It is revealed in the 10th Anniversary book that Calvin's dad is indeed, a patent lawyer. His original intent was to get Dachshund, but Calvin's Mom insisted on having a baby. Much to Calvin's consternation, he refuses to buy a computer, because the family already has a telephone and he hates that enough. He misses the days of mail, when you had time between talking to people. Christmas specials offend him because of their blatant commercialization of one of the holiest days of the year, and while in college, he had his picture taken with a keg and a t-shirt that said Party Naked.
An unfortunate factor in Calvin's Dad's life is that he is constantly behind in the polls. His policies on mandatory bedtimes, school attendance, and the backyard ski lift have left him struggling for voter approval. It seems he's not afraid of losing his position, however, informing Calvin that "some special interest groups are in for a surprise".
According to Calvin's dad, the sun sets in the West because of solar wind, and that very windy days are caused by the trees sneezing.