Horace Calvin Squires (71), known professionally as H Cal Squires and to friends and family as “Cal,” died unexpectedly Saturday, June 13th 2020 while visiting at his son’s home in Portsmouth, Virginia. Cal had been undergoing chemotherapy and passed away from heart failure. Currently Cal and his wife of 48 years, Heather, reside in Sarasota, Florida.
Cal was born in Canton, Ohio on July 2,1948, the second son of Jimmie Carolyn (Powers) Squires and William Frederick Squires. His siblings are Daniel, William, James, Linda and Peggy. He is only survived by Linda Squires Doherty of Albion, New York. Cal leaves behind his wife Heather Revelle (Strassburg) Squires, married May 2, 1972 in the LDS Provo Temple, five children, and nine grandchildren:
T. Calvin (Orlando, FL), Emma and her husband Kevin Livingston(Issaquah, WA), Aaron C., (Salt Lake City, Utah), Bryan and his wife Jillian (Lynnwood, WA) and R. Cameron and his wife Courtney (Portsmouth, VA). The grandchildren are: Sister Annette Livingston (Washington DC South Mission), Elder James Livingston (Manchester New Hampshire Mission), Tate Livingston (15), Zoe Livingston (8), Sophie Squires (15), Joseph Squires (10), Thomas Squires (8), Marshall Squires (almost 3) and Isla Squires (16 months).
Growing up, Cal lived in Ohio, Kentucky, and Western New York. His fatherBill died when Cal was 14, and Cal became his mom’s right hand man. Cal was always an excellent student and athlete. From a young age heparticipated in many sports, including, football, wrestling (light weight), track, cross county running and tennis. He liked music, he liked to dance, and was an excellent artist. He participated in many school and civic activities including becoming a member of the National Thespian Society. All who knew him were impressed with his distinct and beautiful handwriting. In 1966 Cal graduated with honors from Wellsville High School (Wellsville, NY) and with a NY State Regents Scholarship in hand, Cal attended and graduated in 1970 with honors from Houghton College (Houghton New York) where he majored in math and physics. He was captain of the college tennis team and ran cross country. During his senior year, he ran the Boston Marathon.
Though small in stature and size, Cal once won a pancake eating contest. So competitive. He loved chess. The only
collection he kept was chess books. At a chess tournament during college years, Cal won a game with a man who had played and tied Bobby Fisher (at the time the greatest chess master ever).
Cal worked on a PHD in applied physics at the University of Rochester, where he participated in early superconductor research. His first professional job was for Westinghouse in Buffalo, NY as a technical equipment procurement specialist. In 1974, AM Kenny in Cincinnati hired Cal as a cost engineer where he pioneered new techniques in computer generated CAD design and in Design-build Management for the construction of process manufacturing facilities. He participated on many projects for Proctor and Gamble. Eventually he became a Senior Vice President for Sverdrup Corporation (now Jacob Engineering) in St. Louis and became a Design-build Cost Engineering expert. Throughout his professional career he participated in or managed building projects such as Tide Towers, the Hersey Chocolate Crumb Processing Plant, Ocean Spray Cranberry Plants, brewing processing facilities, public works facilities including the BART (San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit). In 1996 Cal became the manager of the Orlando office for Sverdrup and managed many projects at Universal Studios (Jurassic Park for one) and at Disney World including the Moroccan Pavillon at Epcot. He did projects for Lockheed Martin, NASA launch complexes for Titian Missiles at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and Space Shuttle launch pads at Kennedy Space Center. His last projects were building air traffic control towers for the FAA. Specifically, last of all, was the beautiful tower at the Phoenix, AZ airport. Managing the demolition and rebuilding of the Keil Center in St. Louis was very challenging and rewarding. Cal also consulted on the development of a synthetic hemoglobin manufacturing facility in Zurich, Switzerland. This was one of the several international projects on which he contributed. Cal was known for his attention to detail and careful overall attention to each project. In 2013, Cal and Heather opened The DanceWEAR Shoppe, a brick and mortar ballet shop in Sarasota, Fl and an e-commerce retail business that sells quality dance products worldwide. This robust business was sold in January 2020.
Cal was a faithful Christian and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1971. He gave service to others in many capacities through out the years including participating in ward and stake councils, missionary work as a seventy, as a bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. He was a fine teacher and speaker, who understood and practiced Christ-like behavior and gospel principles. He was devoted to his Savior, his family, and those he served. He was thoughtful in his
conversations and ideas.
With four sons all becoming Eagle Scouts, Cal was an avid scouter. He organized and participated in many scout camps and high adventure activities. He was honored with the Merit Award, the BSA’s highest awards for adult leaders.
Cal was committed to seeking out his family history, and in recent years had connected both his family’s direct lines to the Mayflower and the Jamestown Settlements, including over 300 Pre-Revolutionary War families. In recents years he has spent thousands of hours researching, gathering, and recording wonderful accounts and stories of his ancestors.
The family are grateful for t he many prayers and expression of love they have received. During their married life, Cal and Heather have lived in NewYork State; Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; Fairfax, Virginia; and Sarasota, Florida. Each place has been an outstanding experience. Along the way we have touched shoulders with many
remarkable acquaintances. Cal and I have often mused about our wonderful associations and how their examples and kindnesses have affected our lives for good. We are very grateful and feel so blessed.
Most gratefully,
Heather Squires