In memoriam - RIP cal pappas

[Henrysdad]

Sad news indeed, it was a great privilege to have received a signed copy of one of his books just a couple months ago. He was a great educator. We are all better for his generous sharing of his vast knowledge. Gone too soon.

 

[Bullthrower338]

RIP Cal! The few times we spoke he was a wealth of knowledge and a true gentleman. Sudden things like this remind us that we are not owed any certain amount of time on this rock! Cal like a lot of guys on this forum did it right, enjoying what we do and taking time to live life. We will all meet up at the ultimate big bore shoot one day and we can talk around the fire. Wish he could have made his last scheduled trip. Condolences to all that loved Cal.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Just saw on another web site that @cal pappas has Passed away. I pray he's in the happy hunting grounds chasing Buffalo!

@358 Norma
If this is true we have lost another great person that was a wealth of knowledge
My condolences are with his family and friend.
RIP CAL

 

[cajunchefray]

Lost a good friend on his way to Safari..Cal Pappas

Just learned of this..been good friends since 2005 and met up wirh him several times in Alaska..We had alot in common but mainly Big Bores..aka 4 Bore and 600 Doubles...He was a great guy and avid firearms enthusiasts and been on Safari at least 20 times!! He will be missed by many! RIP CALView attachment 467717

SAFARIKIDD, Thanks for posting those pictures of Cal.

I'm still a neophyte, working and saving for my first African Safari, and learning to effectively use my double.
I've always read his posts and just loved learning so much about doubles, and the romance of the Really Big Bores.
I spoke with him a couple of times just 2 weeks ago, as I bought some .358 Woodleigh softs, and some other bullets, as well as his book, "The Double Primer"
When we spoke, I found out he had some 450/400 Nitro new Hornady brass, and I jumped on them, sent him another check.
He replied promptly with tracking and some suggested Regulation Loads with IMR-4831, and suggestions because all I can get is H4831. He seemed just so full of life.

Others comments here about life is too short, really hits home now.
What a Gentleman and Scholar!

Those here that knew him were blessed with a good soul.

Prayers for Cal's mother.
"Vaya con Dios", RIP, and may the Good Lord Bless Your Soul.


At least he passed, going on another great adventure.

 

[raamw]

Shocked to hear of his passing, he always had the time to answer some of my questions on doubles he will be missed God Speed

 

[Troubleshooter]

Very sorry to learn of this. Although I never met the man, he seemed a fine gentleman and was very willing to share his great wealth of knowledge. Gone too soon.

RIP and prayers for him and his family.

 

[sestoppelman]

How old was Cal anyway?

It strikes me that like Hemingway and others who lived a full life, in some cases two lives in one, that regardless his actual age, he packed a hell of a lot into it.

Hemingway was only 62 when he called it off. Few can claim the amount of living he did in such a short time.

 

[BourbonTrail]

How old was Cal anyway?

It strikes me that like Hemingway and others who lived a full life, in some cases two lives in one, that regardless his actual age, he packed a hell of a lot into it.

Hemingway was only 62 when he called it off. Few can claim the amount of living he did in such a short time.

According to his profile, he was 66.

 

[sestoppelman]

According to his profile, he was 66.

Thanks. Anyway you slice it, its too soon.

 

[Daktari]

Rest in Peace Cal

 

[Frederik]

I hope that they can arrange a proper Double Gun salute at his funeral it would be fitting.

We have done a few such salutes at BASA for fallen friends and members through COVID, Cancer and accidents.

Using a range and only firing big bores it is quite fitting.

 

[Flipper Dude]

A life well lived. Happy hunting.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

Truly an incredible person has been lost. Reading the comments about Cal help capture a glimpse of the man he was. I would hope someone would be able to share these comments with his family to help them know how important he was to all of us.

HH

 

[Philip Glass]

The last thing Cal said to me was
“We’ll see you at the airport “. That was Saturday afternoon.
He passed away in his home on Sunday with his bags packed, two of them already on the front porch.
It was Cal, with some gentle prodding who finally convinced to put my double rifle to proper use on a buffalo hunt and I couldn’t have happier to have been going with Cal Pappas.
We are continuing on with our hunt as planned. I’m 100% sure Cal wouldn’t have it any other way.
If I’m lucky enough to get close enough to an old dagga boy you can rest assured that Cal will be with me.
He was the best of us.

