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James Lick High School

Ronald Caditan Obituary

Ronald S. (Ronnie) Caditan Born in San Francisco and raised in San Jose, Ronnie passed away suddenly at his home on December 15, 2011. He was 49. The son of Bibiana Caditan and the late Daniel Caditan, Ronnie will be greatly missed by sisters Elizabeth Bautista, Josephine Murphy and brother-in-law Joseph Murphy, brother Nathaniel Caditan and sister-in-law Cheryl Greggans, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in California, Colorado, and the Philippines. Ronnie was a San Francisco firefighter, based at Engine 31 in the Richmond District. Before graduating from the San Francisco Fire Academy in 2001, Ronnie was a firefighter for the U.S. Coast Guard and Treasure Island National Park, and had worked for the California Department of Forestry as part of a hotshot team at Tule Lake in Klamath County, as well as for the U.S. Department of Forestry on a hotshot team at Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. A member of the Asian Firefighter's Association, Ronnie was very environmentally conscious and worked part-time as a park ranger for the City of San Jose at Hellyer Park, Alum Rock Park, Overfelt Gardens, and Emma Prusch Park. He was especially interested in working with children, teaching them to respect the environment. In his spare time, Ronnie was an active in a local outrigger canoe club, and participated in dragon boat and paddling competitions across the country. He enjoyed fishing, and often brought home fresh tuna and abalone to share with friends and family. He also enjoyed music and was teaching himself to play the ukulele. After moving to San Jose as a boy, Ronnie attended Linda Vista Elementary School, Joseph George Middle School, and James Lick High School. He obtained an A.S. degree from San Jose City College and eventually settled in San Leandro. Always willing to chat or trade stories, Ronnie enhanced the lives of his family and friends. He will be missed. A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. December 22 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 5950 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA, 94121 (415) 751-9564. Donations can be made in Ronnie's name to the San Jose Parks Department. Arrangements by Darling Fischer Garden Chapel

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 21 to Dec. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Caditan

18 Entries

Donna Spirlin

February 7, 2012

Ron was such a sweet and gentle person, my sympathy goes out to the caditan family. Ron Was a giver, he will Be missed. Rest in peace classmate and friend.

Mary Ann Palchikoff

December 23, 2011

I'd known Ron since we were teenagers – he was a close and longtime friend of my brother Bill's, and my friend, too. Over the years we were lucky to have him around our family for many occasions and activities – just a few are camping in Yosemite when Ron as a park ranger, fishing in Valdez, AK, and I even went to my first concert (the Psychedelic Furs) with Ron and a couple other friends back in the 80s.
Ron was the kind of person who always seemed interested in and enthusiastic about what others had to say, were doing or thinking. And despite his numerous, varied and impressive accomplishments and hobbies, he remained forever humble. His kindness and warmth will be sorely missed and the world is little less friendly without Ron in it.
My heart goes out to the Caditan family at this very sad time.
Mary Ann (Cameron) Palchikoff
Fairbanks, AK

December 23, 2011

To The Caditan Family,
We are truly saddened to hear about your loss. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

With deepest sympathy,
The Hunt Family

Corey Yeh

December 23, 2011

I worked many watches with Ron on the medic unit. We talked all day each time. I was surprised to learn so much else about Ron's life at the service today - apparently there were so many great things about him that I didn't know. Gonna miss ya, buddy.

Lorenzo Irinco

December 22, 2011

Condolences to the family. Ron was a friend of mine for the past 20 years. I worked with him at Treasure Island FD. Even though we both worked at different departments we stayed in contact and found time to talk on the phone or he would stop by my fire house to chat. Glad I have the memories of the Philippine trip, snow boarding, fishing, biking trips we did in the past 20 years...miss ya bud RIP

Ray Ng, 41 Engine

December 22, 2011

Still waters run deep. Every time I spoke with Ron I learned something interesting about him. It was always a pleasure to see him, as there was never any negativity. I am very fortunate to have known him. My sincerest condolences to the Caditan family. May your fond memories carry you through these difficult times.

Robyn Gralicer

December 22, 2011

It was always a pleasure to see Ron's name on the roster. He was one of the good ones. RIP brother.

Mark Keliihanapule

December 22, 2011

I remember Ronnie from the outrigger days. Kind soul, friendly smile...one who was always pleasant to socialize with. Prayers and wishes to his family and friends. Safe travels, Ronnie.

December 22, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Caditan family and friends.I found Ron to be very even keeled and a genuinely nice guy all the time. I worked with Ron at Station 41 in the SFFD. He will be missed , Tom Rucker (San Francisco)

Rod Turner

December 21, 2011

My prayers are with the Caditan family and their loss. Ronnie was a great man and a cherished friend.

Andy Assereto

December 21, 2011

It was always a pleasure to work with Ron up at 41 Engine. Ron was a true gentleman, always had a smile on his face, was not one to complain about anything. He was a good fireman, and will be missed by all that knew him.

Jacqueline Samsel

December 21, 2011

Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. I never met Ron but I am sure he knew my brother anthony Valerio who served 27 years as a FF/Paramedic and passed in the LODD in June. I am sure that my brother will be making him laugh and they will watch over your family. Jacqueline Samsel

December 21, 2011

We miss you Ron! SFFD 104 class

FRED WALSH

December 21, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Caditan family and to all of us who worked with Ronnie. I had the pleasure to work with Ron at E41 in the SFFD. Ron was a great guy to work with. He will be greatly missed. Fred Walsh

December 21, 2011

Ron always had a smile. He will be missed by all in those in San Francisco Fire Department. His experience as a wildland firefighter will be especially missed by those who worked with him on SFFD Strike Teams. He and his family will remain in our prayers. Steve Finnegan SFFD Engine 21.

Kyle Kortie

December 21, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Caditan family. To the brotherhood of firefighters, we lost an amazing man. He would do anything to help the people we served and among the men/women in our profession. Coast Guard Fire will always remember Ron! The quiet man who did alot for us! Keep on smiling up there and watch over your family and fellow firefighters!

Teri Rogoway

December 21, 2011

I will always remember how calm and easy going Ron was and how he kept popping up to help when you least expected it. I found myself in Santa Clara, doing a nature program. Someone got hurt on the trail and when I called 9-1-1, up pulled this fire truck and out hopped Ron! Calm, in control, and with kindness unmatched. He will be very missed.

Darling Fischer Garden Chapel

December 20, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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