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Richard Gadler Obituary
Beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Born on April 2, 1962, and passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2007. Dr. Gadler was a lifelong resident of the San Diego/La Mesa area. He attended elementary school at St. Martins Academy in La Mesa, and spent one year at Saint Augustine High School. He then attended Helix High School, graduating in 1980, with Honors. He received a degree from San Diego State University graduating with honors and Phi Beta Kappa. He then did graduate studies at The CA School of Professional Psychology, now Alliant University, where he graduated with a Ph.D. in Psychology. Further studies garnered an MS in Psychopharmachology. Rick took pride in his fluency in the Spanish language which he used in his practice here in the San Diego region. Rick was known for his musical ability having had his own band and with his brothers released a CD that received nationwide airplay. His smile was infectious and broad, helping him to make friends easily. His humor and practical jokes were legendary among family and friends. He loved hiking in the deserts and mountains of the Southwest and his hope was to retire on his ranchette in Rodeo, New Mexico. He had a great love for the critters of the desert and studied them seriously. Dr. Gadler leaves behind his beloved wife Judy A. Gadler; his mother and father Mary and David Dewse; his father and mother Richard Gadler and Janey Chadwick; and siblings: Dr. Nicholas Gadler (Dione) and three children; Lora Keleman (Bob) and two children; Marilee Bell (Chris) and one child; Melissa Hamm (Greg) and two children; Stephen Gadler (Tracie) and one child; and youngest sister, Leigh Chadwick. Oh Rick, we love you forever and we will miss your blue eyes, warm greeting and bright smile for the rest of our lives. God keep you and love you! He will be missed by his family but also by his best friends, Rick Cole and John Dillon and Tim Bryant. . Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on November 6, 2007 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gadler
elizabeth porter masters
April 2, 2008
hi gadler clan...i am really shocked and so very sorry to hear about rick..
i didnt receive a christmas card from he and judy the last couple of years and we figured they had moved...
well he realized all his dreams..a beautiful wife...judy...his education and career and a home in the open..
we thought arizona but new mexico..
wow
we will miss him so much..rick is a very unique individual and an unforgettable friend...i will always cherish the times we shared and judy
you and rick were great together....
we loved you both and how kind you both were to our kids when we came to visit...i just wish we had done it more often....
well to the family....you have our prayer and love...mr. gadler and mom
and all rick's brothers and sisters...you too have our prayers and love...take care of each other
we love you guys...
wendy scribner
March 21, 2008
dear gadler family, my name is wendy scribner I went to high school with rick. I remember coming to visit him on marian street and he always had alot of snakes.I just recently learned of his death.I am so sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed. sincerly wendy scribner,la mesa ca.
Darlene Cook
December 4, 2007
Dear Judy and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Rick. What a loss! I enjoyed working with Rick a number of years ago at Halcyon. What a character! You never knew what he was going to come up with --- his love for snakes, his jokes, turning around in the office and wearing those crooked teeth. I am so sorry that the world has lost such a wonderful human being. Judy and all, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry.
Johanna (Workman) Lee
November 24, 2007
I was so saddened to learn of Rick's passing. Rick brought so much joy to my days when I worked with him over 10 years ago at Halcyon and then later at UBH. He always went out of his way to make me feel welcome -- inviting me to his Thanksgiving dinners, Halloween parties, and even his "Christmas in the Air" CD release party. Rick, I will so miss you, and I'm sorry I didn't realize you'd only be here for such a short time.
Carol Knieff-Wishnek
November 20, 2007
I can think of little in my memory of Rick other than warmth, fun, mischief, curiosity and involvement with the world. I worked at UBH with Rick, donner of many great costumes and creator of several living charicatures. I have lots of memories, but the best, I fondly think about the time he came to my desk with his BIG grin saying he had something for my son in his white lunch sack, but it was a surprise, so "not to tell anyone who might want to look at it too." I looked in and found a big sun scorpion, quite alive, a gift to my son, one which he caught on one of his escapades in the wild. We had that scorpion over 2 years. Rick obviously came from a family of loving and generous people, to be so thoughtful and fun and engaged with others. I hope his family and friends can find healing in the memory of his great spirit.
