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Loyola High School Santa Clara University

John Hedberg Obituary

Name: Service for John Hedberg
Start: 2015-06-13T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Santa Rosa Catholic Church

John Hedberg July 1940 - June 6, 2015 John Nolan Hedberg passed away on Saturday at his home in Cambria, Calif., surrounded by his loved ones. He faced many ailments in his final years, always with dignity and grace, and was ready to go with no regrets when the time came. John was born in Los Angeles the middle of five children. He attended Notre Dame grade school and graduated from Loyola High School, Class of 1958. After high school, he went to Santa Clara University where he was Class Secretary and Social Chair graduating with the Class of 1962. A big believer in education, John returned to Santa Clara University to earn his teaching credentials. He touched many lives as a teacher in the San Jose East Side Union High School District where he worked for thirty years. He began his tenure at Piedmont Hills before moving to Independence High School when it was opened in 1976. He taught English as well as Reading and Writing and chaired the department for many years. After retiring in 2001, he moved to Cambria, Calif. He loved the serenity of the Central Coast and walks along the ocean with his friends. He continued to teach part-time and never failed to ask "Where did you go to high school?" and "What is your G.P.A.?" when he met a young lady or gentleman. A sharp card player, his first rule was "Get on the board." One of his favorite games was Hearts and while some people might elect for the Ace of Hearts or the Queen of Spades, he preferred to hold the unassuming, but powerful, Three of Clubs. A card that reflected his humility and impact in life. John is survived by his loving sisters, Kathleen Conway and Marilyn Fiebelkorn of Cambria; brother, Tom and his wife Betsy of Los Angeles. Son, Jason and his wife Mikie of Montclair, N.J. and son, Justin and his wife Alisha of Burlingame, Calif. Niece, Kelly Conway of San Francisco; nephew, Paul Conway of Grover Beach, and nephew, Joe Hedberg of Los Angeles. He was a loving and generous grandparent to his six grandchildren: Margaret Mary, Lincoln John, Ike Patrick, Marit Kathleen, William John, and Nolan Walker who will dearly miss their "Poppa Daddy." In addition to family he was rich in friends and a proud member of the infamous "Posse." He was a member of the Do It Now Club, Buddy Club Treasurer, Donut Committee, and Friends of the Library. His generous and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him. The family extends immense thanks to his loving caregivers: Karen Gowdy, Susanne Garthoff, Mary Woeste, Thana Jara and Wilshire Hospice. Friends and family are invited to attend services at 11:00am on Saturday, June 13, at Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main St, Cambria, 93428. A reception in the Church Hall will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Friends of the Cambria Library, 1043 Main Street, Cambria 93428, or Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, P.O. Box 1664, Cambria 93428. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jun. 11, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hedberg

25 Entries

I was looking through my senior yearbook and remembered Mr Hedberg so decided to look him up. His last words of wisdom for me before moving on to col.

Karen V

October 28, 2017

Rebecca Smith

April 8, 2016

I googled my old English teacher Mr. Hedberg today, hoping for a chance to send him a thank you note. I had been reflecting on his kind and humble soul, and sadly discovered his obituary.

He taught my English class when I was at IHS in 1990-1991. He let us sit on the couch instead of in the desks, and listened. A lot. I did not know I might be a good writer, until Mr. Hedberg told me so, and encouraged me to pursue it. He read all of my silly teenage class diary entries, with all the attending drama and naiveté. But he did not judge, nor preach, or lecture me. Only gentle and humorous responses did he offer.

Thank you Mr. Hedberg, for making your classroom a safe place where God and religion were never mocked nor rejected, but welcomed as a part of our lives. I felt that he loved God, though he never directly said it. Thank you for your mentoring, compassionate spirit. I will remember you always with fondest appreciation. Your wife and family must miss you terribly. God bless them.

Rebecca Liddle Smith
IHS Class of 1991

Sonia Azevedo

August 3, 2015

I worked with John for 13 years at Independence High. I will treasure our time together and the love and humor he always showed me. He was a wonderful friend and mentor.

Tom Vance

July 11, 2015

My deepest sympathy for John's family on his passing. John was a 1st year Coach of the 1970 Piedmont Hills High School Frosh-Soph Soccer Team and lead us to the Championship of the MHAL-Mount Hamilton Athletic League. As a 1st year Coach, he was amazing and kept us on target and focused, not an easy task of know it all Freshmen and Sophomore's. John's classic sideline outburts of " Beeeuteeeful..." during the game will never be forgotten and often brought up on my small email group of PHHS friends in the year 2015. Rest in peace John!

Patrick Howard

June 21, 2015

I vividly recall John as a friend and Loyola High classmate. He always had a kind word for everyone. He will be missed.

Pat Howard LHS '58

Iggy Fedoroff

June 15, 2015

I enjoyed walking in Cambria with John and our insightful conversations. He was a wonderful man whom I will miss greatly.

June 14, 2015

John was one of the most thoughtful, kind and caring man. We so enjoyed being with him at our many Church potlucks and like they were saying at his memorial service, he would silently slip away to do work in the kitchen especially the dishwasher. When you would ask him how he was doing he would always reply "How are YOU doing?" What a wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
Irene & Roy Hammond - Cambria

Anita Harbor

June 14, 2015

Mr. Hedberg was my English teacher at Piedmont Hills High School in the early 1970s. His love of literature and language had a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally. I'm lucky and grateful to have been his student. My sincere condolences to his family.

