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Team Munson

On Monday afternoon Fred Calai passed away from liver cancer. Fred was a tireless worker for the Ohio Valley along with being a world class grower. We will miss him and send our thoughts and prayers out to his family. If you would like to post a message for Fred and his family we will make sure they get to read it. I will post again when I know the funeral arrangements.

10/10/2006 9:19:33 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Another great pumpkin grower that will be sadly missed. I thank Fred for sending me seeds my 1st year growing. Which also became my favorite seed.

10/10/2006 9:50:30 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

So sorry to hear it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Calai family...

10/10/2006 9:56:36 AM

Somerset,Ky

Fred will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to freds family
and friends GOD BLESS. John Van Hook

10/10/2006 9:58:48 AM

Kuna, Id.

Another great one has passed. Our thoughts go out to his family.

10/10/2006 10:01:49 AM

Little-TON - Colorado

Very Sorry to hear of this. Please send my condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers
Gary

10/10/2006 10:03:15 AM

Aloha, Oregon

I am very sad to hear this.I wish he could have lived for ever to grow his giants my sorrow is with the Calai Family.

Jordan

10/10/2006 10:07:39 AM

Udine, Italy

My condolences to the family. I think that as an artist live forever in his work, Fred will live forever in pumpkins community with your 846 Calai.
Sorry for my bad English
Paolo

10/10/2006 10:22:38 AM

[email protected]

Very sorry to here, Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Family

Eddy

10/10/2006 10:35:12 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

Our condolences to the family on Fred's Passing. You will all be in our prayers.
Chuck Barb and Alex Radcliffe

10/10/2006 10:40:30 AM

Butler,PA([email protected])

Our thoughts & prayers go out to Mary & the entire Calai Family during this trying time. As a side note to the dedication of Fred, the OVGPG weigh-off participants were blessed with Fred's presences. With pumpkins on the scale that day, he showed his dedication to the end. God Bless!

10/10/2006 11:18:22 AM

Missoula, Montana

Here's to you Fred...May your patch be perfect and your pumpkins big! Thank you for everything you've done.

10/10/2006 11:35:16 AM

Massillon, Ohio

This just breaks my heart. Our prayers will be everyone.

10/10/2006 12:43:38 PM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

Fred was one of the best and nicest growers in the world and a very good friend. We are very sorry to hear this. He will be missed. Larry & Gerry Checkon

10/10/2006 1:01:54 PM

Taber, Alberta

We're very sorry to hear of Fred's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Alan and Andrea Makarchuk

10/10/2006 1:51:44 PM

Jericho Vermont

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Calai family. The Calai name will always be remembered in the giant pumpkin community.

10/10/2006 2:01:45 PM

Danville, CA ([email protected])

Condolences to his family. He will be sincerely missed but he will live on in giant pumpkins everywhere.
Eric

10/10/2006 2:06:46 PM

Cologne Brescia Italy

Sorry to hear, condolences to the Fred's family,anyway you will be ever in the mind, and in the heard of all growes.
Our prayers will be for you and you family
Sergio and Silvia.

10/10/2006 2:56:25 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

Our condolences to the Calai family, you are in our prayers.
Tom & Kim Privitera

10/10/2006 3:02:30 PM

Deer Park WA

Our condolences to his family, Fred was an awesome guy we will miss him.

The Gadberry's

10/10/2006 3:22:13 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Sincere condolences to the entire Calai family and friends. Our family would like to personally thank Fred for his dedication and commitment to advancing and improving the AG pumpkin and growing community.

His name and efforts will remain in the history forever.

Glenn Dixon and Family

10/10/2006 3:45:15 PM

Minerva,ohio

So sad to hear. He was a true gentleman.
We enjoyed meeting him this summer at the OVGPG picnic.
I will treasure his kind words and send our sympathies to Mary and all his family, our prayers are with you.
Curtis & Michelle Verhoff

10/10/2006 3:58:46 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Fred, perhaps the best thing that we can be remembered by on this earth is our legacy we've left behind. You, my friend, have left a living legacy in your generosity, kindness and passion for life and the pursuit of growing giant pumpkins. You will be sadly missed, however I know that where you are there are no vine borers, cucumber beetles, aphids, mildew or most of all weeds! Just big pumpkins and no pain. We will do our best to carry on your legacy but in no way will we forget YOU!

Jim, Lori and Andrew Sherwood

10/10/2006 4:00:42 PM

Long Island,New York

My prayers go out to the Calai family and to all who were close to him...Bill Greer, Charlie Houghton get ready....there's a new guy in town and he has 1068's.........

10/10/2006 4:17:03 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Although I never was fortunate enough to meet him,he was always willing to exchange seeds. This hobby seems to draw everyone into one big family. I feel like I knew him. His legacy will carry on forever. My condolences to the Calai family. Ned Sandercock

10/10/2006 4:20:29 PM

Sancoins / Cher / FRANCE

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Family
Jean louis

10/10/2006 4:28:03 PM

Carrollton, Ga.

