March 20, 2012 marks a momentous historical Cadigan event
LIFE Richard Cadigan Celebrates 75 Years Well Spent
BIRTHDAY USA 75¢
03202012
1937
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Happy Birthday coerced
In honor of your 75 years, Linda has asked your friends and family to contribute to this special birthday “card.”
Happy Birthday Honey, Here’s going for 100! Love you lots, Linda
To understand the man,
Edward Jeremiah John Cadigan 29 Nov 1874 -14 Feb 1935
Charles Howard Cadigan 2 Dec 1905 - 5 Sep 1979
Christina Lindblom 3 June 1875 -1928
Raymond H. Williams 1876 - 27 Aug 1927
Elizabeth Williams 7 Sept 1905 - 24 Aug 1984
You need to know where he comes from‌
Alice May Harmon 5 May 1877 - 1963
Where he fits in this crazy Cadigan Clan Edward Cadigan lost his mother at 4 years old and his father at 10. He was taken in by his grandmother. Although he never went beyond grade school, at the age of 14, he was working in a publishing company of Brintano’s. He wrote stories and published a book for the use of travelers to Europe. About 1900, Ed began a gift and novelty wholesale business. He traveled with his display trunks to exhibits in all major cities and sometimes to Europe.
Edward Maurice Cadigan (1901 - 30 Dec 1977) m. Margaret Penrose Johnson
John Edward Cadigan (b. 21 Mar 1930 ) m. Haydee Ortiz Margaret Priscilla Cadigan (26 Dec 1925 - 1998) m. Kenneth Hines
Charles Howard Cadigan (2 Dec 1905 - 5 Sep 1979) m. 1927 Elizabeth Williams (7 Sept 1905 - 24 Aug 1984) m. Lucie Hopkins
Jeanne Cadigan (b. 11 Jul 1930) m. 1952 Kingston Berlew (b. 9 Apr 1930)
Judy Cadigan (b. 28 Nov 1933) m. 1955 Guy Gifford Stutzman (3 May 1931 - 9 May 1991) m. 1995 Roger Pace (1929 - 1997)
Edward Jeremiah John Cadigan (29 Nov 1874 -14 Feb 1935) m. 1900 Christina Lindblom (3 June 1875 -1928)
About 1920: Christina and Edward Cadigan with Robert, Charles, Ed and George
George Leslie Cadigan (4 Dec 1910 - Dec 2005) m. 1937 Charlotte Young (d. 15 Mar 1943) m. 1944 Janey Jones
Charles Richard Cadigan (b. 20 Mar 1937) m. 1960 Sally Blanchard m. 1981 Linda Renasco
Peter Cadigan (b. 12 May 1939) m. Debbie Dees David Cadigan (b. 13 May 1941) m. Vincent Montgomery Rufus Cadigan (b. 31 May 1946) m. Carolyn Schade Christine Cadigan (b. 23 May 1949) m. 1974 Ron Jones
Robert J. Cadigan (22 Jan 1912 - 27 Oct 1979) m. Rosemary Cowden (7 Dec 1918 - 7 Sep 1987)
Christina Lindblom was born and lived her first 10 years in Cordoba Argentina where her father worked on the railroad. The Lindblom family moved back to England about 1885 and soon after migrated to America and lived in Woodside, Long Island. Christina worked as a secretary for the Nicol’s Copper Co until her marriage to Ed Cadigan.
