Caleb Spalding Atwood

He was born on March 31, 1936 in Chicago Illinois to Leland and Harriet Atwood. Cal grew up in Evanston, Illinois and Birmingham, Michigan. He lost his father at a young age and quickly became the man of the house looking after his mother and two sisters, Alix and Toni.

Cal enrolled at the University of Michigan where he met his loving wife Joan as he was walking across the campus and noticed her sun bathing outside of her dorm. He studied English and was a member of the University of Michigan Wrestling team. Some of Cal’s favorite memories included his time as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, serving as their field secretary and playing intramural sports. Cal and Joan were married in 1958 while students at the University.

After receiving his degree, Cal had jobs working for JC Penney’s, Vicker’s, Federal Mogul, and The Detroit News. In 1977 as one of the founding Vice Presidents of the American Productivity Center, Cal moved with Joan and his family from Plymouth, Michigan to Houston, Texas where he worked for a number of years. Cal took off on his own and had a successful business consulting practice and also was a respected businessman known for his hard working character.

In his personal life, Cal was a creative man who enjoyed listening to bluegrass music and playing the banjo. He was active and athletic in his younger years playing handball, softball, golf, and he loved to fish. Cal loved watching sports and had many favorite teams: The University of Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Houston Astros, Houston Oilers/Texans and PGA golf. He had a sharp wit. He wrote books filled with clever quips and strategies to help other people write their own. Cal loved the ritual Manhattans that he and Joan would share together each evening. Cal was a kind and sweet father to his three daughters and a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren and loved attending all of their events.

After living in Houston for 40 years, Cal and Joan’s house was flooded as a result of Hurricane Harvey. They packed up and moved to Coppell, Texas where he spent his last 5 years of life.

Cal is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joan Elmblad Atwood and his 3 children: Laura “Lynne” Atwood of Salt Lake City, Alicia Atwood George and spouse Doug of Houston, Texas, Karen Atwood Austin and her husband Keith of Coppell, Texas and his five loving grandchildren: Olivia Michelle George, Erica Christine George, Elizabeth Rose George, Brian Travis Austin and Kathleen Grace Austin.

A private memorial will be held in the future.