Calvin Jorden Fenrick

Calvin Jorden Fenrick passed peacefully in his home in Waxhaw, North Carolinas on April 8, 2023 at the age of 89. Son of the late William James and Leola Marie (nee Aikens) Fenrick. He was born in Chicago, IL, on March 29, 1934. He was the youngest of four boys, Gerald, and twins Albert (Joy) and Alfred (Vinnie).

Calvin was known affectionately by his family and loved ones as “Cal” and “CJ”. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry from Roosevelt University Chicago, IL, while working for the US Postal Service. He then served in the US Army Medical Corps during the Post Korean War era, earning various awards for his service to his country. Upon completing his tour of duty with the military he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) leading a medical laboratory at a VA hospital. In the 80’s he furthered his education by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) while working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in California.

He met the love of her life and married Cornelia Elizabeth Jackson on August 29, 1958. He then moved to California with his wife and accepted a position at NASA, Ames Research Center (ARC) in Mountain View, CA. Though only two of their children (Antoine Jorden and Pierre Lance) were born of their union, they were also parents to Margaret Roquemore, Laura Wilson, Douglas (Janet) Wilson, Patrick Wallace along with several other foster children.

Calvin retired from NASA after 43 years as a GS-14. He spent his entire career at NASA within the governmental agency responsible for America’s near and outer space exploration. His first assignment at ARC was in the Facility for Animal Research in Space, working mainly with large primates. He worked in various other positions and fields supporting Biochemistry, Contracting, Technical Writing, Public Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). During his time at NASA, he was sent on various 12-month temporary duty assignments in support of the NASA Congressional Advisory Council (Washington, D.C.), and Primate Space Studies (Kennedy Space Center, Johnson Space Center and Kennedy Space Center). During his last assignment with NASA, he regularly traveled to Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the US, recruiting and mentoring minority engineers and scientists for positions with NASA. He felt this was his most rewarding position at NASA. He saw this as an opportunity to change the environment and culture within this large governmental agency by growing awareness and diversity.

During his retirement he taught courses within the local community college system (De Anza and Foothill College). He enjoyed instilling the love and importance of education to young people and emphasized these virtues in his children and grandchildren throughout his life. He enjoyed traveling the world, having visited Germany, the Netherlands, London, Hawaii, Alaska as well as enjoyed many cruises. Throughout his life, he spent many hours on his love of European sports cars, camping, reading and gardening.

In 1999, he sold his house in Cupertino, CA and moved to Lewis Center, OH to be closer to his younger grandchildren to do the “Grandfather thing”. He enjoyed spoiling them with affection and attention. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist church and the Democratic party. In 2014 he and his wife relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. Calvin lived a full and blessed life surrounded by family and friends and his presence will be deeply missed.

Calvin is survived by his son Lieutenant Colonel (Ret, US Army) Pierre L Fenrick (Lisa), five grandchildren, Pierre Jorden Fenrick, William Fenrick, Morgan Fenrick, Ayana Fenrick and Latara Fenrick; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers and beloved first-born Antoine.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Gordon Funeral Chapel, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, North Carolina 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is caring for the Fenrick Family.