Longtime horseman Calvin James "Bud" Isenor, 86, of Bible Hill, N.S., passed away on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024.
Born in Stewiacke, he was a son of the late Stewart and Ora Mae (Isenor) Isenor. Raised in a close-knit farming family with six siblings, Calvin carried with him the values of hard work and dedication. He had a successful 45-year career at Stanfield’s Ltd., where he held many positions. He was the Manager for the initial start-up and the first several years of production at the Stanfield's plant in Oxford and was Sewing Manager at the primary facility in Truro prior to his retirement. His travels for the company took him across the globe and his natural leadership abilities and determination earned the respect of his colleagues and peers.
From his earliest days on the family farm, where his father kept draft horses, horses have been a constant in Calvin’s life. He began harness racing at Halifax Commons at age 18 and followed his passion for driving into his 70s. Calvin was particularly talented at discerning potential in young horses and developing them for the races; he keenly followed the breeding and development of yearlings in the Atlantic region. Calvin and his brother, Earl shared a harness racing stable in Bible Hill for many years where they had as many as nine horses alongside their full-time jobs. This passion for harness racing became a family legacy, as his sons Carl (Truro, N.S.) and Clayton (Lakeside, N.S.) pursued careers in the field.
Calvin's passion for harness racing went beyond the track; it was connecting with others over conversation about the races, the horses, their form and performance that truly ignited his enthusiasm. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts, including his children and fellow horsemen, was a daily ritual.
As a youth, Calvin was an ardent sports fan and would participate whenever the opportunity afforded, particularly in hockey. He thus became a lifelong fan of many sports, as so clearly noted by his daughter, Charlotte. He maintained daily phone calls with her to dissect the day’s events in the NHL, NBA and World Curling.
Calvin was blessed with an instinctual generosity. He understood that the richest moments in life are those that are shared. Calvin was a longtime volunteer with the Truro Horsemen’s Club and Atlantic Grand Circuit Week committee. In his retirement, he became a prominent figure within the senior community of Truro, organizing dances that brought joy and companionship to many. He was always careful to ensure everyone had a drive to and from the senior dances and card parties. Whether it was inviting someone on an impromptu trip or sharing the thrill of a race, game or event, Calvin’s life was a testament to the joy found in shared experiences.
Calvin was predeceased by his wife, Joan (née Coulter), who passed at the age of 65 after battling multiple illnesses over the years. Together, they navigated life’s challenges with a resilience and wit that left a mark on all who knew them, especially their five children.
Along with his parents, Calvin was predeceased by his siblings, Judson "Jud" (Edna) Isenor, Frances (Jim) Langille, Cora (Earl) Burris, Jennie (George) Coulter, Earl Isenor, and Evelyn in infancy.
Calvin is survived by Myrna Deckman, his devoted partner. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and affection, greatly enriched his life. They provided strength and companionship for each other, often inseparable and thoroughly enjoying the time they shared.
Calvin is survived by his five children, Craig (Astrid), Winnipeg; Carl (Rayona), Truro; Carey (Maria), Luxembourg; Charlotte (Mark) McClelland, Bible Hill; Clayton, Lakeside, Halifax County; 10 grandchildren, Colin (Erin), Caroline (Mitch), Calvin, Mark, Adam, Sean (Kendra), Jaclyn (Kyle), Patrick, Craig, Alexandra; three great grandchildren, Cameron, Lachlan, Haley; sister-in-law, Shirley Isenor, Truro.
The family's heartfelt gratitude extends to the team of doctors and nurses at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Dr. Malcolm Meadows-Younger, caregivers at VON, and relatives and friends for their care and support during this period. In lieu of flowers, contributions to VON (Colchester-East Hants Branch) or a charity of your choice in memory of Calvin would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, located at 55 Young Street, Truro, where Calvin’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and a funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Reception will follow. Interment in Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill. Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Calvin may be shared at mattatallvarnerfh.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Calvin Isenor.