How Quickly Things Change

I was at the Mustang Library in Scottsdale a couple weeks ago and heard the familiar call..."Sir, are you a registered Scottsdale voter"?  I enjoy talking to petition gatherers, so I walked over and found former State Representative Cal Holman sitting at a fold up table collecting signatures for a Scottsdale City Council candidate. 

The last time I had seen Hal was in 1994, we had breakfast at the Pointe when I was in the legislature and he was Chairman of District 24.  We didn't really recognize each other last week, but re-introduced ourselves and talked a bit about politics and the Scottsdale candidates.  I signed the petition and headed home.   I saw him at the same spot last week as well.

When I walked into the parking lot last week, I noticed his car--very distinctive for a parking lot in North Scottsdale--it was an older Camaro and the back was covered with half a dozen Jon Kyl and J.D. Hayworth bumper stickers.  I remember thinking that guys like Cal who sat at libraries day after day were the backbone of both political parties.   

Yesterday he was killed within two miles of that spot.

Scottsdale resident Calvin Holman, 76, a former state legislator representing Paradise Valley, was dead at the crash site, police said.

My condolences to his friends and family. 

Comments

[The Klute]

I saw that yesterday when I was coming back from Arcosanti. I remarked to my girlfriend that I didn't think anyone could survive that. Guess I was right.

Godspeed.

[Carolyn L]

I will miss you so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I remember seeing you at what was Legislative District 24 meetings and State meetings. Always, happy and full of life.You used to always come and shake my hand and say hi. I will always remember you.

[J.D.]

Greg:
You are absolutely right.

Cal was the personification of a grass-roots party activist.

He will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Cal.

[John]

Tragically, Cal is killed while the two other drivers who were responsible both walked away. So we trust in God's plan and know that He does not make mistakes.

[Laura K]

Cal was not just a grassroots Party activist, he was a wise sage who lived what he believed. Not many people have worked so hard for so long and made such a difference.

Arizona will miss him. My condolences to his family.

[ron]

I understand the suspects in this case were racing each other down the street.

Very sad.

Just a reminder that there are no guarantees in our lives.

May each day count! and keep short accounts with those you love and respect.

[Aaron]

Such a tragic event. It's so true that both parties benefit from the thankless grunt work that people like Cal are so passionately able to volunteer. May he rest in peace!

[Saddened]

As I'm learning about this man's life and accomplishments- I find myself mourning someone I never knew.

I also feel an ache in my heart for the man I did know- the youngest of the two drivers- because while I have no excuses for this tragedy, the man I knew is a loving, kind soul who was always there to catch me if I fell. I have no doubt this tragedy and the decisions surrounding it will haunt him for the rest of his life. All I can do is pray for Calvin Holman's family, the drivers' families- and that some good can come of this.