Calvin Help

With profound sadness and humble acceptance, we announce the passing of Calvin J. Help, beloved husband of Leona, cherished father of James (deceased) ShaShauna, Kyle, JC, and Kiera. Precious grandfather to Ezra and Juliette. He was a priceless brother, uncle, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Calvin's battle with serious medical issues and cancer in the recent years showcased his courage and resilience in facing life's challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Calvin emerged a hero and remained strong until the end.

Calvin was born to John Clifford Help and Grace Peterson Help on February 1, 1958, in Ft. Defiance, AZ. He was the fifth of nine children: Leonard, Sandra, Barbara, Marilyn, Leila, Doris, Karen, and Brian. Calvin belongs to the Bitter Water Clan and is born of the Yucca Fruit Strung on a String Clan, his maternal and paternal clans. His maternal grandfather's clan is Red Running into the Water, and his paternal grandfather's clan is Dark Streak.

He grew up in a traditional Navajo Hogan home in Tohlakai, New Mexico. As a child, Calvin had the fortunate opportunity to extend Ke' (Kinship) to many of his extended relatives, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many brothers and sisters. His parents taught him the valuable principals of speaking the Navajo language, learning the teachings of his Navajo people, and appreciating formal education.

John Clifford Help, Calvin's father, instilled an appreciation for the Navajo Values in all his children. He taught them how to work with animals and was raised to care for them on the farm, looking over the chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, horses, cats, and dogs, developing a great love for all forms of life.

As a young child, Calvin and his siblings were sent away from home to receive formal education. He attended Chuska Boarding Elementary School and later the Tohatchi Elementary School in Tohatchi, New Mexico. Calvin continued his education, graduating from Tohatchi High School.

He became actively involved in sports, particularly football where he played center for the high school team. Playing sports on the Navajo Nation required perseverance, as there was no activity bus to transport students home. Calvin lived approximately twenty-five miles from his high school and often hitchhiked home with strangers, getting dropped off the side of the highway where he took another three mile journey down a dirt road to his home

Calvin grew up to be a very independent man. After completing high school, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. Following his education, he chose to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. During his mission, two of his companions were Earl Tulley and Michael Etcitty. He had a profound impact on the lives of his sisters, Leila and Doris, who later married Earl and Mike. Together, they have since built beautiful families.

After returning from his mission, Calvin married his first wife Valerie Mountain. They shared a few cherished years together before Valerie passed, leaving a lasting impact on his life along with their daughter, ShaShauna C. Mountain.

His attributes and characteristics of life embodies a combination of qualities. He gave unwavering support as he always showed kindness when helping people, he had a willingness to be there through thick and thin acting as reliable pillar in someone's life, providing both discipline and affection depending on the situation. He was cherished for his friendships and made lifelong connections with those he met.

He loved eating out, often visiting Ogies where all the waitresses adored him. When home on the reservation, stopping at Lotta Burger was a must. He was always helping people and was a patient, sincere friend to all who knew him. He loved sitting on the porch, enjoying the beauty of being outside underneath the warm sun, and could spend hours walking through Home Depot.

He loved watching old western movies, the history channel and spending quality time watching romance and musical movies with his wife. He often stopped by to visit friends, to checkup on them and catch up. He loved listening to Don Williams, Willie Nelson, and his native music, and enjoyed attending local powwows. He loved animals and when they were sick would give them a priesthood blessing upon request from his daughter. He had a playful companionship when he rode his horses, or played with his children & grandchildren as he had a strong dedication to his family.

Like his father, John Help, he loved to work-whether it was herding sheep, mucking out the horse stalls, woodworking, building log homes, laying and finishing hardwood floors, installing irrigation systems, landscaping, or mentoring native children, he loved all aspects because it was an open opportunity to "HELP".

He is survived by his wife, Leona, of 39 years, whom he met and married in 1985. Together, they created an amazing family that includes his children: ShaShauna (Erin), Kyle, JC (Dayana), and Kiera (Ana), and his grandchildren, Ezra, Juliette and Sugar the Pomeranian.

A part of Calvin will remain strong in everyone who knew him. Although we are sad that he is gone, we are grateful for the time we had with him. We thank everyone who has helped our family and those who reached out with love, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time.

A special viewing will be held at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT from 6-8pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. A second viewing will take place in Gallup, New Mexico from 9-10:45am prior to the services held on December 21st.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 601 Susan Ave, Gallup NM 87301 on December 21, 2024 at 11am.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude for services in care of McDougal Funeral Home.