George Vincent Calder

George Vincent Calder, affectionately known to many as Vince, passed away peacefully at home on February 17, 2026, after an illness, surrounded by the love of his family and his beloved rescue dog, Henry. Born on December 11, 1938, in Charleston, South Carolina, Vince lived a life marked by curiosity, compassion, and a profound love for learning, family, and music. Vince was the cherished son of Brennen and Anita Calder, who preceded him in death. He spent his formative years in Sumter, South Carolina, where he first developed a love for science and mathematics, passions that would guide him throughout his life. Vince graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1960, before pursuing and earning his PhD in Chemistry from The University of California, Berkeley. His career led him to academia and then into private industry, where in 1980, he made a significant move to Racine, Wisconsin, to work at SC Johnson. His career was defined by innovation and a quiet dedication to excellence, and he continued to share his expertise while residing part-time in Tucson, Arizona, until his passing. In June 2001, Vince met and married the love of his life, Susan Lepp. Their union was a joyful celebration attended by his three children, Greg, Cindy, and Matt, who stood by his side in support and love. Vince was a devoted father to Greg Calder, Cindy & Jeffrey Hall, and Matt & Nikki Calder, as well as a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, who all carry forward his legacy of kindness and intellectual curiosity. His family and friends were his greatest joy, and he leaves behind a wealth of cherished memories. Vince was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, where his resonant voice enriched the choir. He had a lifelong love affair with music, from folk and gospel to classical, and even played alongside his daughter Cindy during her clarinet lessons. He and Susan shared season tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony, where they reveled in the beauty of each performance. A man of many interests, Vince's love for math, science, physics, and rock collecting kept his mind ever engaged. He was an avid photographer and a voracious reader, always eager to learn more about the world around him. His love for animals was legendary, with a particular fondness for cats and dogs, many of whom were rescues that found a loving home with him. Vince lived his life by the principles of compassion and kindness, always helping others quietly and without seeking recognition. A celebration of Vince's life will be held on November 21, 2026, at the Mountain Vista Universalist Unitarian Church in Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to any local animal no-kill shelter, honoring Vince’s deep love for animals and his commitment to their welfare. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Casa de la Luz for the exceptional hospice care Vince received, providing comfort and dignity during his final days. Vince Calder will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his unwavering love for his family, and his boundless curiosity about the world. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.