Hanford icon, businessman Calvert "Cal" Clement F. Clement dies

Cal was raised in Hanford and attended grammar school at St. Rose-Thomas McCarthy Catholic School then graduated from Hanford High School in 1959.

At Hanford High School, he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in baseball, basketball, and football.  In 1959, he was voted outstanding athlete in all sports.  He was very involved in Future Farmers of America.  Cal and his twin brother Del were on three state winning FFA judging teams; Land, Milks, and Meats.  In 1957, their Meats judging team won FFA's State and National Championships.

He continued his education at Allan Hancock College and then finished at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo.  While at school, he worked at Surfies, a meat market in Santa Maria, CA.  In 1965, he returned home to help run the family business, Clement's Locker Service. 

He also enlisted in the California Army National Guard.  With his passion and knowledge for the meats industry, he wanted to give back to the youth, and he had a vital role in starting the Hanford Chapter California Young Farmers Association.  He taught classes at West Hills College and Reedley College throughout the '80s and '90s. 

Cal always had a passion for cooking.  Between 1983 and 1989, he won several state, regional and local BBQ contests.  In 1984, he started Cal's Catering Service with business partner Vickie Brooks.  Cal's passion for cooking was so great he wanted to share his knowledge with others by providing classes on how to BBQ.

He was also a community supporter and helped fundraise for local sports and AG events.  Throughout his lifetime, he was an avid collector of antique lunch boxes, beer cans, railroad nails, and barbed wire.  Cal did not know a stranger, and everyone was a friend.  He will be missed by many.

Cal is survived by his children Calvie Clement (Gary), Shawn Clement (Kim), Chandalin Champlin (Shawn), Brandon Clement (Maricruz), and daughter-in-law Marcie Moody all of Hanford, seven grandchildren Jordan(Courtney), Kayla, Kelsey, Destiny (Deven), Christopher Clement and Logan, Grant Champlin, two great-grandchildren, Marcus Clement and Deagen Castaneda, brother Mark Clement (Cheryl), sister Vickie Brooks, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Cal is preceded in death by his son Lance Clement, love of his Life Marcia Grooms, brother Del Clement, parents Francis and Evelyn Clement. His family will dearly miss a loving Dad and Vovo.

Visitation is Friday, February 7, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church.  On Saturday, February 8, the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church.

Contributions can also be made in Cal's name to Hanford Future Farmers of America at 1259 N. 13th Ave. Hanford, CA, 93230.vert