I am very sorry to hear this news. Fred's family will be in my prayers.

Doug Adams
Carrollton, Ga.

10/10/2006 4:35:43 PM

[email protected]

My heart felt condolences to his family & friends. We only had the pleasure of meeting once.

Our Prayers are with the Calai's.

I guess there will be beautiful pumpkins in heaven.

10/10/2006 5:02:40 PM

SF Bay Area, California

I hear this news with great sadness. My heart and prayers go out to his family and close friends.

A few of his big orange 846's were some of the first seeds I ever begged for. He gave them to me, a total stranger, and wished me good luck. Every time I see a big orange giant, I think Calai - because I know there's probably a little piece of him in there...

vince zunino

10/10/2006 5:21:04 PM

Mastic Beach, New York

sorry to hear the news..met him 2x on the pumpkin tour.hate to see a good man leave us.

10/10/2006 5:30:14 PM

very sad to here. calai name brings to mind nice orange pumpkins the numbers 846. 869.5 are so remembered its a given there freds seeds

10/10/2006 6:21:50 PM

Ri

Thoughts & prayers from RI Peter

10/10/2006 6:28:20 PM

Mn

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Calai. Even though I never knew him personally, I hate to here about some one dying. So may the lord protect and watch over Fred's family.

10/10/2006 7:24:54 PM

Sophia WV

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Calai family.God Bless you all
Robert

10/10/2006 7:30:30 PM

Trumbull, CT 06611, USA

Very sad......thoughts and prayers go out

10/10/2006 7:36:18 PM

Unknown

heavens getting filled up with giant pumpkin growers. heres to you fred. a classy gentleman if there ever was one.
we will miss you.
dick wallace and the southern new england giant pumpkin growers

10/10/2006 8:52:26 PM

Cornell, Wi

In our thoughts and in our prayers, rest in peace Fred

10/10/2006 9:10:37 PM

Unknown

I had the pleasure of meeting Fred several times and I even visited his patch on one of the Ohio tours. A true GENTLEMAN who will be missed.

Ron W

10/10/2006 9:41:44 PM

Ontario

It was a pleasure meeting Fred in Niagara . He was a gentleman through and through. When I bid on his 846 seed and won one year, he personally gave me a great big handshake in front of all and his sincerest wishes to succeed. I thank him and we wish express our deepest sympathies to the family.

Frank and Pat Catapano

10/10/2006 9:43:05 PM

Puyallup, WA

I had met Fred while on the Ohio Patch Tour a couple of years ago. What a likeable fellow! We have lost one of the true "giants" in the AG pumpkin world. Rest in peace, Fred.

Stan Pugh

10/10/2006 10:00:21 PM

Montoursville, PA

Four years ago when I was just starting Fred and I sat for a chat as if we were long lost friends. That was Fred... a gentleman with a moment for anyone as life passed by. Fred will be missed. May he rest in the peace he deserved.

10/10/2006 10:00:54 PM

Alex, IN

We will keep the Calai family in our thoughs and prayers.

10/10/2006 10:03:52 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Calai.

Doug Wallace

10/10/2006 10:05:00 PM

Vermont

Our condolences to the Calai family.
The Landers Family

10/10/2006 10:15:50 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

Fred was also one great guy in helping a new guy on the block.I wrote to Fred back in the fall of 2002. He was one of the few great guys who was more then willing to help me out. I was very happy as to seeds he gave me. Like Dick Wallace said, Heaven is getting filled with some great pumpkin growers. But now them great pumpkin growers will be watching over all of us. My condolences to the Calai family. Brian Staring

10/10/2006 10:25:10 PM

sevierville, Tn

Very sad indeed, my condolences to the family & friends.

10/10/2006 10:59:45 PM

Nikiski, Alaska 99635

The greatest honor you can bestow upon a man is to continue to live his passion. We'll do our best Fred. My sincerest and deepest regards to the Calai Family.

The Megchelsen Family

10/10/2006 11:16:56 PM

Parker, Co

Fred Calai was one of the pioneers of growing the giants. Although we never met you, we felt a common bond. Save a place for us, Fred. Pete and Cindi Glasier

10/10/2006 11:41:04 PM

New York

Fred was a pumpkin growers pumpkin grower. I had the pleasure of talking with him many times in Canfield..not to mention a late night visit to his patch using flashlights one year. He was a very generous person who enjoyed the simple things in this hobby. When asked how much he was going to sell his 1074 beauty in '02 for, he responded by saying it was going home to be carved no matter what the price. I always liked that answer as it meant more to him to bring his prize home to be enjoyed by his family on halloween. Just the simple joy of growing was it's own reward.
I was very impressed at his countless volunteer hours putting together Canfields awesome indoor/outdoor lifting device for the weigh-offs. You could really tell he cared about making that weigh-off the best it could be...and it certainly shows. He will be missed.