Yolanda Greer
November 14, 2007
I was at a loss for words upon hearing of Rick's demise. I am so truly thankful to have known him. He and I shared SO MANY laughs. I always felt like he was more to me than just a co-worker. His presence always brightened the room; especially since he went out of his way to change his funny faces on an hourly basis. What I will remember most about him is the passion he had for his career. He also always had the BEST Halloween costumes at USBHPC. He was truly a wonderful human being. My deepest and most sincere sympathy is offered to both his friends and family.
Norma Eaton
November 14, 2007
Dear Friend Mary and Entire Gadler Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel over the loss of your precious Rick. May your faith in God and loving family comfort all of you at this time.
Daniel Winstel
November 13, 2007
Rick,
The world is a much poorer place without you, my friend. May my pictures be a small tribute to your great and gentle spirit. For those of us whom you’ve left behind, may our hearts warm with our memories of you. May the laughter we shared swell within us and guide our souls. We’ll look for you again, in the winds over the open desert, in the creatures that crawl their sands, in the reflection of an eye, in a sparkling dew drop at morning’s first light. You’ll be there, and we’ll still love you. Find your peace, my friend.
On The Road To Rodeo, NM. We'll See Ya On Down The Road, Rick
November 11, 2007
That's Exactly How We Feel Now, Rick!
November 11, 2007
Herping With Rick
November 11, 2007
Rick & His Dad, Tombstone, AZ
November 11, 2007
Halloween As Dr. Doom
November 11, 2007
On The Trail With Rick
November 11, 2007
Bill Muller
November 11, 2007
I only just found about this tragedy a few minutes ago when I spoke to Judy. I just want to say that every now and then you meet someone spectacular. And I can say that Rick was one such person. I first met Rick in 1979 at Helix High School. Since then we have lived in different countries but had remained close friends. To the entire Gadler family whose hospitality and warmth I experienced, my love and my heart goes out to you. Please know that you will always be welcome in my home whether I am in Australia, England or anywhere in the world. My friendship with Rick transcended geography as does my feeling towards the Gadler family. I loved Rick Gadler. A great guy, a wonderful human being and above all a great mate.
Connie Zimmerman
November 9, 2007
I knew Rick for a short time when we worked together at UBH. He was clearly one of those people that leaves a lasting impression, however. I remember Rick as super smart, very kind, and so very funny. He was truly a wonderful person to work with and know. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his friends and family.
Ruth Weisz
November 8, 2007
To the entire Gadler family,
I, too ,was part of the UBH family 6-8 years ago as an RN, and worked beside Rick on another team. It was my priveledge to know him- he was bright, available, creative, funny, giving, and the essence of everything you want in a human being.
I never understood his dried tea bag joke though as persistant as it was but reading Denise's entry helps.
He convinced me to take one of his gerbils and give it to my son. It was not our favorite pet and frequently bit him until we could finally give it away and get a chinchilla. Anyway it was fun to talk about rodents together.
His first place costumes are etched on everyone's mind
He was a remarkable man. his loss is a tragedy.
I hope his memory will be a blessing for so many of us.
Julie McPherson
November 8, 2007
I just learned of Rick's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. I worked with Rick at Halcyon and boy, did we have some fun times! He was such a caring soul with a WONDERFUL sence of humor! Rick, I miss you! You will always be in my heart!
Lisa Tilton ( Deane)
November 7, 2007
Nick and family I heard about Rick from Vickie so so sorry for your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Gadler family. Kind of took me down memory lane and brought a smile to my face thinking of you guys!! Take care and again my thoughts are with you all at this time.
Anita Barber
November 7, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We worked together at Halcyon in the late nineties. I was older than most of the staff, and Rick was always careful to include me in all the fun. My prayers will be with you as you heal.