Kevin Robert Cadigan (b. 14 Jul 1938) m. 1965 Judith Cooper (b. 14 Sep 1938) Rosemary “Posey” Cadigan (b. 13 Mar 1943)
Christine Cadigan (b. 16 Nov 1917) m. Walker Givan
Christopher Givan (b. 1 April 1944) m. India Margaret Leslie Givan (b. 26 Oct 1947) m. 1970 Nickerson B. Miles Gail Givan (b. 3 Oct 1953) m. 1977 Robert John Thorburn
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And his legacy‌ Steven Carmelo Cadigan (b. 1973) m. Jennifer Levin Katie Krista Cadigan (b. 1978)
Ellesse Cadigan (b. 1998)
Richard Hines (b. 1946) Mark Hines (b. 1949) Kirk Hines (b. 1958) Derek Kingston Berlew (b. 30 Dec 1955) m. 1994 Jane Stockwood Sarah Berlew (b. 19 Feb 1958) Paul Gifford Stutzman (b. 24 Aug 1956) m. 1991 Heidi Bialakowsky (b. 17 Sep 1960)
Hannah Beth Stutzman (b. 14 Jun 1994) Hayley Nicole Stutzman (b. 15 Mar 1996)
Laurie Lucinda Stutzman (b. 15 Aug 1957) m. 1980 Regan Romei (b. 24 Jul 1957)
Landen Elizabeth Romei (b. 4 Jan 1986) Kaitlin Lee Romei (b. 20 Oct 1987) Matthew Gifford Romei (b. 6 Feb 1992)
Mark Charles Stutzman (b. 24 Jan 1959) m. 1985 Susan Levine (b. 12 Jan 1959)
Molly Beth Stutzman (b. 27 Sep 1991) Hope Katherine Stutzman (b. 22 May 1994)
Dawn Elizabeth Stutzman (b. 17 Sep 1960) m. 1996 div. 2001 Mustapha Abou Khalil
Daniel Nadeem Khalil (b. 21 Mar 2000)
Katie Cadigan (b. 10 Jul 1961) m. 1990 Mark Vickers (b. 10 Jan 1959) Stephen Daniel Cadigan (b. 20 Nov 1963) m. 1999 Barbara
Carson Daniel Cessna (b. 23 Sep 1986) Connor James Cadigan (b. 18 Dec 2003) Trevor Daniel Cadigan (b. 22 Jan 2007) Charles Spencer Cadigan (b. 22 Jan 2007)
Anne Elizabeth Cadigan (b. 1 Oct 1968) Charles John Cadigan (b. 3 Mar 1970) Katie Cadigan (b. Sept 1980) m. 2005 Derrick Parker Kelly Cadigan (b. July 1982) Jenny Cadigan (b. June 1984) Danny Cadigan (b. Aug 1987)
Jayden Parker (b. 2 Feb 2006) Kai Parker
Dad and Dick with Sambo
Matthew Cadigan (b. 5 Jul 1980) Maggie Jones (b. 15 Dec 1982) Sara Jones (b. 28 Jan 1985) Anne Barbara Cadigan (b. 16 Aug 1970) Rosemary Jean Cadigan (b. 16 Feb 1973) m. 2003 Mark Cornell
Joshua Miles (b. 4 May 1975) Christina Miles (b. 16 Nov 1981) John Thorburn (b. 1981) Kaye Thorburn (b. 1984)
About 1939: Beth and Charlie Cadigan with Richard, Judy, Barbara Drake, and Jeanne
Dick with Mom
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Richard “Dick” Cadigan
Where he’s been Where he went to school 1953 Deerfield Academy HS 1955 Wesleyan University BA, Phil of History 1959 Episcopal Divinity School MDiv, Social Ethics
Where he lived & Worked 1962 Webster Groves, MO Emmanuel Episcopal Church Assistant Rector 1965 Greytown, Natal, South Africa St James Anglican Church Rector 1966 Webster Groves MO Emmanuel Episcopal Church Associate Rector 1967 Westville, Natal, South Africa St Elizabeth’s Anglican Church Rector 1970 Danbury, CT Wooster School Head of School 1980 Dallas, TX Greenhill School Director of Development 1989 Dallas, TX Shelton School & Evaluation Center Interim Head of School 1990 Toledo, OH Maumee Valley Country day School Head of School 1994 Galveston, TX Trinity Episcopal School Head of School 2004 The Canterbury Episcopal School Head of School 6
But who is Dick?
