Irl Calvin Greer

Irl Calvin Greer, Jr. (Cal) passed from this life on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Jacquelyn Maureen Eber (Jackie), Cal’s wife of 45 years had been faithfully at his side during the many months of deteriorating health.

Cal was born October 14, 1950 in Safford, Arizona to Irl Calvin Greer, Sr. and Virginia Lee Lowrey. His parents, brother John Scott, and sister Mary Margaret preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife Jackie, and his five remaining Greer brothers; Thomas Lowrey of Sun City, Arizona, Dodd Lacy of Payson, Utah, David Crockett, of Provo, Utah, James Michael of Seal Beach, California, and Richard Nathaniel (Nat) of San Tan Valley, Arizona.

Growing up in southern California, Cal was a 1968 graduate of Western High School in Anaheim. He was an accomplished musician and athlete, recognized as a “track star” in the sprints, and a tenor in the famous Western High A Capella Choir. His membership, and activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave Cal the opportunity to enjoy the Cub, Boy, and Explorer scouting programs. He loved hiking in California’s high Sierras and camping at Tahquitz Scout Camp near Big Bear Lake. And, at the age of 16 Cal competed as a member of the 1967 Long Beach 8^th Ward fast-pitch softball team that placed fourth place in the All Church softball tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Cal leaves a legacy of love for the beauties of this world, including literature, art, and music of all types from classical to golden oldies, Rachmaninoff to Oingo Boingo. An accomplished musician, Cal played the mandolin, electric bass and acoustic and electric guitar as a member of countless bands over the years. As the bass player for the Grand Land Singers, Cal met and married the love of his life, Jackie Eber, who was a Soprano with the popular, nationally touring, patriotic singing group.

Possessing a quick, dry wit, and a conservative point of view, Cal could shoot stinging, sarcastic arrows at politics and politicians. But he’d just as quickly break into clever mimicry of his favorite characters – especially those from his favorite Warner Brothers classic cartoons. And, having been raised in a home of native Arizonans, he shared a taste for home-cooked, spicy southwestern chili. Cal completed a 34-year career with the Ford Motor Co in Los Angeles, and after retiring worked at Disneyland the “Happiest Place on Earth” until his passing.

Cal lived a quiet, happy, simple life with his dear wife Jackie. His final wish was that he be permitted to leave it just as quietly. A private, family memorial will be held in his honor in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or some other organization dedicated to mitigating the devastating effects of cancer. Cal, we love you. We’ll keep the music, laughter and chili going ’til we meet again.

Entrusted to the care of Cremation Society of Orange Coast (800) 678-0669