well
lived.

Cal was a good friend and big hearted. You can tell a persons true character by how they treat the disabled. He never once forgot to send my son a Birthday gift.

Rob, remember on that trip, we had to stop out an outback health clinic to get a splinter removed from Cal’s thumb?

Cal's contribution to AR will be missed. RIP!

RIP, I'll miss his posts.
Somthing in me still hopes it's not true, and he's just travelling and hasn't checked in. He was supposed to fly today if I'm not mistaken.

Heartbreaking.
We spoke many times over the years about 600s and hopes of going on safari together.
Very sad to learn of this loss to our AR family.

I was proud to call him a friend.

I tried for the last few years to get him to come to Kentucky and go turkey hunting.

It was on his very short list.

I really enjoyed his very generous Double Rifle Shoots over the years, his books, emails and chats!!

What is it they say... " the Good Guys go first??!!"

I hope this wasn't a complication of the Cochlear Implants recently, surgery or anesthesia

We will miss you Cal.

CheerZ,

R.i.P. Cal.

We had great conservations about the last 10 years.
(...mutch fun, as in the M.S.-thread...)

Here, about the forum and via mail.



I will write an big memorial-article about him.

Anyone who had some nearer informations about him, please contact me.



Thank you.

Time is no friend. You will be sorely missed Cal. May you find the game in their prime, wind in your face and all the ammo, trackers and adventure around every corner. Rest in Peace!

This may be the only obit for our friend Cal. Much too young to leave us.

https://www.mat-suvalleyfunera...ituary/calvin-pappas

"... On Sunday, May 22nd, 2022, Calvin Richard Pappas, passed away at age 66.

Calvin Pappas was born on August 24, 1955 in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends..."

Here is some more information about Cal's passing that was posted on Africahunting.com.

When one door closes, another opens.

"Cal Pappas loved to share his experiences hunting in Africa. The sparkle in his eyes and the enthusiasm in his voice drew in his listeners. When he finished talking, and while you were dreaming, he would say, "Do you want to come along? You can go with me." And many said, "Yes!" We did.

Three of us Alaskans soaked up Cal's advice. Then we followed his checklists, prepared our documents, and packed our bags.

On Monday evening, May 23, 2022, Cal and the three of us were to meet at the Anchorage Airport to begin our journey to Haakdoorn Safari in South Africa. Two of us would hunt their entire trip at Haakdoorn. After five days of hunting, Cal and I were headed to Zimbabwe for a little over two weeks. He wanted to share the sights of his beloved Zimbabwe, and his good friend who lives there offered to be our guide. Amazing adventures. I was excited.

On Sunday, the day before our flight, I planned to drive down to Cal's house from Fairbanks. Cal called at about 9:00 a.m., saying his bags were packed and on the porch. He asked when I would be leaving, and I thought in half an hour but said I'd call to confirm. Cal never answered the phone when I made that call, the calls to tell him of my delay, the call when I left home at 1:00 p.m., or any of the many calls I made on my drive down to Willow. It was un-Cal-like not to return calls.

About half an hour from his home, I got a call from Cal's house-sitter. She had something to say about Cal but did not want to tell me while I was driving. When I arrived at the turn-off to Cal's road, his house-sitter was waiting for me.

Cal had passed away.

We will not know the exact cause until the state medical examiner has the results. The EMTs said it was quick.

I expect my morning conversation with Cal was his last. His house-sitter arrived at his home at 3:00 p.m. and found him. When I drove up around 6:00 p.m., the Troopers were doing their jobs. I looked toward the house and saw Cal's packed bags on the porch.

Packed bags. Cal always packed two pairs of hunting shorts and two t-shirts, one dressier shirt for visiting friends or going out for a nice dinner. There was gear, ammo, laptop, binos, meds, the usual. But what of the rest of the space in the various bags? Gifts. Gifts for all of his friends who make his trips so delightful. His bags are filled with items to make other people happy!

A Trooper asked if I would secure the house and stay. I agreed. Emotionally I knew I could not make that trip now. I lost my friend.

