David John Kangas
Nov. 1964 - Sept. 2016
David John Kangas, 51, died September 9, 2016 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was at home and surrounded by his wife, two sons and parents.
David was born in November of 1964 in Chicago, IL and moved to Sacramento with his family at age 12. Early on, he developed a love of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite especially.
He received a Ph.D. from Yale University in philosophy of religion and taught at Florida State University, Santa Clara University and, since 2011, was an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Cal State Stanislaus. He wrote two books on the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard and numerous scholarly articles. He served as a member of the editorial board and a translator of the 11-volumne edition of Kierkegaard's journal and notebooks.
David was an avid mountaineer, hiker and skier. He was a lover and supporter of the arts and relished a good glass of wine and a good laugh among friends. Above all, he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Inese Radzins, and his two dear sons, Olaf and Sevrin, parents, Nick and Sandy, brothers Nick, John, and Mike, and their families.
The Memorial Service with be Saturday, October 1, at 3:00 pm in the St. Francis Episcopal Church, 915 E. Main St, Turlock, CA. The Reception will follow at 5:00 pm in the Art Space on Main, 135 W Main St, Turlock, CA. Memorial donations may be made in David's name to http://sacredrok.org/. ; Please share your memories at
www.AllenMortuary.com.
www.cvobituaries.com

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

Published by Modesto Bee on Sep. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Kangas

7 Entries

Vince Hold

September 18, 2025

Dear Kangas family,

I moved back from a 13 year stint in New York City that was the result of a letter of recommendation David wrote to me. His kindness was understated and humble, and his effect on me while he was a graduate student in Berkeley was profound. I thought about reaching out, so I googled him, and found this out by happenstance.

I remember how he would fondly talk of his sons, and I was hoping I could talk to him about my own. I was hoping to communicate how grateful I am to have met him, and I hope you all know that, even a decade later, someone random to you remembers him with a smile and joy in his heart.

May you still be blessed by the light he brought to you.

Vince Hold

(a student from his Heidegger course at Berkeley)

Walter Daniel

September 23, 2017

While I didn't know Dr. Kangas personally, his Kierkegaard article "Kierkegaard as Apophatic Theologian" has been an important one for me. Today, still struggling with the S.K. concept of "infinite redoubling," I searched for David Kangas, and found out that he had passed. Like David, I also have an interest in mountaineering.

Kerry Holder Joffrion

April 23, 2017

Dear David Kangas Family,

I hope the Spring will sing through you despite the empty spaces you now inhabit.

It is with sadness that I heard about David's passing. I was moved to google his name in January after a time of prayer; and his obituary greeted my inquiry. I had read something on Kierkegaard that needed ciphering but that question will go unanswered in his honor. I was David's best friend at Princeton Seminary and know Nick and Sandy from those days and after.

I know what kind of man David was and I send my kindest thoughts to you and your sons. "His (God's) power is only in the ethical which fills all existence." Kierkegaard

In such a case, I am celebrating a person who still lives.

Peace to You All,
Reverend Kerry Holder Joffrion

Monte Sano Mountain
Huntsville, Alabama

Margaret Farley

March 2, 2017

Dear Inez,
I just heard that David had died some months ago. I am so very sorry. I have thought of you both of you, and your children, frequently after we met again about 2 years ago. David was indeed a brilliant man, and a kind and gentle person. I hope that you are surrounded by family and friends as you move forward in ongoing life.
Peace to you, and much love,
Margaret Farley

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Zara Renander

December 16, 2016

Dear Inez and David's family:
I got to know David when he was teaching in Montana and he found a special place in my heart which he never left. I went hiking in the mountains with him on a long a ago 4th of July holiday and your lovely picture reminds me of that happy time and the love he had for the mountains.
I've just found out about his death and send you all love and prayers.
Zara

Edie Schulz (Sulcs)-Braatz

November 27, 2016

Dear Inese and family -- My deepest sympathy to you all. Even though I never met David, your mother used to keep me appraised about your life and I was always happy to hear about you all and appreciated our family connection. My thoughts and prayers are with you; may the Lord give you peace and comfort during this very sad time.
Your "distant" cousin - Edie

Drew

November 16, 2016

I am currently a student studying to get my master's degree in theology. I recently read one of Dr. Kangas' articles in my research for one of my papers. The article was on Porete's "Dangerous Joy." Dr. Kangas' writing was instrumental in helping me understand the mystic in her context as well as apply her writings to my own life. I am grateful for his contribution to my theological journey.

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