Calvin Black is Blanding City 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Blanding City proudly announces Calvin Black as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Citizen of the Year award.
The honor recognizes Calvin’s unwavering dedication and service to his community.
In every community, there are individuals whose selfless actions and dedication quietly weave the fabric of a better, more beautiful place for everyone.
Calvin, a lifelong citizen of Blanding, embodies the true spirit of community service.
Without seeking recognition or fanfare, he tirelessly works to keep the city pristine and inviting. Early in the mornings, before most are even awake, Calvin can be found driving around town, picking up trash, hoeing weeds, and clearing broken limbs in parks.
His efforts extend to every corner of Blanding, where he often stops to clear weeds along sidewalks with his shovel, ensuring the walkways are safe and clean.
A Family’s Tribute
Calvin’s daughter Chanelle Crane shares fond memories of her father instilling values of service and community care from an early age. “Dad was always taking the family on Monday night, and he would drive around while my brother and I walked next to the truck and picked up trash. He taught us to serve others and keep it clean,” Chanelle recalls.
“When we moved back to Blanding, I would introduce myself and let people know I was Calvin Black’s daughter. They always wanted to share a story with me about how he has served their family and what a great guy he is.”
Chanelle emphasizes her father’s dedication to family, noting, “He is so involved with his family. He is the best grandpa and loves to play, chase, and read with his grandkids.”
Calvin’s commitment to fostering a close-knit family is evident in the joy and affection he brings into their lives, creating a legacy of love and service that spans generations.
Community Impact
Calvin’s brother, Hal Black, describes him as a man of quiet action. “He sees something what needs to be done and he does it. Not a lot of fanfare,” Hal says.
Hal highlights Calvin’s long-term dedication to various community projects, such as restoring a glider, eliminating the local skunk population through live trapping, and removing flattened road fauna in competition with ravens and vultures.
“He loves birds and bird watching, although his love is selective on the type of bird,” Hal adds with a smile. 
Acts of Kindness
Calvin’s son, Cameron Black, sees his father as the embodiment of the scripture Matthew 25:40. “Every week when I was a kid, we would pick corn, and he would tell me to take the extra corn to different houses around town. He wanted to give the excess to his neighbors,” Cameron shares.
This act of generosity, though seemingly small, had a profound impact on Cameron, teaching him the importance of sharing and looking out for others.
Cameron also recalls his father’s deep commitment to his community during his tenure as a bishop. “In high school, he was my Bishop. There were many times I didn’t see him at home, but I knew he was sacrificing by visiting someone in crisis.”
Calvin’s dedication to his community was a constant. His actions as a bishop not only provided spiritual guidance but also tangible support to those in need, exemplifying true leadership.
A particularly memorable story for Cameron involves hunting and hiking with his father. “My wife and I were hiking up the mountain and we had just shot our deer and had to quarter it out. We were dying, trying to drag this quartered deer off the mountain.
“I told my wife that the one thing I wished I could hear right now was my dad whistling to let us know he was coming to help. Ten minutes later, I heard my dad whistle. We were exhausted, and hearing him come to our aid was the best thing we could have heard.
“If I could just hear my dad whistle, I would know we were going to be okay. Then, out of nowhere, he showed up, and this 74-year-old man threw part of the deer on his back and helped me pack it out.”
Cameron also shares a touching story about his father’s support during a challenging time. “We were between homes, waiting for our home to close. My wife was talking with Dad and she was crying. My dad said, ‘Stop crying, we are coming.’
“They came up, got us situated, and helped us with our loan closing. Not even a question, they just helped.” 
Quiet Dedication
Calvin’s sister, Colleen Gatton, notes, “In secret, he goes around and hoes everybody’s weeds. He’s always out in the community, picking up trash. He doesn’t do it for the acknowledgment or accolade.”
Colleen’s words paint a picture of a man who is dedicated to his community out of pure love and a sense of duty, rather than for recognition or praise.
Calvin’s love for animals is also well-known in the community. “He’s always been a dog lover, and many in the Blanding community have some of his pups from his dogs,” Colleen adds. 
Colleen humorously recounts Calvin’s response to how he maintains his energy, quoting him as saying, “I guess I got it from drinking Pepsi.”
This lighthearted remark reflects Calvin’s modesty and down-to-earth nature, qualities that endear him even more to those who know him.
Genuine Kindness
Samuel Crane, his son-in-law, speaks of Calvin’s welcoming nature. “Dad always treated me like his son from the first day. He taught me how to hunt coyotes and loved to out-hike me on the mountain.”
Samuel appreciates Calvin’s willingness to help with daunting projects. “Just about every time we painted our house, he would show up with a paintbrush in hand and a willing attitude. He was the first to arrive, outworked everyone, and was the last person to leave.”
Samuel also highlights Calvin’s consistent kindness. “He would always stop and talk kindly to people. Whether at the reservoir, the hardware store, or CB’s, his kindness always shone through as genuine.
“He really cares about his friends and knows that a kind word warms the heart.” Calvin’s interactions with others are marked by an authentic concern for their well-being, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout the community.
A Friend to All
Former Blanding City Manager Jeremy Redd recounts Calvin’s dedication to friendship. “When my dad, Bryce Redd, was in the hospital in Salt Lake and had been paralyzed, Calvin drove up to Salt Lake to visit him and drove all the way back just for that visit.
“They have been friends since they were young kids. Calvin took a whole day just to visit a friend in need.” This story encapsulates Calvin’s deep sense of loyalty and his willingness to go the extra mile for those he cares about.
As the community of Blanding celebrates Calvin as Blanding’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, they express heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the community.
His quiet, steadfast efforts remind us all of the impact one person can have and encourage us to take pride in our shared home.
Thank you, Calvin, for all that you do. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and you have truly made Blanding a better place for everyone.
Your dedication, kindness, and humility set a standard that inspires us all to be better citizens. Through your actions, you have shown the true meaning of community, family, and service.