Yes you must go on your safari. The one thing we do know for certain is that Cal would want you to proceed with your next adventure. It is truly heartbreaking to not only hear of his passing but to know he was packed and ready for one more safari.
Cal was legendary for his knowledge of big bore rifles. He will be missed.
Blessing to his friends and family,
Philip

 

[gillettehunter]

Was shocked to hear of this on my arrival back from Africa. Such a wealth of knowledge. RIP sir.
Bruce

 

[Bullhunter]

R.i.P. Cal.

We had great conservations about the last 10 years.
Here, about the forum and via mail.

I will write an big memorial-article about him.
Anyone who had some nearer informations about him, please contact me.


Thank you.

 

[Randy F]

Very sad to hear. RIP Cal.

 

[John J]

RIP sir

 

[Scrumbag]

That’s a real shame. Thoughts to his family and I hope he rests in peace

 

[Laura AK64north]

When one door closes, another opens.

Cal Pappas loved to share his experiences hunting in Africa. The sparkle in his eyes and the enthusiasm in his voice drew in his listeners. When he finished talking, and while you were dreaming, he would say, "Do you want to come along? You can go with me." And many said, "Yes!" We did.

Three of us Alaskans soaked up Cal's advice. Then we followed his checklists, prepared our documents, and packed our bags.

On Monday evening, May 23, 2022, Cal and the three of us were to meet at the Anchorage Airport to begin our journey to Haakdoorn Safari in South Africa. Two of us would hunt their entire trip at Haakdoorn. After five days of hunting, Cal and I were headed to Zimbabwe for a little over two weeks. He wanted to share the sights of his beloved Zimbabwe, and his good friend who lives there offered to be our guide. Amazing adventures. I was excited.

On Sunday, the day before our flight, I planned to drive down to Cal's house from Fairbanks. Cal called at about 9:00 a.m., saying his bags were packed and on the porch. He asked when I would be leaving, and I thought in half an hour but said I'd call to confirm. Cal never answered the phone when I made that call, the calls to tell him of my delay, the call when I left home at 1:00 p.m., or any of the many calls I made on my drive down to Willow. It was un-Cal-like not to return calls.

About half an hour from his home, I got a call from Cal's house-sitter. She had something to say about Cal but did not want to tell me while I was driving. When I arrived at the turn-off to Cal's road, his house-sitter was waiting for me.

Cal had passed away.

We will not know the exact cause until the state medical examiner has the results. The EMTs said it was quick.

I expect my morning conversation with Cal was his last. His house-sitter arrived at his home at 3:00 p.m. and found him. When I drove up around 6:00 p.m., the Troopers were doing their jobs. I looked toward the house and saw Cal's packed bags on the porch.

Packed bags. Cal always packed two pairs of hunting shorts and two t-shirts, one dressier shirt for visiting friends or going out for a nice dinner. There was gear, ammo, laptop, binos, meds, the usual. But what of the rest of the space in the various bags? Gifts. Gifts for all of his friends who make his trips so delightful. His bags are filled with items to make other people happy!

A Trooper asked if I would secure the house and stay. I agreed. Emotionally I knew I could not make that trip now. I lost my friend.

The comments about Cal on this thread are warm, thankful, and positive. Cal's door to us on earth is now closed—he walked through another. But while he was with us, Cal opened doors for people—be it talking about the double rifles, ammunition or hunting in Africa or Alaska, and much more. He certainly opened a door for me.

As some of you pointed out, Cal lived his life in a way that allowed him to pursue his love of rifles and hunt in Africa. I knew him to be a brilliant man academically and with the craft. He thoroughly enjoyed his firearms and would shoot almost every day. He had a heated shed with a rifle rest that fit in an open window—he could shoot through the Alaska winter. He built his log home, furnished it sparsely, and surrounded himself with reminders of his travels—his trophies, skins, and beautiful Africa carvings. Cal was humble. Cal was generous. Cal genuinely cared you had what you needed and a place to stay.

Kevin Peacock—special note for you—I have Cal’s "Double Rifle Primer" book he wanted to give you at the Harare airport. I can bring it when I land in Harare next year, or there might be a way to get it to you sooner. I will contact you.

I have another book Cal was bringing—if anyone here arranged for him to deliver a book to you, please get in touch with me. I do not know who it should go to.

Johan, I have Cal's gift for you and will try to send it over with someone in August/September. I will be in contact.

Take care, everyone.