Calvin Richard Brant's Obituary
MANTUA Calvin ?Cal? Richard Brant, 68, arrived at the Pearly Gates on December 18, 2016 with tool box in hand ready to fix those squeaky hinges after a short but valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. Born in Ravenna, Ohio, on March 12, 1948 to Richard and Leta (Wilke) Brant, he was proud to claim the role of oldest child ? by all of 26 minutes. A lifelong learner, Cal started his education in a one-room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania, graduated from Crestwood High School in 1966, from United Electronics Institute in 1969 and also studied Engineering at the University of Akron. His passion for education continued throughout his life with his most recent studies including real estate and investments. While a relatively new computer user, he worked hard at it and became quite proficient at sharing photos of his grandkids on his iPhone, often to any stranger standing nearby. Cal married his high school sweetheart, Nora Foster, in 1968 and their family grew with children Meghan, Lorelei, Travis, Kearney and a son born still, yet cherished. Married for 48 years, Cal and Nora?s relationship was a shining example of unconditional love. From Nora?s support of Cal?s many educational and business endeavors or his support of her charitable quilting and fabric addiction, their mutual encouragement set the foundation for a strong, caring family. Cal lived a full life focused on family and served as presidents for both the Harmon-Loomis and Brant family reunions. A master artisan, Cal founded Brant Carpentry in 1970 and was respected for his quality woodworking skills and attention to detail. With incredible craftsmanship, Cal built his family home with lumber cut from the land on which he lived and then ? never one to waste ? measured the leftover lumber and designed a gambrel-roofed barn and shop. Many of the Walden homes in Aurora showcase his fine finish work with handcrafted cabinets, banisters and crown molding. One of his greatest pleasures was coaching someone to completion on a project for which they had neither the skills nor the tools. Cal was community-focused and never hesitated to help others. Recently, he restored the Mantua Center Town Hall cupola and volunteered many hours renovating Mantua Center Elementary School for community use. The Mantua area has benefited from several Eagle Scout projects completed under his mentorship. Cal believed that you should take the time to do things right and his legacy will live on in all those who learned so much from his willingness to share his vast knowledge. Weekends would usually find him helping family or at home working, often with a gleeful grandchild or two alongside on the tractor. A tree farmer, beekeeper and conservationist of the 70-acre Foster family farm in which he was entrusted, Cal enjoyed four-wheeling with the grandkids and pug happily perched in his dog seat. Many summers were spent as coach for his girls? softball teams, his son?s baseball team or the Mantua Center Christian Church co-ed softball team. He enjoyed mentoring and adventures with Boy Scout troop 575 and also became a certified scuba diver. His unique bond with firstborn grandchild, Cain, was never more exciting than during their cross-country trip hitching a ride in a friend?s big rig. Cal was a member and past board chair, deacon, and trustee of the Mantua Center Christian Church. He joined their mission program for two trips to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to repair homes in the lower Ninth Ward. He spearheaded the building of the barn at Hiram Farm for autistic adults, was active with the Mantua Restoration Society and served on the Portage County Farm Bureau board. Survived by his devoted, loving wife, Nora (Foster) Brant, and dear children, Lorelei (Eric) Greifenstein of Cleveland, Travis (Christina) Brant of ?Nomadic Lifestyle? and Kearney (Reggie Holloway) Brant of Cleveland. Cal was the beloved Papa of grandsons, Cain, Jasper, his namesake Calvin Thomas and granddaughters, Evelyn and Keirsten (Primo) Thomas. Also survived by mother, Leta Brant of Mantua, sisters Lucinda (Michael) Zuccaro of Cleveland, Edith (Rod) Kirkendall of Dover, Amy (Fred) Sittner of Mantua, 27 nieces and nephews and countless other loved ones. Preceded in death by his infant son; daughter Meghan; father Richard; father-in-law Carl Foster; mother-in-law Dorothy Foster; and twin sister Carolyn Greer. Calling hours will be Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. ? 7:00 P.M. at the Green Family Funeral Home and Crematory Service, 4668 Pioneer Trail at the corner of St. Rt. 44, Mantua, Ohio 44255. A memorial service will be held at Mantua Center Christian Church, 4118 St. Rt. 82, Mantua, Ohio 44255, Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M with Pastor Chad Delaney officiating. Please join us for a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. As many know, Cal loved to tell ? and tell ? a story, and we?d love to hear your story about Cal at that time. He will be laid to rest at a private family interment. Cal?s obituary, Video-Gift tribute, condolences and memories may be shared at www.GreenFamilyFuneralHome.com. Cal never felt comfortable in a suit and tie but rather preferred a t-shirt in summer and a plaid flannel in winter ? normally accessorized by both suspenders and a belt ? so casual dress is certainly permitted. Since Cal was a selfless giver his entire life, if you prefer, in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Cal Brant Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 488, Mantua, Ohio 44255, which the family plans to use for helping others as he did. 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