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John Paul Fernald III

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Jesuit High School

John Fernald Obituary

FERNALD, JOHN PAUL III
At home on November 4, 2003, surrounded by loving partner and family, lost his long, courageous battle to AIDS. Born in Colorado on May 11, 1958. Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in psychology and philosophy in 1985. John settled in Sacramento in 1985 to teach at Jesuit High School. During which time he also served as AIDS advocate and researcher for California Catholic Conference. Lobbied on behalf of persons with AIDS. Researched and drafted the bishop's pastoral letter on AIDS, "AIDS: A Call to Compassion." John resigned from Jesuit in 1991 in order to commit to a loving relationship with his partner, Michael Kettmann. John began his successful community activist career in San Francisco, working with agencies such as Walden House, Marin Housing Center and ultimately Chinese Community Housing Center. For his outstanding commitment to community service John was honored on June 20, 1996 with "John Fernald Day" proclaimed by Mayor Willie Brown. John returned to Sacramento in 1996 to work with Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center. As Executive Director of the center he developed numerous programs, as well as assisted in one recognized as one of the "100 Best" in the nation. John survived the passing of his mother, Patricia Hines in 1996, and his sister Lori Fernald in 1986. John is survived by his loving partner Michael Kettmann; his sister Nina Fernald-Seibel and Jeff Seibel; children Hannah and Tanner; sister Rachael and Abe Berciles; children Cory, A.J. and Kirsten; brother Greg and Keary Fernald; children Shannon, Jake, Aubrey, and Matt; father John Fernald and wife Myndi; his extended family, Richard and Rhoda Kettmann, Kath Kettmann, Richie and Katie Kettmann and son Chris, Cyndi Kettmann, Melissa and Michael Cook and children Michael, Ashley, Matthew, Daniel, and Samuel. All of whom John was nurtured by in his final weeks at home.

Memorial Celebration
Firehouse Restaurant
Courtyard Grill
1112 2nd St.
Old Sacramento
Friday, Nov. 14, 1:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to SAEHC-Women's Refuge, 2988 35th St., Sacramento, CA 95817.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fernald

Sponsored by Michael A. Kettmann.

22 Entries

Kurtis Burmeister

November 16, 2020

Even after all these years, I still find myself thinking about John... especially this time of year. John taught me to write. John helped me find my voice. I am eternally grateful for this.

Kath

November 20, 2009

Six years now, my love...and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I know you and my Michael are happy together in heaven.

Frederick De Leon

December 11, 2003

Mr. Fernald inspired me outside of the classroom (frankly, academic memories elude me): From the more casual egalitarian manner he assumed, to his patient and genuine listening, and his willingness to readily share a laugh with me. The indelible memory I have is Mr. Fernald smoking nervously in the periphery as the play rolls on. I stumble and stare into the crowd; I catch his eye as I painfully work my way to the front of the stage and he smiles then winks, making me smile. . .then the audience dims, and then it vanishes.

Tina Crowle Tedesco

December 10, 2003

My breath is absolutely taken away at learning of the world's loss. I had the extreme pleasure of being both a student of Fernie's and acted under his direction at JHS. He taught me to be passionate as well as compassionate in everything I do. I have so many memories, so many "firsts" I can recall, and John Fernald was there for them. You helped make me into the person I am today. I can still hear the cast and crew shouting your name with such pride and admiration, "Fernie! Fernie!"

Peter Lehmann

December 4, 2003

John was flat out my favorite teacher at J-High. When I think of John, I think of one word - PASSION. He was full of passion and it inspired me to greater heights as a student, artist, musician and leader. Thank you, John.

Adrian Barron

December 2, 2003

I remember John when I was attending Jesuit High School and how my friends enjoyed being in his class because he was funny and inspirational. Unfortunatly I never had him in a class but ironically we met up again IN class as students in a traffic school on a cold Saturday morning and we were able to catch up with old times. It is sad someone with his love and generosity is gone but his spirit will thrive in the hearts he inspired. I will miss you Mr. Fernald.

Adrian Barron-class of 93

Michael Kettmann

November 29, 2003

Although I miss Johnny deeply it provides me comfort to continue to witness the affect he had on so many wonderful people...I love you my schmo, my beau, my dididoe...forever yours Mikie-mike

David Pierini

November 22, 2003

John was a great inspiration to me at Jesuit. I find as I achieve the small successes in my life I think back on the educators who shaped me and wish that they can see the affect they had on me. Well, I'm still writing and acting professionally and I owe so much of that to John. And I know he can see that now.

