Kind, Soulful, Giving, Handsome, Loved
Cal was a phenomenal artist, handyman, and empathic soul. Born an effortless conversationalist with a killer smile and a deeper understanding of the world around him, Cal was intuitive, helpful, and willing to try anything once. A “fixer” at his core, he was always putting broken things back together or aiding those he could. Whatever needed repairing was always his top priority, even above himself, making him dependable and capable as both a craftsman and a humanitarian. Cal’s mother and father, brother Ethan, his four cousins, and his closest friends miss his hugs and laughter. His mother Shannon also misses his phone calls that always opened with, “Hi Mama.”
Seeking the company of others and to find exciting activities to occupy his mind, Cal loved bicycling and outings, plus fishing and boating at a family member’s lake house. He naturally sought to understand and interpret the subtle nuance of music, so song lyrics became beautiful poetry to him. Working closely with his father helped Cal develop a knack for handiwork and sent him into the construction industry after high school. A high IQ and a curious mind also helped him understand who was struggling, who needed him the most, and he did everything he could to encourage and thanklessly help them. Whether it was a friend struggling with substance use disorder or elderly neighbors in need of groceries, Cal was diligent and selfless.
Cal’s mother Shannon celebrated with him during long periods of sobriety. He made sure to report his accomplishments, and despite the bumps in the road, she remained his biggest advocate. As substance use disorder disrupted him, she began to wonder which side of Cal would be on display at any given moment; the caring, compassionate light, or the manic, unreasonable shadow. Dreams of having a home and family of his own faded as mental health struggles partnered with shameful, isolating desperation. Shannon recounts Cal’s final day by saying, “We had the best time talking and planning for [a] trip the following weekend. He was gone three hours later after we said our goodbyes. He looked the best he had ever looked that day.”
Shannon’s empathy and understanding of substance use disorder shows in the care she provides in the medical industry. From loss comes hope, for she now participates in support groups to help others who’ve lost their kids to this disease.
Cal is now an uncle. His brother Ethan will now take his child to fishing holes, like Cal once took his brother, showing him the ropes and chatting about nothing at all. Their time spent together will be bittersweet but so important. Family traditions will continue in the hearts of those who remain while Cal smiles down from above.
Cal’s mother, Shannon Haus, provided the information for this narrative.
January 21, 1991-June 16, 2018-Age 27
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