Anita Barber
Dr. Donna L. Cook
November 7, 2007
I am so deeply saddened by the news I heard just moments ago. Rick was my co-worker (1997-1998)at Halcyon Crisis House, my first job after moving to San Diego. I have so many great memories of working with Rick. He was just an incredible human being. It would make me laugh just to hear him laugh. Rick was so much fun to work with. We had some awesome staff parties. Rick was the first one to introduce me to "fried turkey". Although we went our seperate ways, I never forgot him. I know he touched people every where he went. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Victoria Oxendine (Pagliuso)
November 7, 2007
Dear Gadler Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Rick. I have fond memories of you all from our grade school days at SMA. Rick was a character to say the least! It was very apparent at his service yesterday how much he was loved by all. I wasn't able to speak to each of you yesterday, but wanted to convey my sympathies. Mrs.Dewse, I so admire your faith, strength and grace. You raised your family well, the love and respect you all show one another is to be applauded.
Sincerely,
Denise Carter-O'Gorman
November 7, 2007
Judy and family,
Even though I have been away from UBH for 6 years that early group has stayed in touch. Rick was always a bright spot and his humor helped balance the conflict between being a therapist and working for UBH.
Two fond memories: in describing a Thanksgiving dinner I told him I was making 'harcort vertes" which for some reason was the funniest thing to him. For the 6 years I have been away his holiday cards are always signed 'harcort vertes'!!! And if it were possible I would attach a dried old tea bag to this, as Rick and I had a tradition of hiding our tea bags with the intent that the other would find it, dried and withered, sometime in the future. Somehow he got one in the stuff I moved to Cleveland. I'll have to figure out how to send one to him now.
My thoughts and cyber hugs to all of you.
Chris Giaquinta
November 7, 2007
To the entire Gadler family... I deeply express my sympathies in the loss of Rick. Growing up with his brother (Steve) I can remember so many fun times while hanging out at the Marian street house. Rick was so intelligent but always made me feel as if I were his equal. With a sense of humor that is legendary, my memories of Rick will always bring a smile to my face. I still laugh hysterically when I hear the cd he and his brothers produced... he will be deeply missed.
Kathleen Havilan
November 6, 2007
Nick -
I just found out about Rick today and wanted to let you know how sorry I am. Couldn't forget all the good times going through SMA together with you and all your family... I will keep you in my prayers.
Kathy Havilan
Johanna Workman Lee
November 6, 2007
I was so saddened to learn of Rick's passing. Rick brought so much joy to my days when I worked with him over 10 years ago at Halcyon. I still chuckle about some of the things he used to say and do and the characters he's played: Bubba, Sporty Spice, Lionheart, and God, let's not forget his Halloween costumes over the years. Rick, I will so miss you, and I'm sorry I didn't realize you'd only be here for such a short time.
Barbara Fowler
November 6, 2007
To the Gadlers although I never had the opportunity to meet Rick my brother Chris knew him well and went to school with Steve. I would call your house back in the day just to hear your answering machine messages. You will be missed by all. Steve my heartfelt love to you and your family at this difficult time. Love Always Barbara Fowler (Giaquinta)
Diego del Valle
November 6, 2007
I am so devastated at this moment. It's only been a few hours since I heard that my old friend passed away and I just feel so very sorry for myself and everyone else that loved this man. As Rick and I aged together I'd occasionally send off email to him complaining about life's woes. He always, always had an upbeat response to my miserable expressions and in his non didactic manner encouraged me to look at the lighter side of things (generally prefaced with "Dude, How the hell are you!" and always ending with "Love ya dude, drop me a note when you need me.") Rick was one of the few true gentlemen I have known and I am a better person for having met him. He laughed at every one of my god awful jokes, always with that unique "Gadler" guffaw. I'll never hear them again, none of us will. So I feel sorry for us all. Rick and I had a standing date that we never kept; we wanted to watch the Wizard of Oz together and spoof all of the characters (we were a couple of odd balls at UBH) while viewing it. I'm sorry it never came to be. But when I think of Rick, one line from the movie comes to mind and it's my favorite: "a heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others." Buddy you win. I love the hell out of you. We all do. And we miss you already.
