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Daniel Edmund Caldwell

1935 - 2015

Daniel Edmund Caldwell obituary, 1935-2015, San Anselmo, CA

Daniel Caldwell Obituary

Daniel Edmund Caldwell Family and friends were saddened when Daniel Edmund "Dan" Caldwell passed away on March 15th as a result of Alzheimer's complications. The memory of his passion for teaching and working with his drama students at Tamalpais High School over a 40 year career will not be forgotten. In 2006 the new performing arts building at Tam was named "The Daniel E. Caldwell Performing Arts Center" in recognition of his developing and maintaining one of the most outstanding high school drama departments in Northern California. A 4th generation native Marinite, Dan was born in 1935 to Bernice and George Caldwell. He attended Tam High School for three years before transferring with the entire basketball team to Drake, the first year it opened. He graduated from Drake with the class of '52. He earned both a B.A. and M.F.A. from San Francisco State. Dan was a respected member of the theater community, working as both an actor and director throughout the Bay Area. He served as President of the San Francisco branch of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in the 1970's. He then continued to serve his fellow actors for ten more years, as 6th National Vice President of SAG. In 1995 he was honored by the city of Mill Valley with one of the first Mill Valley Creative Achievement ("Milly") Awards. He leaves behind his wife Karlene and their son Will; daughter Monica, sons Dan and Tony, grandsons Kaden and Trey; brother and sister-in-law George and Joan Caldwell; nieces Sheri and Debbie. Niece Alice proceeded him in death. Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, May 17th beginning at 2:00pm at the Daniel E. Caldwell Performing Arts Center on the campus of Tamalpais High School, 700 Miller Ave. Charitable contributions to Tamalpais High School's Conservatory Theatre Ensemble (CTE) also located at 700 Miller Ave. Mill Valley, CA 94941.

Published by Marin Independent Journal from Mar. 18 to Mar. 22, 2015.
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One would hope our friends and especially our teachers could live forever. It brings us closer to our own mortality to see the passage that time brings to us all. I studied under Dans teaching back in 63. I also stayed with him for four years as an after school event. I did several plays and did several things such as spotlight and behind the set helper. I remember one dreadful evening as the lights were coming down in the auditorium when I realized the old spotlight was not plugged in. I ran like a crazy person looking for an extension cord.
We did a play one time called Shalom Aleichem it was a three act play i played the father in the final act i took several months to get something of an accent. The next play i rehearsed for was an early American play i had difficulty dropping the last accent and ended up doing spot. Dan had an assistant his first name was Peter, i wish i could remember his last name. We had fun in those days.....

John chase

School

December 22, 2021

I took Dan's classes several times, was part of the technical crew on numerous plays or productions of Dan's - including "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "The Crucible", "West Side Story", and more. Dan was very energetic, had a great sense of humor and was always a fun teacher and class to be a part of. My sister was also very active in Dan's classes and productions. I remember fondly those times and Dan's teaching many times yearly - to this day!

Samuel Cogswell

Student

March 12, 2021

I wish to add my belated yet strong appreciation for Dan. As a wonderful Director who always appreciated his people, I was lucky to act for him in "Teddy in that Splendid Little War" in Berkeley. His kind leadership inspired me to serve on our local Screen Actors Guild council and to set up a SAG casting office for student filmmakers at San Francisco Art Institute. Bless you forever, good friend.

Steve Treacy

June 4, 2016

Dear Dan,

Thank you for the magical gifts of theater and the power of presence. You generously shared your talents as both a patient teacher and gifted actor. In my first year at Tam, your drama class was the highlight (and terror) of my week. I'll never forget the exhiliration, fun, and stage fright of my first performance on the Tam High stage, now named in your honor.

Your evolution of man through the ages by seated posture alone remains one of the most powerful theatrical moments I've experienced. I still think about that performance.

I'll remember you always. Here's to your next act.