Morgan Gire

November 19, 2003

I had the great fortune of being one of John's students at Jesuit. He brought a passion to his students that instilled in all of us a sense of compassion, humanity, and action. His recognition and understanding of the soul and spirit in all of us made him a truly wonderful man, teacher, and friend. He taught us to think critically, appreciate the beauty in life and in the arts, and to strive for social justice. The world is a better place for having John here. May the void in our world without him be filled by the knowledge of his place in Heaven. Thanks, Fernie.

Brad McDowell

November 19, 2003

Fernie's was a light that lit many candles. He had enough inspiration to give us each a little to keep for ourselves. May his memory burn bright in all of us.

Gil Enos

November 18, 2003

I was stunned and saddened to learn of John's passing. I, too, had the pleasure of being in John's class my senior year at Jesuit, and I can honestly say that he was one of a handful of educators who left an indellible mark on myself and many others due to the passion he brought not only to his vocation, but to life in general. He challenged us to think, and in doing so taught us how to learn.

Seamus Walsh

November 12, 2003

I now teach senior English at the Jesuit high school in Phoenix because of the influence Mr. Fernald had on me when I was a senior at Jesuit. He was truly a teacher of life as well as literature.

Sean Benedict

November 11, 2003

I loved you like a brother, John. You were the finest human being I ever met.

I miss you.

Sean

Babak Sarani, MD

November 10, 2003

I was one of Mr. Fernald's many students at Jesuit. I am now a surgeon but in looking back on the teachers I have had, I cannot think of another person who affected me or taught me more. John gave me the ability and desire to think and the courage to treat others justly. I only hope my children will be lucky enough to have a similar mentor. I will miss you, Fernie. The world has lost another great soul.

Steve Pitti

November 10, 2003

John Fernald was, among other things, a magical educator who instilled an appreciation of the arts and a commitment to social justice in those he encountered. I was lucky to learn from him, and I count my time in his classes and dramatic productions at Jesuit as among the most important of my youth. He leaves behind a great legacy, and I am saddened by the loss of a powerful teacher, artist, and activist.

Paul Schmitz

November 9, 2003

I was a student of Mr. Fernald's in 1987 and 1988 at Jesuit High. He was an outstanding teacher who helped his students understand the larger moral issues beyond the classroom. I admired his intelligence, his compassion and his courage. He was a great advocate for the poor and the suffering. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Dr. Jim Hammel

November 9, 2003

Fernie was a simply extraordinary man who had a profound effect on anyone with whom he came into contact. Those of us who were his students at Jesuit High School were incredibly lucky to have this remarkably loving, fiercely passionate, and consistently devoted man as our teacher, mentor, director, and friend. In the final year of his life, we spoke regularly and even as his health deteriorated, he displayed even greater levels of grace. Surely, John is now with the Lord and his host of angels, and our loss is their gain.

Nela Hammel

November 8, 2003

John, I will miss your smile and your positive disposition. Working with you on the Jesuit plays was a true pleasure and Joy. You brought so much love and caring to all those kids, including my own, THANK YOU. May God Bless those you leave behind, for I know you are with HIM and are already Blessed! I LOVE YOU, Nela Hammel

Catherine Liberatore

November 8, 2003

John Fernald was a wonderful teacher, leader, and mentor to Sacramento area teens during his tenure at Jesuit High School. I was fortunate enough to be part of the unique family he created through JHS Drama. He taught us all the importance of family (especially that born in the theater), spirituality, creativity, and acceptance of others. I will always be grateful to him for his wisdom and friendship. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and former students. I know we all have many happy memories, which we will never forget. May those of us lucky enough to know John, pass on his compassion and imagination to others, especially those in need.

Mary Ellen O'Neil

November 8, 2003

John... "..To give of oneself ...to know that even one life breaths easier because you lived..... You have succeeded" RWE

Kevin Connell

November 8, 2003

We will offer masses for John at the Loyola Jesuit Center and at St. Andrew Nativity School in Portland, Oregon. He was a truly great man.

Beth Kelley-Gillogly

November 8, 2003

Oh John! Thank you for all your inspiration both in the theater and out. I will never forget all those late nights of rehearsal, and the hours and hours of music we shared at Jesuit and OLA. With love, your Reno

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