10/11/2006 12:26:44 AM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

may god bless the calai family fred grow em big up in that great pumpkin patch in the sky keith and katherine barrett

10/11/2006 1:25:28 AM

Colo.Spgs.CO. Pikes Peak Chapter @ [email protected]

What a wonderfull man Fred is, and still is,and always will be, as I exchanged pumpkin conversation with him many years ago via. letters and the like for a few years although we never talked on the phone or in person I have much respect for a man whom is so generous and caring to every other man without question . I would like to give my sincere condolences to the Calai family, as Fred now has the ultimate patch in heaven. He will always be remembered ...James Kane

10/11/2006 3:48:59 AM

Hanover,Ontario,Canada

I find it sad to write about one of the great pillars of our fraternity. I first met Fred the Ottawa Grower's seminar as we travelled up the elevator together and he introduced himself. I have had the fortune to be in his garden and share his experiences. He is now in the Master's Garden and Barb and I pass along our sympathy to Fred's wife and family. Dave and Barb McCallum

10/11/2006 7:27:50 AM

Leicester, NY

I don’t know that I’ve ever met a nicer, more genuine person than Fred. God bless you Fred and the entire Calai family..Joe Pukos

10/11/2006 7:36:05 AM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

The pumpkin community has lost one of it's most loved & respected members. Fred is not only one of the world's top growers, but a true gentleman. It's because of guys like him that this sport is where it is today. He will be sadly missed & fondly remembered by pumpkin growers around the World. We wish to send our sincere condolences to Mary & the rest of the Calai family from Jane & I & all the members of the GVGO. I hope heaven is just as you pictured it, big & orange.

Phil Hunt
Pres. GVGO

10/11/2006 7:50:47 AM

Austria

My sencere condolences to the Calai family.

10/11/2006 8:58:55 AM

Commack, NY

Fred, wherever you are, i hope the sun is always shining, the evening rains are gentle and timely, and there are an unlimted supply of 846's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Scott Armstrong

10/11/2006 9:00:04 AM

Grants Pass, Oregon

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cary Polka

10/11/2006 9:45:51 AM

Being my first year in this great community of AG growers I obviously never met Fred. I did however have the opportunity to grow a seed that contained the 846 genetics and was blessed with a new state record off that seed. Whenever I see the name Calai I will think of this post and my thoughts will be with the "family" both in Fred's household and the community that holds that name so dear.

Dan Bowles

10/11/2006 11:06:14 AM

Massachusettts

We too will have Fred and the Calai family in our thoughts and prayers.

Craig and Jane Fitzgerald

10/11/2006 11:11:06 AM

Colo Springs CO

Everyone who grows giant pumpkins now and in the future will always know the Calai name. His legacy will live on forever with the many offspring his "pumpkin children" will produce over the next several decades, perhaps centuries.

He will be missed by everyone he has touched over the years. His family of pumpkin growers will never forget him....

10/11/2006 3:22:14 PM

Cairo, Georgia

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. There are now two great pumpkin growers in heaven looking over us,,, God bless you....


Allison & the boys

10/11/2006 3:48:27 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

I never met Fred but his reputation crossed the Ocean.

Mark Raymont

10/11/2006 4:59:07 PM

Utah

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. I haven’t ever heard anyone say anything but good and nice things about Fred Calai. Almost everyone who grows giant pumpkins has heard of him and his famous seeds. He will always be remembered fondly by growers all around the world. Our prayers go out to all who morn at this time especially to those of the Calai Family. My you find peace & comfort in your souls, and receive strength to move on, yet always have a special place of remembrance for Fred in your hearts.

Gordon Tanner & Family & UGPG members
President Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers

10/11/2006 5:03:03 PM

Waquoit Mass

I first met fred in Niagra and instantly new he was made from the same cloth as another great gentleman John Castelucci .The coversation quickly went from pumpkins to hunting.In the end he wanted to come to maine to track some big bodied bucks. U nfortunately his health let him down . Would have been a fun trip.

10/11/2006 5:33:16 PM

ordinary,VA

my condolences to the Calai family.
may they find peace.

10/11/2006 5:46:37 PM

I never personally met Fred, but I was at Canfield for the first time this weekend, and it sounded like he wouldn't make it. But, he showed up mid morning, his 2 pumpkins got weighed, and he was there. I'm glad he got to be at one last weighoff before passing on.