Diego
Melody Fleetwood
November 6, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Rick. He was a delightful person with a great sense of humor. He was my supervisor when I first came to USBHPC and I sat across from him so I enjoyed his jokes as well as benefitted by his keen clinical sense!
Kathy and Peter Livingston
November 6, 2007
Dear J.Anne,
I was so very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I never met him, but heard your stories while working at Nordstrom.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with you.
Greg and Kristin Keast
November 6, 2007
Aloha Judy and family,
We will miss Rick with all our heart. He was such an incredible human being. Smart, honest, and down-to-earth. Who could ask for more in someone? He was one of the few people who could bring you to your knees in laughter. And one of the most caring and giving people on top of that. God blessed us to have him in our lives and for that we are grateful. It was truly an honor and privilege to know him.
Aloha,
Merrily Jones
November 5, 2007
As you know, Rick was a special person. I have many fond memories of him. He was a very honest, sensitive, caring person. I will always remember his smile, wit, and sense of humor. He touched many lives. I hope you will find peace in your memories of Rick.
john serrano
November 5, 2007
Rick and I went to grade school together at St. Martins. We were in Boy Scouts and enjoyed much of the same things as kids. I am deeply saddened. My family and I will never forget you!
John Serrano
Debbie Ahmed
November 5, 2007
Dear Gadler Family,
It was with much sorrow that I read of the passing of Rick. I enjoyed his company so much when he was training me at USBHPC. He was so witty and great to be around. He made those of us nervous in our first days so comfortable. I also was a proud recepient of the CD for Christmas. Wow! What fun and that is what I will remember about Rick. We all loved him! I for one am so happy to have had such an influence in my life! Thanks for all of the laughs, you will be missed but remembered with smiles and laughter. This is sad, but I would have been sadder to never have known him. Take care family Gadler.
Mark Fassler
November 5, 2007
Dear Gadler “Family”
It is with tremendous sadness that I heard about Rick.
Knowing your family and how dynamic, loving, caring and supporting you all are – that this is heartbreaking to so many.
My heart goes out to every one of you…
Please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers: for strength, for understanding, for healing and for peace.
All things grow with time – except sorrow.
Regards,
kristin allred
November 5, 2007
To the Gadler family, Rick worked with us at Alpine for many years, I was very sad to hear of his passing, please know that he was very special to us, as he was a very special person.
our prayers are with you
Chet Urata
November 5, 2007
To the entire Gadler family, I offer my sincerest condolences, share in your loss and pray for your strength.
Rick, I know where you are is a better place - namely because you are there, bringing your special warmth and humor. I also thank you for putting me back in touch with your wonderful family. Even now, you continue to do great things!
Lori Lambert
November 5, 2007
Dear Rick & Judy,
I remember the good old times at Nordstrom when when Rick worked for me and Judy, you worked in the cash room. You both are gentle spirits and dear to my heart. Who would know that years later Rick would train me at United Behavioral Health...I remember being so nervous on my first day and then I found out it was "Dr. Gadler" training me..and all anxiety exited my body in that moment.
Rick will be missed by many and Judy if you need anything I am here.
Art & Michele, Dallas, Dylan And Sean Marx
November 5, 2007
Dearest JAnne and Family,
Our sympathy goes out to all of You. Rick was a real-life Legend and friend to "My Three Sons". His CD will always be their favorite.
With Love.
barbara caruso
November 5, 2007
dear
judy and all the family, i recently read.. and just loved these
words.."don't cry because i am gone, smile because i was here"
hopefully the wonderful memories that make you smile as well as the
prayers and good thoughts of all who love you will fill your days with peace.