A Brother…
Happy 75th Birthday Dick, A few thoughts “Little Dickie Cadigan” as my friends in Michigan used to call you, especially Dodo, for you to ponder. Your big adventure was when you were 5 or 6 years old and a great friend of Land Lindberg who lived a few blocks from us in Michigan. Land was at our house playing with you when you both disappeared!! Imagine the uproar as the kidnapped son of the Lindberghs had taken place a few years before. Police, firemen, friends and many people in Bloomfield Hills went out looking. Dodo and I rode our bikes all over her grandpa Booth’s estate nearby, a very woodsie area, calling for Dick and Land. After many hours, nearing dark, you popped your head up from an outside balcony of the large church next door and someone spied you there. Believe me, there was a celebration and great relief to find the two of you. You can be sure that many people did not forget that incident, especially his parents. You have always been very special to me and King. He was so happy you went to Wesleyan, became an Eclectic and a member of the Spooky Seven as he had been and you were an outstanding athlete – captain of soccer, baseball and basketball teams and a great tennis player and golfer (although King thinks he could likely beat you in golf now). We were also as pleased to have you as an usher in our wedding – what a fabulous wedding present – a set of everyday dishes which I desperately wanted – which you paid for with earnings working in the tobacco fields – and you were only 14 years old! One problem; you always had with King was when he came to visit me in Amherst before we were married and in college. Mother always gave him your room and you had to sleep on a cot in her room. You also drove me to the hospital when Derek was born. I was in Amherst and King was at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Mother was along also and I believe it was early in the morning – around 6 a.m. Of course, we have also had much fun together when you visited which required us to warn our neighbors several houses away of your loud and continuing laughter!!! Do you recall the hurricane in 1938 – of course not – a large tree fell on the house and over your crib in the bedroom. Fortunately you had been removed probably as a result of my insistence (just made this part up). Have a Great Birthday and Much Love! Jeanne and King
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“To the outside world we all grow old, but not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” To my little brother, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I can’t believe you’ve survived 3/4 of a century! As your older and wiser sister, I want to remind you of the secret of staying young: live honestly, laugh loudly, and lie about your age. You definitely have the laugh down as all your neighbors can attest to! And as Jack Benny always said, “Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” On this joyous occasion, let’s look back at what I had to endure having you as my little brother... I will never forget the pleasure you found in finding my high school date diary and sharing it with the entire town of Amherst. I also remember your constant interruptions while I was trying to have some intimate moments with my boyfriend!! Regardless of your pesky little brother antics, I’m thrilled to reflect upon your 75 years of life well spent. CONGRATULATIONS Dick, upon a successful marriage of 30 years, 4 incredible creative children, 4 beautiful grandchildren, good health, and a sister who’s mighty proud of you and wishes like hell she were there to help celebrate and raise a little “cheer” with you on your special day. Remember, with each year you live, your thinking grows stronger, and that’s why I wish you’ll live a lot longer! Judy
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1959
2009
Back Row: Bill Baumgartner, Jim Browning, Bob Chase, Bill Moody, Dave Clemens Middle Row: Bing Leverich, Dick Smith, Bob Gillette, Dick Wenner, John Briscoe, Ted Williams Front Row: Dick Cadigan, John Spurdle, Shive Shively, Robby Kirkland (Not in picture: Weg Thomas)
Back Row: Bill Baumgartner, Bob Chase, Bill Moody, Dave Clemens Middle Row: Bing Leverich, Bob Gillette, Dick Wenner, John Briscoe Front Row: Dick Cadigan, John Spurdle, Shive Shively, Weg Thomas
Say, Bo! Happy 75th Birthday! To paraphrase our former frat-boy president, “When we were young and foolish...” and we were foolish! But by the time of our 50th Wesleyan Reunion, we were just old and goofy! But not too old to forget that on the morning of my 40th birthday at the beach, I awoke to find a huge sheet you had spread out in the dunes bearing the message in large red-painted letters: “Happy 40th birthday, Tonts!” I can’t believe that was almost 35 years ago. Nevertheless, now that you (and shortly I) are 75, we must remember that: When times are good… And when times are bad…” Damn, can’t seem to remember how that goes! Anyway, though I can’t give you a sheet in the dunes (that doesn’t sound right!), this brings you best wishes for a super 75th and at least 25 more to come! From your old buddy and college roommate, Bing/Tonts and love from Luize
All the best C ads! Fraternally, Moods
