Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Harold Cahill Obituary
July 3, 1930 - Feb. 1, 2017
Santa Barbara
After several years of declining health, Fritz died at home in Santa Barbara, attended by his son, Tom.
Fritz attended Hartnell College in Salinas (comment from Ms. Perry, professor of English for three decades instructing several thousands: "Fritz was my most memorial student going from English 53A to a Fulbright Scholarship"). After attending Oregon State University, he transferred to Utah State (BA) where he was awarded his Fulbright scholarship to the University of Helsinki.
Starting at 18, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service until his retirement in 1990. At his retirement, he was "roasted" unmercifully by his peers to his bemusement. He earned his sobriquet "the Jeremiah of the forest." He created a bumper sticker, "I (picture of Heart) Smokey (picture of Smokey the Bear) which was distributed nationwide by the Forest service.
Fritz and Eleanor were honored in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI with the Pro Ecclesial et Pontifical award for exceptional service to the Church and by tirelessly delivery of food and stables to the Catholic Charities Pantry in Santa Barbara for 24 years. He credited his mother Josephine for his charitable work, for in spite of a large family she fed sandwiches and coffee to the hungry off her front and back porches during the Depression and WWII.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, in 2009.
Fritz is survived by his two adult sons, Tom and Steve, as well as three younger brothers, Dennis, 81 of Oakland; Paul, 79 of Durango, CO; and Brian, 76 of Greenbrae; 16 nieces and nephews, the same number of grand nieces and nephews, and so on. Fritz was the sixth of ten children: Norbert 1921, Eileen 1923, Joan 1924, Bernard 1925, Jerry 1927, Fritz 1930, Marian 1933, Dennis 1935, Paul 1937, and Brian 1940, all of whom attended Sacred Heart School (Salinas), as did their mother, Josephine Dornieden Cahill, who was in the first graduating class in 1913.
A requiem mass will be celebrated Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, at St. Raphael's Church, 5444 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Followed by a reception in the social hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Cahill
Patrick Pontes
February 24, 2017
I was sad to hear of Fritz's passing. As Ranger and Fire Staff Officer on Los Padres for 15 years, we really appreciated Fritz's Fire Burn History Maps and weather/fuel fire predictions. For any fire that escaped initial attack, we'd call-in Fritz and collectively try to determine the fire's potential. His knowledge of the chaparral fire ecosystem and input was invaluable to our fire behavior folks and the people on the ground.
For those that knew Fritz- his desk filing system was next to none, he could recall and find every fire history fact (on his desk) and you would NOT discuss politics in the office! He will always be remembered!
Tom Plymale
February 22, 2017
Fritz is a Los Padres NF icon. His knowledge of fire ecology and history was second to none. We eagerly awaited his annual "Fritz Reports" to see where he said the fires were going to happen. He was a fine man and a true Forest Ranger in the classical sense. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this. May he rest in peace.
February 22, 2017
With deepest sympathy, may the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time Matthew 21:22
Joni McCollough-VanPelt
February 22, 2017
I remember Fritz's fire predictions, we used to wait for them to come out. He was a very nice man. US Forest Service, Monterey Ranger District.
Peggy Mayfield
February 19, 2017
I remember Uncle Fritz as a kind and gentle man who was devoted to his family and faith. I also remember that he never refrained from expressing his own deeply held political views!
Fritz seemed both amazed and proud to have been honored by Pope Benedict XVI for his & Aunt Eleanor's charitable work.
Only recently have I learned how highly regarded Fritz was by media sources for information about fire prediction data & historic information about fires in California forests.
Rest In Peace, Uncle Fritz. Sending love, Peggy Corlett Mayfield
Randy Birzer
February 18, 2017
Great to read about Fritz's long and honorable life!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Harold Cahill's name
Memorial Events
for Harold Cahill
How to support Harold's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Harold Cahill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