GOD bless.. and hugs,
barbara(from our nordy days)
Lauren Van Praag
November 5, 2007
I am so saddened to hear of your loss-Rick was my superviser at USBHPC. I have so many great memories of laughing with Rick- he was always fair and never placed himself above in any way. He truely made it fun to come to work-He so often shared wonderful stories about his family and I know that he will be deeply missed by all of you- my sincere condolences at this most difficult time-
Lizzie Clay
November 5, 2007
Rest in peace Dr. Rick. Thank you for teaching me at UBH.
Marlene Pfaffenberger
November 5, 2007
My deepest sympathy to your family, so shocked to hear that Rick is no longer with us. He trained me when I first was hired as a Care Advocate at United Behavioral Health in mission valley in 2003, I will always remember his great sense of humor and wonderful smile, and he also was someone who commented on my Harmony Kingdom boxes that I brought to work and put at my desk. He said he also had one that was given to him as a gift. He was someone I will always remember, a great and friendly person.
Pat Regan
November 5, 2007
Judy and Family,
Rick was my mentor and friend when I started at USBHPC. He had confidence in my abilities as an intern and encouraged me to do the best I could. He encouraged me in the quest for my license as a therapist. And yes, his quick wit and ready supply of jokes made this a fun place, especially at Halloween. I have his CD (with his brothers) and will keep it as I remember him fondly. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo...God's having all the fun now!!! ^j^
Bertha Brekka Cannizzaro
November 5, 2007
Dear Gadler Family. I am so very sorry to hear about Ricky. Growing up with him and you all on Marian street have really made great memories. What a bright, funny and wonderful person! Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jody Regan
November 5, 2007
To the family and friends of Rick Gadler:
Those of us who worked with Rick when he was a psychologist at USBHPC in Mission Valley are deeply saddened to hear of Rick's death. In addition to his professional contributions, Rick made us laugh, and always had the best Hallowe'en costumes. We send our condolences to all of you. Rick will be missed by those of us who knew him.
Joseph Travis
November 5, 2007
Gadler Family,
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to all of you during this time of great sadness. May God be with you always.
Travis Family
Michele Travis
November 5, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family in their time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
The Travis Family
Richard and Masako Manteufel
November 5, 2007
God be with you Rick
Robert and Karyn Masterson
November 4, 2007
Rick was a very compassionate and genuine person. His humor was legendary as was his heart. We will miss him and keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Clarina Cannizzaro Bradshaw
November 4, 2007
With tears of sadness for the loss of Ricky, there are also smiles for the neighborhood boy I knew on Marian Street...so bright...so full of fun and mischief. What an amazing family..I am so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Karen and Sam Cody
November 4, 2007
Dear Gadler Clan, our sympathy is with your family and we will miss his humor and wit. Jude and Rick have been friends of our for many years and he will be missed.
Candace Brown
November 4, 2007
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love to you,
Candace, Chris, Coleman & Gavin Brown
Maren Hughes
November 4, 2007
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
The Hughes Family
Peggy Hartman (Fowler)
November 4, 2007
I hadn't seen you since college, but I surely remember some of the crazy days from our childhood at St. Martin's. I will be keeping your family in my prayers.
Mr. & Mrs. John & Susan Hattendorf (Masterson)
November 4, 2007
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Stacey Overton (Masterson)
November 4, 2007
I am very truly sorry for your loss. Rick was like a brother to me when I was growing up. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. All my love and condolences - Stacey A Overton (Masterson)
Nina Mariotti
November 4, 2007
Judy ........Sometimes there are no perfect words, only thoughtful silences that whisper
softly of caring...................you and your family are in my heart and prayers
Truly, it is in the darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest to all of us..........you are in my prayers in this time of darkness
Nina Mariotti
November 4, 2007
Judy ........Sometimes there are no perfect words, only thoughtful silences that whisper
softly of caring...................you and your family are in my heart and prays
Truly, it is in the darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest to all of us..........you are in my prayers in this time of darkness
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