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A Man of Unending Faith In the early 70s Dick was in South Africa and was my husband Colin’s parish priest. Colin was one of the 2 Wardens. The Wardens and Dick had management meetings at our house in the evenings. They were so noisy that I banished them to the furthest room so that they did not wake our small children. (Have you heard Colin and Dick laugh simultaneously?) Dick and Sally were at our house for dinner and a guest asked Dick what he did. Dick responded that he sold insurance and when asked for more information he said “fire insurance.” Dick was asked to say the grace and he obliged. Every time he hesitated we expected him to say Amen, but he continued, until Sally said “Dick get on with it.” All the best, Moira Ross
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I love your extrovert personality, joie de vivre and endless capacity to connect with people. I particularly enjoy your humour. I remember an occasion when you were Vicar of St. Elizabeth’s. My mother called you and this was your delightful hullo: “This is Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood speaking”!!! Quick as a flash my mother responded with: “and this is Maid Marian.” You both had a good laugh!! How many Vicars would be so daring? You are one of a kind Dick Cadigan! CONGRATULATIONS on your 75th. I was so pleased to see you in New Zealand, and I am very happy that we can stay connected via FACEBOOK and e-mail. Best wishes, Sue Braatvedt
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A Father… Dad – Wait a sec, if I’m writing something for your 75th birthday, that must mean I’m 50! You’d think that by fifty your oldest kid would have at least been done with school, but oh no… those seeds you planted wearing your everso-hip vestments in St. Louis, Greytown and Westville are suddenly sprouting. At Wooster, I loved it that you were the faculty member everyone loved – and loved so much that “imitate Mr. Cadigan’s-laugh” was a favorite student sport. And 30 years later, in one marathon day at Yale, my whole class fell so in love with you that they can’t wait for you to come back – especially to Chapel J. I wish I could celebrate with you on the momentous day, but will settle for second best with a belated New Haven toast. Happy Birthday! Love, The oldest, wisest and smartest of your offspring (who clearly inherited your modesty). Katie
Dear Dad, Happy Birthday! From your 4 Cadigan boys in Menlo Park and Barb we all send you huge hugs and wishes for another amazing year. Hard to believe the world has experienced you and you the world for 3/4 of a century. I know your best years are to come as my 3 sons get to learn from you on the Ping Pong table and basketball court in the years ahead. It has meant the world to me and them that you come and visit us regularly and I sure hope when life calms down that we can come visit you in Texas. Remember that our big summer is next year – 2013 – where we are going to take the boys on a tour of several ball parks across the country in a Winnebago and have an absolute blast. This is my dream vacation and can’t wait. Until then we look forward to your next visit. Lots of Love! Steve, Barb, Connor, Trevor and Spencer 12
“When I was fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” —Author unknown Dear Dad, First, I just want to say, I love you so much. Today we celebrate and honor you and your 75 years on the planet. I am grateful for all the gifts you continue to share with us – your big heart, your big laugh, your love of the holy, the sacred, of singing. And I share this with you – a deep love of the sacred, the life of spirit and of singing, all growing stronger over the years. When I sing now, I remember you singing loudly in chapel and in church, and your stories of singing in a barbershop quartet. This makes me happy. Know that you have touched all of us and we love you dearly. I want to share a blessing with you from a book I love that you gave me years ago, Anam Cara by John O’Donohue. Love, Anne
A Blessing for Old Age May the light of your soul mind you, May all of your worry and anxiousness about becoming old be transfigured, May you be given wisdom with the eye of your soul, to see this beautiful time of harvesting. May you have the commitment to harvest your life, to heal what has hurt you, to allow it to come closer to you and become one with you. May you have great dignity, may you have a sense of how free you are, and above all may you be given the wonderful gift of meeting the eternal light and beauty that is within you. May you be blessed, and may you find a wonderful love in yourself for yourself. — John O’Donohue
Dear Dad, Happy 75th Birthday! I just want to tell you that I love you a great deal and you’ve been a great support to me over the years. I especially love our summer trips together. You’ve been very generous with me and I truly appreciate that a lot. I am proud to call you my father and I wish you all the best. Much love, John 13
One of my best memories about Dick is listening to Paul Harvey on the way to school every morning. To this day, I associate Paul Harvey and the phrase “and now you know...the rest of the story” with Dick on our morning drive. I also have great memories of when he worked at Greenhill and had a refrigerator full of soda. Me and my friend Emily would go up and see him after school and have a Diet Dr. Pepper. He always had them stocked! Other great things Dick does: n Chop up all his food at the beginning of a meal and make it one dish. n Whistle or “deeew-dewdewdewdew...” Kerri
Dear Dick: and a Many happy returns of the day home, special thanks for sharing your ha heart (and often dinner table) wit the grateful friend of the family. All best from NYC. Karma Gardner-von Burg
I just love that Irishman!
