C. Donald Call

C. Donald Call, 82, passed away unexpectedly at Cooley-Dickinson Hospital on May 22, 2022.

Born in Colrain, MA on May 28, 1939, he was the son of the late Calvin P. and Marion Call. Don grew up in Colrain and graduated from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls. He soon enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served aboard a cutter ship equipped for antisubmarine warfare.

He later worked for the Boston & Maine Railroad as a welder and hoisting engineer for many years. He left the railroad to help run the Shelburne Country Shop with his dad.

Don had a variety of interests. He often worked at his father’s auctions throughout Franklin county when he was young. Trips with his wife to Maine, Martha’s Vineyard and the Midwest were memorable though none might compare to his solo adventure to Alaska as a teenager to visit his uncle Reuben. He often shared stories of his time there. He and Reuben walked almost everywhere, always carrying tin cans tied together to shake and scare off the bears. They mostly ate what they caught or raised. After that, Don never ate salmon again.

Boating on the Harriman Reservoir, spending time at his cabin in Colrain, snowmobiling and collecting antiques and local memorabilia were popular pastimes over the years.   

For all his other interests, he was most passionate about raising Shropshire sheep. He loved springtime when the new lambs arrived. Sheep sales and shows all across the country were not to be missed. Many friendships were made at these events. The first sale in May was a must in order to see all these friends after a long winter.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Anne Bolles, his sister Lois Stearns of Longmeadow, MA, his nephew John Stearns (Mary Anne) of East Longmeadow, MA, his niece Judith Stearns of Enfield, CT and several grandnephews and nieces. Dear friends that were like family to Don were Jim and Wendy Cameron of Middleboro and Nate Trojanoski of Terryville, CT.

At Don’s request, all services will be private.

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