Calvin Thomas McDermid passed away on July 25, 2025, in Hood River, Oregon after a courageous 4-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was known and beloved by many as a historian, visionary, mentor and as a caring and supportive family member and friend.
Cal was born to Malcolm and Phyllis (Thornton) McDermid on July 24, 1951, in The Dalles, Oregon and grew up on the family’s wheat and cattle ranch in Sherman County. Cal attended Wasco Grade School and Sherman High School, graduating in 1969. During his senior year, Cal served as yearbook editor, where his creative abilities and organizational skills resulted in a yearbook that was highly acclaimed.
Cal attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland and immediately felt at home, both on campus and in the historically and culturally rich Portland of the 1970’s. During the spring and summer of 1971, he was part of a group of Lewis and Clark students who traveled to the British Isles, making lifelong friends and experiencing many new adventures.
After graduating in 1973 with a degree in elementary education, Cal taught third grade in Madras, Oregon for 3 years. Cal connected well with his third graders, their parents and his fellow teachers, making numerous lifelong acquaintances, a trend that occurred often during Cal’s journey through life.
In 1977, Cal embarked on his Philadelphia adventure, attending The Restaurant School, now known as Walnut Hill College. While in Philadelphia, Cal had the opportunity to experience the culture and rich history of the eastern United States while learning about all aspects of the restaurant trade.
In 1980, Cal and his paternal aunt, Margaret Parrott, established The French House Restaurant in a Victorian house in The Dalles. The restaurant helped introduce fine dining to the Mid-Columbia area and still evokes many positive recollections among former patrons and employees forty years after its closing.
In 1987 Cal began a chapter of his life that would allow him to utilize his many skills and to establish relationships that were precious to him throughout the remainder of his life. Working for The Blixseth Company, initially in Portland and later in Rancho Mirage, California and Bozeman Montana, Cal performed the role of household manager and events coordinator. As household manager, he hired and supervised staff, provided oversight for construction and maintenance projects, procured household supplies, and prepared meals.
Of all the aspects of his employment with the Blixseth family, he was most proud of his role in supporting and enriching the lives of the Blixseth children, especially during his early years with the family. In his role as events coordinator, Cal organized and staged social functions ranging from small, private dinner parties to large-scale events attended by well-known political and entertainment figures. Among Cal’s acquaintances were former president Gerald Ford and former first lady Betty Ford, whom Cal knew on a first-name basis. Cal also treasured his friendship with classic film actress Alice Faye, who was a neighbor in Rancho Mirage. Cal was especially known for his pie baking skills and became legendary for having made 40 pies in one day for a major event held at the family’s Bozeman property.
After Cal’s tenure with the Blixseth family concluded, he lived and worked in the greater Palm Springs area for several more years, reluctant to leave an area where he had made so many close friends. In 2003, Cal returned permanently to the Mid-Columbia area where he continued a professional life blending hospitality and history. After serving as executive director of the Sherman County Historical Society and Museum, Cal became owner/operator of Columbia Gorge Doughnut Company in The Dalles until health issues necessitated a change in his career path. Cal spent the next 2 enjoyable years working at Sigman’s Flowers & Gifts. In 2009, Cal became Events and Membership Coordinator for The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce where, among other duties, he organized Cherry Festival activities each spring.
In the final chapter of his professional career, and one that he approached with great passion, Cal served as director of the Fort Dalles Museum/Anderson Homestead in The Dalles from 2016 until his retirement in 2022. Cal initiated many positive changes at the museum, including assembling and training a group of capable volunteers. He also conducted countless tours that included individuals and small groups along with busloads of tourists affiliated with visiting cruise ships.
Cal is survived by his sister, Meredith Sayre (John); brother, Ron McDermid (Jenine); nephews Malcolm Sayre, Ian Sayre, Dan McDermid; and niece, Daryn McDermid. Cal is also survived by extended family members and many beloved longtime friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, September 4 in The Dalles at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 1805 Minnesota Street, at 1:30pm with a reception to follow.
Memorial donations in Cal’s memory may be made to the following: Fort Dalles Museum, Sherman County Historical Society, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Cal’s family is grateful to residents and staff of Flagstone Senior Living who provided Cal with a caring home for more than 2 years. The family will be forever thankful for the loving care provided during Cal’s final days while at Pacific Living Center of Hood River, including the highly competent and compassionate assistance provided by the staff at both Pacific Living and Bristol Hospice.
Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