The comments about Cal on this thread are warm, thankful, and positive. Cal's door to us on earth is now closed—he walked through another. But while he was with us, Cal opened doors for people—be it talking about the double rifles, ammunition or hunting in Africa or Alaska, and much more. He certainly opened a door for me.

As some of you pointed out, Cal lived his life in a way that allowed him to pursue his love of rifles and hunt in Africa. I knew him to be a brilliant man academically and with the craft. He thoroughly enjoyed his firearms and would shoot almost every day. He had a heated shed with a rifle rest that fit in an open window—he could shoot through the Alaska winter. He built his log home, furnished it sparsely, and surrounded himself with reminders of his travels—his trophies, skins, and beautiful Africa carvings. Cal was humble. Cal was generous. Cal genuinely cared you had what you needed and a place to stay.

Kevin Peacock—special note for you—I have Cal’s "Double Rifle Primer" book he wanted to give you at the Harare airport. I can bring it when I land in Harare next year, or there might be a way to get it to you sooner. I will contact you.

I have another book Cal was bringing—if anyone here arranged for him to deliver a book to you, please get in touch with me. I do not know who it should go to.

Johan, I have Cal's gift for you and will try to send it over with someone in August/September. I will be in contact.

Take care, everyone."

This post was made by a member of the other forum. I copied it to share the information.

Over the years on this forum I misread Cal Pappas. I thank the person who posted his YouTube address to the graduating high school class. His connection and enthusiasm with the young folks speaks volumes about the man he obviously was. As a Zimbabwean and being involved in the wildlife industry, I wish I had thanked him for all he obviously did for our cause and echo the laments for his premature passing.

Cal, cheers, Mate.

Good grief. That is very sad indeed.

I recall Cal often mentioning his aging Mother in a home close by??
My thoughts and prayers are with her and her future care if she is still with us?? This has to be very hard for her....
We should have stopped by for a visit on our last trip thru Willow on the way to Valdez STOL Competition.... CUDDA, WUDDA, SHUDDA!!...all those generous invitations...
I purchased all of Cal's books over the years...I think the 600 NE was the best!! Cal purchased my complete collection of Harald Wolfe's HATARI TIMES magazines a few years ago... before COVID!! He loved reading and writing Africa... I think he was amused I was the proof reader for Harald for several years??!! He wrote a few articles there too, I recall.
I already miss Cal...especially here on AR!!

He was one of few big game hunters that understood animal behaviour and didn't claim he'd been charged by every single buffalo he'd hunted like some clowns do. RIP and happy hunting in the green fields beyond Mr Pappas.

rip

Cal, Rest In Peace my double rifle brother.

You will be tremendously missed by many.

RIP Cal. I never had the pleasure to meet him, just exchanged a few messages. Seemed like he really enjoyed double rifles and hunting. Guess he is in the Happy hunting grounds.

Condolences to his family and friends.

I found him to be a fine and knowledgeable man.

With regret at his death, Tim

I remembering meeting Cal years ago at a DSC convention selling his books. I only recall seeing him one time there.
I have enjoyed his contributions.
Always a pleasure. A gentleman.
Time flies far too fast. We all need to enjoy that time
Rest In Peace Cal.


EZ

Agree 100% Bill.
I went back and reviewed the emails we exchanged and see clearly his giving nature.
So many conversations on health and family as well as classic firearms and loading.
He was a good man by any measure and will be missed.

.

Just back from 3 weeks hunting in RSA and saw this. How very sad. Far too early. I would think he was very excited / happy at being about to walk out the door on another hunting trip to Africa.

RIP Cal. You will be missed here on AR.

And as a friendly note who will Saeed now tease on all things Mark Sullivan with Cal gone?

Great shame.

.

Unbelievable, just saw this. Way too early, and what a loss to the hunting community.

Perhaps, however, there's not a better way to exit this earth - bags packed, plans made and headed back to Africa.

He will be missed

quote:

Originally posted by nhoro:
Unbelievable, just saw this. Way too early, and what a loss to the hunting community.

Perhaps, however, there's not a better way to exit this earth - bags packed, plans made and headed back to Africa.