I have many memories of Dick growing up… “In THIS house we put our dishes in the dishwasher,” he once said to my childhood friends to my dismay when they had dinner at our house. He always cut up the food on his plate and mashed it all together like a casserole He had a penchant for leaving glasses on the couch rather than on the coffee table which I have caught myself doing now. Most importantly he was there to teach me lessons as a child growing up, one of the most treasured gifts he bestowed on me is my love of exercise. When I was just 11 years old I went on a run with Dick, those runs became frequent and it was treasured time we spent together, it started me on a path of staying fit, feeling good about myself and feeling healthy. Though this may sound strange to some, my passion for working out staying healthy fit and grounded through exercise is all because of Dick and it is a gift I truly appreciate, it has gotten me through some hard times in my life. Love you Dick! Jennifer
One of many toasts!
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And Grandpa‌
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Travel Memories Some of the following places helped Dick put close to 200,000 miles on his 1998 Toyota Camry, and he is determined to push it to 250,000: Maine • New Hampshire • Vermont • Nantucket • Delaware • Norfolk • Sea Island • Hawaii • New Orleans • San Antonio • Santa Fe • Crested Butte • Ouray • Glacier National Park • Lake Tahoe • Yosemite • The Grand Tetons • San Diego • Marina del Ray • Palo Alto • Menlo Park • San Anselmo • Florida • Las Vegas • Cayman Islands • Sonoma • Washington, DC • Mackinac Island • Block Island International Memories: Mexico City • Puerto Vallarta • Singapore • Thailand • Indonesia • England • Switzerland • South Africa • Russia • Canadian Rockies • Vienna • New Zealand • Australia • Ireland • Cruising the Gulf of Mexico • Cancun
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An Adventurer…
Relatively Speaking… A long time ago, many decades in fact, at a large Cadigan gathering, my father George Cadigan told a little story about you. I don’t recall all the details but here is the stuff that matters. Dad said that one weekend in the recent past when you were in college, you stayed at our house in the guest room. I think you were part of a traveling basketball team at the time and had a free weekend to be with us while on the road. When morning arrived, you got up and went down for some breakfast Mom had made for you. While you were eating, Dad happened to walk by the guest room where he noticed that there was a book lying on your bedside table. Being the nosey man that he was, he walked in and checked it out. It was...the New Testament. That was a WOW moment for Dad! That you were reading the NT touched my father so much that he had to plop himself down on your bed and collect himself. Being a Cadigan, he was of course moved to emotions quite rapidly so I’m sure that his eyes got “moistened” although I don’t remember him revealing that detail in the story.
