Jerry Cadagan

1938 - 2015

Jerry Cadagan

1938 - 2015

BORN

1938

DIED

2015

Jerry Cadagan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 5 to Jun. 7, 2015.
Jerry King Cadagan

July 18, 1938 - May 17, 2015

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend left us six months after the tragic loss of his adored wife Kristin. Survivors include children Scott (Kara), Brent (Pamela), Kim (Kyle), Shannon, seven grandchildren, his cousin, nieces, nephews, and many friends whose lives he brightened. An attorney by training, his enthusiasm for the outdoors fueled tireless advocacy on behalf of the environment and water policy. His passion was the flow of rivers and the beauty they brought to his dear family and friends he shared it with. By his own admission he had "white water in his veins". Jerry's love for his family, "water" and friends is immeasurable and will be remembered as his greatest gift to all of us.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for June 24, 2015 at The Lake Merced Boathouse. The family suggests donations to your favorite environmental charity in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Jerry Cadagan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2015

Diane Barr-Young posted to the memorial.

June 25, 2015

Mardi Mitchell posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2015

Christopher Gross posted to the memorial.

Diane Barr-Young

August 28, 2015

Jerry Cadagan was one of the finest men I have ever known. During the late 70s through the mid 80s, we worked together at Crown Zellerbach and we fought to save our beloved Stanislaus a River. He and his fantastic wife Kris and I shared some wonderful raft trips down that beautiful river. We ended up with our picture on the front page of the Modesto Bee. But aside from that connection, I admired his brilliant mind and sense of play, which does not often come in one person. His privileged upbringing was never apparent. I will miss he and Kris terribly, because just knowing they were alive made the world a better place. I was able to come to Kris's Celebration of Life, but because of my disability I could not attend Jerry's. I wish his two sons and two daughters and their families my deepest sympathy.

Mardi Mitchell

June 25, 2015

To my one and only dear cousin Jer and my good friend Kris, you will be in our hearts forever. Thank you for your humor, your love and companionship. Your wonderful four children will carry your legacy forward.
RIP together.

Christopher Gross

June 12, 2015

I had only recently become aware of Mr. Cadagan while reading about our local ground water issues. I was just looking for updates on his efforts when instead I learned of his passing. I am quite saddened to have lost an able and willing warrior for the environment. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Mr. and Mrs. Cadagan.

Liz Payment

June 12, 2015

You are All in my thoughts and Prayers Everyday. I am So sorry that You, and the rest of the World, have lost such a Fantastic Person in our Supreme Commander. My Wholehearted condolences to all of You.

Kevin Wolf

June 11, 2015

Jerry was a bright light in the dim and difficult world of water and river politics. His love of rivers and his first rate mind, plus his brilliant wife and family gave him the power and fortitude to get an amazing amount of good things done. He and Kim will be missed by many.

Richard Meyers

June 10, 2015

I offer my sincere condolences on the passing of my classmate (CMC 1960) and long-term email correspondent. I always looked forward to our five year reunions in no small measure to catch up with Jerry and Kris, and his environmental updates. His passion & commitment to his friendships is recalled with warm reflections. My deep sympathy extended to his children and grandkids.

June 10, 2015

I HOLD FOND MEMORIES OF SCHOOL DAYS,TORTUGATEERS AND FORT ORD AND CARMEL IN 1961....AND OUR REUNIONS...SIMPLY THE BEST OMER LONG '59

Brent Cadagan

June 10, 2015

Thank you all for the thoughts, condolences and most importantly the wonderful memories of our father.

Tim Palmer

June 9, 2015

Jerry's presence brightened every place he appeared.
His love of rivers, family, friends, and life was palpable.
He was game for changing the world, and he helped many of us along that path.
His enthusiasm, knowledge, and determination inspired me, and others, time and time again. And they still do.
So, onward, to protect all that Jerry loved.

Marguerite Young

June 9, 2015

Jerry will always be remembered as a true friend of the river. His efforts enriched us all.

Don Hodel and Jerry

Spreck Rosekrans

June 8, 2015

Don, Bob and Jerry

Spreck Rosekrans

June 8, 2015

Kris Cadagan, Jean Hackamack, Don & Barbara Hodel, Jerry Cadgan and Bob Hackmack - breakfast before filming at Hetch Hetchy with Harrison Ford

Spreck Rosekrans

June 8, 2015

Jerry and former Secretary Don Hodel

Spreck Rosekrans

June 8, 2015

Teresa Schilling

June 8, 2015

it is fitting that he will be remembered at Lake Merced, a place he worked hard to protect. Jerry was a solid reporter and I looked forward to his robust voice on the other end of the line when I was a cub press contact at the Sierra Club. He always enlightened me, reminded me to get out on the river and made me laugh. He made a difference on our planet and he will be missed.

Sonia Diermayer

June 8, 2015

I want to express my sorrow for the loss of Jerry to his family and friends. His absence is also deeply felt in the California water advocacy community. I am tremendously grateful to him for contributing to my understanding of water issues and keeping us all updated with his daily Water Clips. We'll strive to carry on his legacy. Thank you, Jerry!

Laurie McCann

June 7, 2015

His invincible, always positive, we can do this approach to life - especially on behalf of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers. Accompanied by a delightful "here comes trouble" smile.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel (FD1825)

1111 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002

Make a Donation
in Jerry Cadagan's name

How to support Jerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jerry Cadagan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Jerry Cadagan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 28, 2015

Diane Barr-Young posted to the memorial.

June 25, 2015

Mardi Mitchell posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2015

Christopher Gross posted to the memorial.