Nancy Kivette

May 17, 2015

I didn't have a class with Dan Caldwell, but I remember seeing him around campus at Tam, always with a big smile and a hello. He will be missed by all. Rhonda (Smith) McCormick, Tam Class of 1966

Rhonda (Smith) McCormick

May 16, 2015

Dan was my first acting teacher in the early 70's. He was so passionate and talented. I'll never forget the night he brought an actress into class to do a scene with me.It was Kathleen Quinlan right before she went on to be a big star. Thanks for your commitment Dan, you will be missed.

Tom Reudy

March 26, 2015

He was one of the Best teachers in my entire Life. I am who I am today because of him. He was one of the roots in the direction my life would take.
What is remembered Lives.

Nancy Benjamin/Class of 66

March 23, 2015

I was Dan's stage manager and technical director in the Drama Department at Tam High for three years. He was a great teacher and a great friend who guided me to az lifelong creative career. I'm very sorry to hear this news.

March 20, 2015

Dan was a friend, mentor, big brother, roommate and sometime employer. He taught me so much about theater and film, how to treat people with love and respect. It is with great sadness that I witness his passing, but with profound gratitude for all he gave to us all.

charlie swanson

March 20, 2015

So sorry to learn of Danny's passing. He will always be remembered by me though his Shakespeare performances and directing at Marin Art & Garden Center when I was young. Although we have lost contact over the years, I still keep him in my fondest memories.

My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Your loving cousin, Joanne (Ferrari) Bender

March 19, 2015

He was an inspiring and encouraging drama teacher. I enjoyed learning from him at Tam High and it was fun to see him coach Kathleen Quinlan, who went on to great success as an actress. Good memories. He left a legacy.--Tina May

March 19, 2015

You've inspired me in so many different ways from so many different people who held your wisdom and experiences, across generations and amidst a diverse enclave. I feel so lucky to have worked with you in any capacity. I look forward to your further inspiration through all whom you've sparked as well. Cheers, Dan. And thank you so much for your soul. To the boards.

Peter Parish

March 19, 2015

Bruce James and I were active in the Dan Caldwell drama department from 1962 through 1965. It was one of the best experiences of my high school career and my educational life overall!!!

Samuel Cogswell

March 19, 2015

Dan was an incredible teacher and friend. He was filled with a wealth of knowledge! I am honored to have had him in my life and to have been taught life long lessons through his Theater classes. He was amazing! He will forever live in my heart and soul!

Patricia Riley

March 19, 2015

See you soon; you find the tree Ill bring the ice cream!

Zeno Gelatti

March 19, 2015

My thoughts and prayer are with his family. Dan and Graham played many hours of basketball. We always have that to remember and the good times.

Carol Morey

March 19, 2015

Dan shared so much wisdom that many of us hold so dear and share with our next generation. Thank you Dan, for your love, passion, and support. You will be missed. Member of class of 1984.

March 19, 2015

Dan was a mentor, friend, teacher and a man of passion for his craft. He shall always be with me...

March 18, 2015

Amazing Actor, Spectacular Man, Beautiful Human Being!! Accurate descriptions of a man who will forever be immortalized in the minds, memories, and lives of his students and all who came into contact with him. He was a genius at assisting his drama students to reach inward and emote outward. Legends are called legends because they dream big, and miracles are what they use for currency. This wonderful, gregarious man will always remain just that to so many of us..A legend!
Tamalpais High
Class of '86

Sarah Canson

March 18, 2015

Amazing Actor, Spectacular Man, Beautiful Human Being!! Accurate descriptions of a man who will forever be immortalized in the minds, memories, and lives of his students and all who came into contact with him. He was a genius at assisting his drama students to reach inward and emote outward. Legends are called called legends because they dream big, and miracles are what they use for currency. This wonderful, gregarious man will always remain just that to so many of us..A legend!

Sarah Canson

March 18, 2015

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Memorial Events
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May

17

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

Daniel E. Caldwell Performing Arts Center, Tamalpais High School

700 Miller Ave., CA

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