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Jon Raggett Obituary
1944 ~ 2015
Carmel, CA
Jon died after a short illness on September 26th. He, along with his parents and his brother Mike, moved to Carmel in 1946. He was a student in the Carmel schools from kindergarten through high school. He graduated from Princeton University, received an MS from Stanford, and returned to Princeton for his PhD. His profession as an engineer and teacher enabled him to work in several different areas—earthquake research, structural engineering and the aerodynamic effects of extreme wind on bridges. He was able to solve problems using his analytical mind in combination with mathematics, creativity and intuition. He tackled problems with his head and his hands by designing models and testing them, over and over. He had an uncanny grasp of three-dimensional space and how objects like buildings and bridges occupied that space. He created Schools3, a non-profit which supports the construction of schools in developing countries. Through the generosity of this community and beyond, Schools3 has built 71 schools in Africa, Honduras and India. Jon loved music of many cultures—the rhythms of Africa were a particular favorite. He often built his own musical instruments out of plywood. Deep in his heart he always wanted to play in a marimba band. He designed and built furniture that was simple and fun. He had a passion for 40's and 50's architecture, which was only eclipsed by his passion for building boats—lots of boats! He was a sailor in his youth, a sliding-seat rower in his middle years and a die-hard kayaker to the end. His biggest joy in life was introducing his four grandchildren to the pleasures of being on the water. He leaves a devoted family including Tory, Mark, Maria, Joe, Hugh, Mae, George, Pilar and Owen, in addition to his brother Mike. His extended group of family and friends are filled with love and gratitude for his long, productive and generous life. Jon was committed to giving educational opportunities to children, both near and far. If you wish to make a donation in Jon's memory, please consider Schools3, Box DD, Carmel, CA 93921, or the school of your choice.
The celebration of his life will be at All Saints' Day School, 8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel on Friday, October 16th at 4 pm. Casual dress and bright colors are encouraged.
View the online memorial for Jon Raggett
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Memories and Condolences
for Jon Raggett
Sponsored by Monterey Herald.
Carol Stewart-Cooper
August 24, 2025
I was a classmate of Jon´s @ Carmel High School, Class of `62. We didn´t share many classes, so I only got to know him one summer when he struggled to teach my best friend Pat & me to sail on Lake El Estero in Monterey. With his unfailing wit & good humor he made the class so much fun, but bless his dear heart, he must have dispaired at our clumsy efforts & failure to grasp the fine points of sailing. We were always laughing too much! What a wonderful guy,- wish I had known him better.
Jeff Gardner
March 25, 2019
Jon was kind and helpful to me when I had questions on wind back in the late 2000's. I had just recently opened up a book and saw his name in it. I typed his name into google to see what he was up to. Then I found the sad news. Thank you Jon. You were a wonderful engineer and kind man. My condolences to your family.
January 12, 2016
Jon taught was an adjunct professor and taught structures and random vibrations at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He was both very academic and an outstanding hands-on engineer.
October 29, 2015
I had the pleasure of working w/Jon over the last several years. He was an amazing soul. I know he will be greatly missed. Praying for his family during this time. God Bless - Sarah Shaffer
jon ragget
October 12, 2015
Tory,Mark, and George,
We are thinking of you at this sad time that is so shocking. He was a special man.
Lucy and Jeff Campen
October 12, 2015
Tory
What a wonderful, unique character, a friend from Brown Hall freshman year. Jon was such a power in the last years of Joe Luongo's life when we visited in 2008, I think.
Would hope to see you soon, your "place", Carmel, would be ideal.
Kit Mill
October 4, 2015
My love to you Tory, George and Mark. Jon was a giant among men and will be missed by all, laurie Boone Hogen
Al Bradley
October 3, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Bethery von Dassow
October 2, 2015
Tory, I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. I hope you are holding up well and can cherish your memories.
Bethery, Friday Harbor
Julia Wedekind
October 1, 2015
Jon was not only an inspiration for many reasons, but he actually delivered by working hard and well for things in which he believed.
His contributions to York School over the years were many and varied.
His accomplishments and friendship are greatly appreciated.
Camilla (Mateo) Mann
October 1, 2015
Dear Mrs. Raggett, Mark, and George, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Raggett's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. And I will see you all on October 16th.
September 30, 2015
Our hearts go out to you Tory.
Sending love and comfort as you travel through the grief of this great loss. If there is anything we can do, we are home now and just down the street.
Dotti and Phil Bradbury
Tom Murphy
September 30, 2015
To Jon's family: I feel very privileged to have had the chance to work with Jon over the past 15 years. His positive spirit, incredible depth of knowledge, humility, and ability to explain even the most complex aerodynamic issues were overshadowed only by his warmth and friendship. He will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest condolences.
David Goodyear
September 30, 2015
to the Family - our sincerest condolences. Those of us who worked with Jon are thankful for the privilege of knowing him - his brilliance in aerodynamics, his love of his work, his enthusiastic approach to helping us design and his genuine friendship. We were very fortunate to have crossed his path. Jon will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Constance Thayer
September 30, 2015
Dear Jon's Family,
I am very sad to hear of Jon's sudden passing; he was a classmate at Carmel High School and always a kind, respectful person.
Please accept my caring thoughts and prayers for your family.
Best,
Constance (Connie Cate) Thayer
September 28, 2015
Dear Tory and Family,
My shock at learning of Jon's passing pales next to yours. I'm so very sorry for you and your entire family. All I can do is send supportive thoughts. Jon was an extraordinarily nice and gentle man. His quiet manner and great intelligence were unique. His generosity was demonstrated by designing and building schools in Africa. I've known Jon ever since he was a little boy, for we all grew up in Carmel together. His mother taught kindergarten, and my late sister was in her class (before I was born). We all shopped at Putnam & Raggett on Ocean Avenue where Jon's father waited on us...in his bow tie. We spent many happy hours in the Raggett home in Hatton Fields with Mike, Jon and dachshund dog, Herman.
With love,
Lucinda Lloyd
Carmel, CA
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