Gene Calkins has passed away

forrest klott · Post by **forrest klott** » 30 Sep 2020 6:26 pm

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I let everyone know that Gene Calkins of Cedar Springs Michigan passed away this morning.

While he was never to my knowledge a forum member, there are those here who knew him and may not find out any other way. He was active in the steel guitar clubs here in the state and a lifelong, professional musician. When I use the term professional, I mean that he didn’t just earn money by playing music. Gene was a professional in every sense of the word. He was one of the local steel players who took me under his wing when I first started playing, and helped me land my first two band jobs. I will forever be in his debt for what he taught me.

A funeral service is in the process of being planned for Monday morning in Cedar Springs. I will post more information as I receive it from his daughter.

Please keep his family in your prayers.

Skeeter

forrest klott · Post by **forrest klott** » 1 Oct 2020 3:24 pm

Here is his obituary:

https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/gran ... &fhid=8222

forrest klott · Post by **forrest klott** » 1 Oct 2020 3:27 pm

Gene and I at the 830 Post in Grand Rapids, MI 1994. The day this pic was taken was the first time my mom came out to see me play.

Bill Alexander · Post by **Bill Alexander** » 2 Oct 2020 2:09 am

A great guy, loved the steel guitar. Thanks for the picture.

Willis Vanderberg · Post by **Willis Vanderberg** » 3 Oct 2020 1:06 am

Yes thank you Skeeter for posting this.
Condolences to the family
You are absolutely right about Gene.He was a fountain of information about the steel guitar and music.
I met him many years ago ,He was related to my aunt who introduced us.
I always looked forward to the Jams at Truufant as you could always count on him being there along with Al Marcus,another great talent.
Go rest high on that mountain Gene, you will be missed.
Who's gonna fill their shoes ?