Regimental Number: M609560
Rank: Private
Calvin, born on January 20, 1925 at Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, was the youngest of three boys. In 1926 when Calvin was nine months old, his parents separated. Shortly thereafter, Calvin’s father thought it would be best if his sister and her family raised the little boy. Ernestine and John Poirier immediately took in Calvin and raised him on the family farm. The Poirier’s had moved to the Peace River District from Ontario.
Calvin completed Grade 7 at a rural school in the Bezanson area. During 1940 to 1944, Calvin worked on the Poirier farm and for Tom LaValley on his farm. Calvin was very musical and played the violin and guitar. He enjoyed playing softball, hunting and reading fiction books.
Calvin enrolled in the Royal Canadian Army on February 7, 1944 at Calgary. He was then transferred to Camrose for basic training followed by transfers to Calgary, Woodstock, Ontario, Prince Albert and back to Calgary again. He successfully passed his Qualified Driver Class III wheeled course while in Woodstock. Private Calvin James Mireault, served in Canada, was discharged on August 31, 1946 and received the War Medal 1939-45.
On discharge, it was Calvin’s intention to return to Minneapolis and seek employment; however, he stayed in the Calgary and Grande Prairie areas. He married a young lady by the name of Annabelle. Calvin passed away on February 20, 1980 and was buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. He was survived by one brother, Fabian, in Princeton, Minneapolis.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
Obituary