He will be missed

Good point, but maybe with the bags packed after safari. I forget the title of the Wilbur Smith book about the old hunter who died with his jumbo, but that would work. I’ll ignore the hero of the novel hooking up with the trophy wife, but Cal will be missed for sure.

As saddened as I an by Cal’s passing, I’m equally saddened by the thought that Cal didn’t have any children or grandchildren that could have inherited his collection of vintage doubles. I was blessed with two wonderful sons and four awesome grandkids. I’ve already gifted several guns to them, and sold off some other guns I no longer use to finance my sixth safari to Namibia next month. Specifically I sold 2 UltraMatch M1A’s, a Savage 99F in .300 Savage and a NIB Ruger Red Label shotgun in 20 guage. While I’ll miss these guns and the memories they made, I’ll gain new memories from my July 2022 Safari in Namibia.

DCS Member Marcus, Smith book you referenced is A Time to Die. Jumbo is Tukutela.

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
As saddened as I an by Cal’s passing, I’m equally saddened by the thought that Cal didn’t have any children or grandchildren that could have inherited his collection of vintage doubles. I was blessed with two wonderful sons and four awesome grandkids. I’ve already gifted several guns to them, and sold off some other guns I no longer use to finance my sixth safari to Namibia next month. Specifically I sold 2 UltraMatch M1A’s, a Savage 99F in .300 Savage and a NIB Ruger Red Label shotgun in 20 guage. While I’ll miss these guns and the memories they made, I’ll gain new memories from my July 2022 Safari in Namibia.

I was going to post something very similar earlier on as I found Cal's passing saddened even more by the fact he had no family to inherit and carry on his knowledge of firearms and passion for hunting. Still there is no guarantee that family do carry on the interests of their parents and in Cal's instance he may not have been able, financially or timewise, to achieve what he did in his lifetime had he had family.
I know the toll it takes with three sons, a daughter-in-law and so far one grandson who all enjoy game and bird hunting. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:

quote:

Originally posted by Bud Meadows:
As saddened as I an by Cal’s passing, I’m equally saddened by the thought that Cal didn’t have any children or grandchildren that could have inherited his collection of vintage doubles. I was blessed with two wonderful sons and four awesome grandkids. I’ve already gifted several guns to them, and sold off some other guns I no longer use to finance my sixth safari to Namibia next month. Specifically I sold 2 UltraMatch M1A’s, a Savage 99F in .300 Savage and a NIB Ruger Red Label shotgun in 20 guage. While I’ll miss these guns and the memories they made, I’ll gain new memories from my July 2022 Safari in Namibia.

I was going to post something very similar earlier on as I found Cal's passing saddened even more by the fact he had no family to inherit and carry on his knowledge of firearms and passion for hunting. Still there is no guarantee that family do carry on the interests of their parents and in Cal's instance he may not have been able, financially or timewise, to achieve what he did in his lifetime had he had family.
I know the toll it takes with three sons, a daughter-in-law and so far one grandson who all enjoy game and bird hunting. I wouldn't have it any other way though.

Cal was a teacher and, from what I have read here, was well liked and loved by his students. Perhaps some of them will follow in his footsteps.

Life is a series of trade offs. Had I not married and had a child I might be on my third or fourth set of the big four. But watching my daughter shoot her first impala was more satisfying than collecting those trophies myself.

Cal a friend and fellow double rifle affectionato. A gentleman and wonder great hunter...

Mike aka retreever

This sucks to hear!

I've always enjoyed his posts and content, and doubles.

Hope where ever he is, it's a gorgeous African sunset.

Rip my friend, a shame we meet only once.

Saw Steve's post on missing Cal- as I said on the post about Paddy's passing, I have not been on AR much lately. Wow, died the day he was leaving for a safari. RIP Cal.

Wow, this is awful. Just reading this. I didn't know Cal, but always enjoyed reading his posts.

I bought his Double Rifle Primer book from him when I lived in Alaska. Super nice guy and he often had a table at the local gun shows (the Winter one at Wasilla High Schoo was where I saw him last). I think he went to the shows just to shoot the breeze rather than sell anything - he wasn't selling jerky or AR15 parts...

Thanks for sharing your story, Labman.

Anyone know if he took the Vaccine?