10/11/2006 5:48:14 PM

Farmington, Utah

I never met fred in person but he helped me with some seeds through phone conversation. what a nice gentleman. my condolences to the calai family and you are in my prayers. kenny blair

10/11/2006 6:13:02 PM

Washington State

What a great generous man Fred was. He will surely be missed by our pumpkin community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,may they find peace in knowing he was loved and respected by many.
Joel and Mari Lou Holland

10/11/2006 7:05:47 PM

No Place Special

Very sad to hear this news. I met him once and felt like I was not worthy to shake his hand. He was more than happy to talk to a rookie grower like me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mike Frantz

10/11/2006 7:18:46 PM

Walton N.y.

our condolences to the cali faimly. our thoughts and prayers are with you deb and randy sundstrom

10/11/2006 8:43:05 PM

Butler, Ohio

So sorry to hear of this. Our condolences to the Calai family. You will be in our prayers. Mike & Amanda Conrad

10/11/2006 8:55:34 PM

Cornelius, Oregon

All our prayers to the Calai Family. Fred's generousity and full faced smile will be missed. He was definately one grower who's legacy goes far beyond pumpkin growing.

The Hester Family

10/11/2006 10:28:21 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

i didnt know Fred Calai but i know what cancer can do to you and a family god bless all of them Vic in Ky

10/11/2006 10:38:54 PM

Baildon, Saskatchewan, Canada , EH

My deepest condolences to Fred's Family.I have heard so much about this Great Man and his legacy will live on. God Bless Fred and the Calai Family. Dean Cook..

10/12/2006 12:52:48 AM

Germany

Five weeks ago my beloved mum passed away from liver cancer too. So I know the horrible suffering.
My condolences to the Calai family.

Carsten

10/12/2006 6:59:22 AM

Heartfelt condolences to the Calai family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Skip Simpson

10/12/2006 7:51:53 AM

Western NY

Fred was a great man, who reminded me of my own grandfather. His legacy will live on through pumpkin growers everywhere, especially within the Ohio group he contributed so much to. Rest in peace Fred, it was good to see you make one last weighoff before your passing.

10/12/2006 8:24:30 AM

Coventry R.I.

my condolences to the calai family,

10/12/2006 8:38:32 AM

Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

We were very sorry to hear the news of Fred's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. In my short time as a grower Fred's name has been one that I have heard and read about as much or more than anyone's.

God Bless,
Mark and Teresa Fowler

10/12/2006 9:39:12 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I didn't know Fred other than his being interviewed on one of Joel's videos. From that short segment I could tell that he was a warm generous person who will be missed by many. My deepest condolences, Cliff Warren

10/12/2006 10:28:39 AM

ipswich, ma usa

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Calai family and friends.

John (5150)

10/12/2006 10:52:29 AM

Belgium Europe

We will have Fred and the Calai family in our thoughts and prayers.

10/12/2006 11:29:19 AM

Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Fred had a passion for not only giant pumpkins, but beautiful pumpkins. He was quite generous in offering me seeds from some his orange and round pumpkins. I hope I can return Fred's kindness to other growers in the future.

10/12/2006 11:55:43 AM

Wood River, IL ([email protected])

Don't we all wish we would be spoken about so kindly once we're gone. We will have Fred, his family,& friends in out prayers.

Kenny & Patty Wamhoff

10/12/2006 2:07:54 PM

Indiana

Fred was one of the first people to greet me at my very first Ohio Valley Patch tour. He was a great man, and will be greatly missed. I got my first impression of the giant pumpkin growing community from Fred, and it was what caused me to become more serious. You will be greatly missed my friend.

Tom Beachy

10/12/2006 2:18:28 PM

Antigonish,Nova Scotia,Canada

Very sorry to hear this news. We will keep the Calai family in our prayers this week.
Bill Timmons and family

10/12/2006 3:04:11 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Blessings to the Calai family.
Erin

10/12/2006 8:25:48 PM

Ann Arbor, Mi

It was great to have know and learned from Fred though the OVGPG. He will be missed.

Bob Wells

10/12/2006 9:16:37 PM

Spokane,WA

My condolences to the Calai family. Some people pass away and are forgotten soon. Other people achieve a greatness the survives them years after they are gone. It seems Mr Calai was truly the latter of these.
God bless
Darren Strobel

10/13/2006 12:55:37 PM

Warwood

I remember Fred telling me about how to build a shade device for new sensitive vine tips and how to protect them from the hot sun. He always answered any questions I had on the OVGPG patch tour. My condolences to the Calai Family..and prayers to them. I know he'll meet with all the other greats..as he was...in pumpkin heaven. God Bless you Fred

10/13/2006 10:29:52 PM

Napa Valley, CA

I had the pleasure of meeting Fred in Niagara a few years back. He was a role model grower and fine gentleman.
My heartfelt concolences to Mary and family.
George Webster

10/13/2006 11:19:02 PM

Midwest

My condolences to the Calai family. I am sorry for your lose. I wish and pray for God to comfort you. Many blessings
Greg

10/25/2006 1:11:53 PM