Calvin Townsend

San Francisco, 1986

Calvin Delaney Townsend
08 Jan 1945 - 08 Aug 1992

Clubs & Associations

Obituary

Calvin Townsend
Calvin died of AIDS on Aug. 8 after a relatively brief hospitalization for pneumonia and other complications. Calvin was attended in his final days by his lover Dean Paquette and by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Sue Townsend. A native of West Texas, Calvin spent 10 years in Salt Lake City before finally settling in San Francisco in 1982.

Calvin attended Arizona State University before moving to New York City. There he worked as a jewelry designer and artist while attending school. After a decade, he left New York City, Calvin met Dean while working construction and studying classical piano. Once they decided to live together, Calvin focused on commercial art. A weekend visit to the Bay Area resulted in Calvin and Dean's eventual move to San Francisco. Calvin worked for Apple Computer most recently; his previous position was with LaPointe Advertising Agency.

Calvin's hobbies and other interests were often centered around music in its many forms. Calvin enjoyed symphonic music and the opera, and he played the piano regularly. In addition he was a square dancer for several years with Foggy City Squares and a member of the Gold Rush Performance Team. Calvin continued his interest in art by painting and sketching, an interest shared by Dean. In addition, he was an avid reader, writing several short stories.

There will be a memorial service for Calvin on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Park Hill Condos Chapel, 355 Buena Vista East from 1-4 p.m. Please join us for a farewell to our gentle friend. For more information, call Dean Paquette at 558-8320.^[1]