To Uncle Dick: Happy 75th! We haven’t seen you for a long time and heard you had gotten in shape and had become more feisty in this election year. So we googled you and found your picture on the web. Your looking great! Enjoy your 75th! Paul, Heidi, Hannah & Hayley Stutzman
As Dad was telling all this, I started thinking things over. Keep in mind that I was about 13 years old at the time. Also keep in mind that I had always looked up to you, Cousin Dick because in my eyes you were...“God.” And now here I see my own Dad talking about how immensely “great” you are because you have this particular book by your bedside. So right then and there I decided at this Cadigan reunion that when I got home I would find a New Testament in our family library and I would put it by my bedside table...and wait. Well, either Dad never noticed the NT on my bedside table or he noticed it and then forgot about it because he never said a damn thing to me about it ever. Ah well. The happy part of this story is that I can now share this tale with you. Perhaps you already know how much Dad loved you because you were his brother’s son and because, well, you’re you. But now you know it again and it never hurts, does it, to hear this kind of thing. One memory more about the reunion gathering. When Dad reached the climax line of the story about you having the NT by your bedside, you, Cousin Dick did what every Cadigan man does when stories about ourselves are passed around. You got real red in the face, you wept copiously and then you left the room! Why is nobody surprised? Happy Birthday, Cousin Dick! Know that you still impress the hell out of me! The fact that you’re still a progressive liberal SOB at age 75 is yah-woo wonderful! Keep it going, My Man! Much Love from Cousin Rufus
To Uncle Dick: My earliest memory of you is of you and Dad laughing on the back porch at our house in Huntington. You were so loud together that the neighbors called the police. I remember your view about laughing and humor is “Laughter is always the best medicine... unless you have diarrhea.” Happy 75th! Mark, Sue, Molly & Hope Stutzman 17
To Uncle Dick, Hearty ‘laughter’, Master toaster, Story teller, World traveler, Thoughtful ‘sermoner’, Liberal do-gooder, Seventy-five year celebrator!
Top Row: Rufus Cadigan, Kit Givan, Posie Cadigan, David Cadigan, Peter Cadigan, Kevin Cadigan, Dick Cadigan, Judy Pace, Jeanne Berlew, John Cadigan Sitting: Chris Cadigan, Maggie Givan, Christine Givan, George Cadigan
Wish we could be there to add to the toasting & roasting on your very special day. Cheers to being 75 years young! Love, Laurie & Regan & Landen & Kaitlin & Matt Romei
The Cadigan Man Club
Happy Birthday Uncle Dick! I have many fun memories of summer days at the Watergate on the shores of Delaware with my Cadigan cousins. I suppose after over 40 years, I can finally confess to short-sheeting your bed, and hiding your underwear with Katie. Here’s to 75 years, and many, many more to come! Lot’s of love, Dawn & Danny I had great fun putting
this book together for you! 18
Kai, Katie, Jayden, Jenny, Daniel, Kelly, Cole
A Friend…
“Every person is a new door to a different world.”
From the beginning of my Wesleyan tenure Dick was a source of wisdom, support and, invariably, fun. But Wesleyan’s appreciation goes back even further. In his senior year I was a freshman at Wesleyan and he led a Cardinal basketball team that electrified the campus that winter. Basketball games that season were a mix of frenzy, skill and pride. I can still see Dick darting, passing, stealing and scoring, and I am grateful he lent that same energy to my early days back at Wesleyan. And his laugh! A remarkable laugh! It prompts a smile just thinking about it. Truly, one of God’s gifts! Happy birthday, good friend; you give 75 years a good name! Fondly, John Driscoll’ 62
Dear Dick, On this special birthday, I want to thank you for two generous gifts you’ve made to me this past year. First, a visit you and Linda made to my remote little house in the White Mountains of NH. It was absolutely “beyond beyond” as my grandmother used to say to know that you wanted to see me here. And second, your faithful mailing of news from Dallas – certainly not always pretty, but important to follow that trail with you. I send love and all good health and happiness to you for this day, this year, and many more ahead Fondly, Nancy Stearns
Sharon Barnett says: “Who could forget Dick’s face when, at a faculty party, one unnamed young teacher got soused and flirted outrageously with the Headmaster. It was one of the few times he was at a loss for words. Every time I think about that, I still get a laugh. Another good memory is his ability to Remember “1-2-3-4, glue your bottoms to the floor” and react accordingly in the classroom, and his first time in the pre-K classroom when he learned that when those kids hug you, they hit you right in the groin.” Happy birthday to you, Dick!!!!!!
Russell Barnett says: “I am not aware of anyone else who can blow the windows out with his laugh. No one else, of ecclesiastical bent, has a more highly developed sense of humor, which may say something about his seminary training or it is simply a survival tactic of Headmasters. May Dick continue to entertain the rest of us for another 75 years.” Happy Birthday!!
It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other so I’ll have to rely on memories of our boyhood adventures in Michigan. These include backyard baseball... you were better... throwing snowballs at passing cars on Lone Pine Road... you were more accurate... riding the elevator in the Rectory... Brookside School, Hilltop Camp, Camp Dudley, 1955. Thanksgiving time in Amherst... and many other pranks and fun as we grew up! Happy 75th! Walt Taylor
A happy birthday message to Dick Cadigan from Jim and Joanie Hammer: Two words ...
