Chester Cash II

1941 - 2025

Born in September 1941 in Santa Maria, California, to Marjory Marshburn Cash and Chester Nathaniel Cash, Chet spent his early years in Monrovia with his mother and younger brothers while his father served in the Army during World War II. After the war, the family relocated to Santa Barbara before eventually returning to Monrovia. As a teenager, Chet cherished summers with his paternal grandparents in Santa Barbara, where he helped build classrooms at Laguna Blanca School and developed a passion for woodworking.

Chet graduated from Monrovia High School and attended Citrus College. During summers, he worked with the U.S. Forest Service on a hotshot crew fighting wildfires-a role that inspired his lifelong career in firefighting. He served primarily on the Angeles National Forest before transferring to the Los Padres National Forest in 1981, when he moved his family to Arroyo Grande. After 33 years of service, he retired in 1994 as Fire Management Officer.

In 1962, Chet married Judith Russell. They shared 52 years of marriage filled with adventure and devotion. Following retirement, they traveled across the country visiting friends and family. Chet later worked for a decade as Commercial Service Manager at Orchard Supply Hardware in Pismo Beach.

Chet was deeply involved in his community. He sang in the church choir, served as an elder at his church, was a member of the Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis Club, and played a key role in organizing the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival parade. He especially treasured time with his four grandchildren-Emily, Thomas, Catherine, and Faith-making pancakes on Saturdays and attending their many events.

He is also survived by his three brothers-Charles Cash, David Cash, and Donald Cash-and his two children, Christopher Cash and Pamela Cash Kaar.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 1 at Community Presbyterian Church, 990 Dolliver Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arroyo Grande Valley Kiwanis, PO Box 80, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421.