Susan Kort (Andersen)

June 14, 2015

Mr. Hedberg was my English teacher at IHS for the Fall Semester of 1979. I was so disappointed when, for the second semester, he was moved to a special project that took him from my class. He challenged us to write and to read and to honor language. He was professorial, always in shirt and tie. I liked that about him. I felt like a student of higher learning in Mr. Hedberg's class. He was calm and gentle. Rest in peace kind gentleman. My condolences to all family and friends.

Peggy Rogers

June 13, 2015

I didn't know John well, but as a member of Holy Family and a friend of Betty St Jean and Mimi and Richard Bini, I always enjoyed this kind man. So sorry to hear of his health issues. May he rest in peace.

Cathy Giammona

June 12, 2015

John was a true professional, an exemplary teacher, and a loyal friend. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

June 12, 2015

I had many very good teachers at Piedmont Hills High School. I remember one math teacher who would flap his arms and yell Isn't the right? Isn't that right? with a terrifying ferocity. I remember a social studies teacher would always yell In your seats before I count to 3! as soon as the bell rang. And I remember Mr. Hedberg.

I remember one day, while the class was taking turns reading one of Truman Capote's short stories aloud, I looked up to see Mr. Hedberg wiping tears from his eyes.

I never read short stories before my freshman English class, but I do now, and I still think about Mr. Hedberg whenever I read The Thanksgiving Visitor or A Christmas Memory. I think I will re-read them in his memory.

My condolences to his family and friends.
Leslie Takagi
Piedmont Hills High School
Class of 1976

Bea Brown

June 11, 2015

I worked with John at IHS for many years. I knew from the beginning that he was someone special - such a gentleman - so smart, charming, witty - such a good friend. Miss you, John.

June 11, 2015

I worked with John at IHS and was fortunate to play a little bridge and join in lunches. His sons are so blesssed to have had John as their father. He was such a gentle soul and will be missed by all who knew him.

Linda Sheehan
San Jose & Cambria

Michelle Whitten

June 11, 2015

I will miss you. Thanks for being so sweet, until we meet again this is not goodbye, just see ya later!

Michelle Whitten

June 11, 2015

He was my dear friend and passenger. We had the best times and conversations on my bus . He was always bragging about his boys and how proud he was of them. His grandchildren was the sparkle in his eyes. I will miss him dearly and will cherish his memory forever !! May you RIP sweet man till we meet again! My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Trudy McCulloch

June 11, 2015

John was a colleague and friend for many years, both at PHHS and IHS. He was truly passionate about his work with students and believed that they all could succeed if he, and they, worked hard enough. His smile lit up a room and his sense of humor was contagious. We often played bridge together and you could always tell when he got a good hand - mercy, mercy! John you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Lesley Belair

June 10, 2015

I have very fond memories of John. He had a spirit about him that most folks do not. I know he taught his boys to follow their bliss! Lesley Belair

June 10, 2015

John will always represent our vibrant PHHS experience. His smile and good humor contributed to great memories of a faculty dedicated to excellence. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
John & Gail Passalacqua

June 10, 2015

Mercy, mercy, mercy! Tuesday was the 30 year anniversary of Jack's death. I am so glad John will be up in Heaven so they can play Pedro. John was a gentleman and a really good friend. I loved his Christmas letters in later years with the pictures that showed his love and pride in his family. God bless all of you. I am glad he is at peace. Love from a really sad friend, Joan Gallagher.

Martin Brandt

June 10, 2015

I was a colleague of John's at Independence High School, during the first several years of my career and the last of his. I remember him fondly for his kind and nurturing spirit--a great example to a young teacher that you could indeed make a career out of this very difficult job, and throughout the years maintain your patience, friendliness and humanity. Thank you, John. To your family I extend my deepest condolences.

June 10, 2015

DEAR KATHLEEN AND FAMILY
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MAN WHO GAVE SO MUCH OF HIMSELF.
JOHN LEAVES A LEGACY OF LOVE, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
I CANNOT BE WITH YOU SATURDAY, JOHN WILL BE IN MY
PRAYERS AT MASS.
WITH LOVE, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.

NANCY CONWAY DESMEDT

June 9, 2015

I was John's roommate during our junior year at Santa Clara. I can attest to John's superior intelligence only exceeded by his kindness, generosity and friendship. Over the years we stayed in touch via personal visits and e-mail. We enjoyed parrying with each other over current events.
John was a great man and a good friend. I will miss him. God Bless you John, I will see you in heaven.
Tom Barron

Kathy King

June 9, 2015

I am saddened to know of John's passing. I will always remember John for his wonderful spirit, humble nature and quick wit. He was a pleasure to be around and his smile would brighten my day. He will be missed by all. With loving memories...

Mikie Sherrill

June 9, 2015

I will miss watching John with his grandchildren. They all lit up when he led them on an Easter Basket or Christmas stocking hunt; when he engaged in serious discussions about leprechauns with Ike; when he would regale Maggie with stories about her "bestie" Kelly's childhood; and when he admired Lincoln John's name, lego creations, or latest artwork. They loved receiving "quiz biz" letters in the mail and are proud members of the Buddy Club or the Girls Rock Club. I know Maggie, Link and Ike will pass on fond memories to their sister, Marit, and their cousins Will and Nolan. We miss you, Poppa Daddy.

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