Vino Duva! Happy 75th Dick! Cheers, Rick Gillham
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Happy Birthday to my good friend Yes, the years roll by again and again Count each one a blessing as they come And don’t forget You still have work to get done. So today relax, have fun, and party a bunch And I’ll see you soon at our Yearly Lunch! Blessings, Wilton Banks
Dick, You have gotten to be some old son of a bitch – but I will soon be in the same shoes. Let’s hope that age brings out the best in our vintage. Happy Birthday, Tim & Sandy Day
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Dear Dick: Hope you have a great birthday and don’t worry about this being a tombstone in your life, oops I mean milestone, as I survived a similar event very well. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you joining my organization. From the very beginning I sensed you were dedicated to our mission, desirous to please, went the extra mile, was always on time, never complained, never threatened job action, never complained about the rate of pay, and while doing the job engaged in stimulating conversation that went from the mum drum to deep religious subjects which completely captured my attention. In recognition of your outstanding work you have been promoted from a P-1 to Vice President. I know that this promotion, coinciding with your birthday, will compound the joy you will be having. This outstanding rise in our organization is almost unprecedented and exceeded only by myself who started at the top as Owner, President, COO, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. Your pay will be appropriately adjusted. I look forward to many more years of having you in my organization. Sincerely yours, Hal P.S. Please remember our organization does not consider a birthday as a holiday.
I have two favorite Dick Cadigan stories: one that he shared that I didn’t witness, and one for which I was there. The first is when Dick was the head of school in Galveston. Dick’s laugh of course is legendary, and I’ve always loved the story about when Dick was walking around campus giving his laugh, and then in the background he could hear, some distance away, groups of his elementary school students imitating his laugh. The other story is when we were looking for a Christmas present for Dick in London, and we were very excited to find a place that would paint the Cadogan family seal, which we thought Dick would appreciate a great deal. Upon arriving in Dublin and meeting up with him and Linda for Christmas, within the first 10 minutes Dick was telling a story about how one of his kids had gone to “one of those shit-shops” to get a Cadogan family seal painted. Of course when we gave Dick the Cadogan family seal we had ordered he was still appreciative of the gift he had previously demeaned, because that’s how great Dick is, but what I got out of this experience was one of my favorite Dick Cadiganisms, which can only be said in the staccato way Dick originally said it: “shit-shops.” Jonathan Shulman
“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." A 75 year old man just recently picked out a new primary care physician (or PCP). After a few visits, and many tests, the doctor insists he is doing “pretty well” for his age. This is a bit disconcerting for the man. The man asks, “Do you think I’ll live to be 80?” The doctor answers with a question, “Do you smoke or drink?” “No, not at all, no smoking, drinking, or drugs!” Replies the man. The doctor says, “Well, do you eat rib-eye steaks or baby back ribs?” “No, no, I’ve been told red meat is very unhealthy!” The doctor proceeds, “Do you spend a lot of time in the sun like golfing, riding on motorcycles, or hiking?” “No, I don’t do those things.” The man replies. The doctor starts to sound agitated and asks, “Do you gamble, or drive fast cars, or even have sex?” The old man replies, “Oh no, I don’t do any of those things!” Exasperated, the doctor finally responds, “Well then, why do you care?” The older I get, the better I was. A closed mouth gathers no feet.
To Dick on the occasion of your 75th birthday: Never Give Up! It has been an honor and a privilege to co-teach with you at LIFT. Your wit and wisdom is always appreciated by me and all of the adult students you have helped. May you have many, many more! Karen Guida
Happy Birthday Dick. I sure do miss the hearty laugh! Jeff Hebert
He who laughs...lasts. —Erma Bombeck Sheri Mathis
Dear Dick, It hardly seems possible that almost 25 years have passed since you and I drove from Lakeville to Westport for my first Grant/Lee outing, but calendars don’t lie darn it and 2012 from 1987 makes it 25. It seems we both have reached the three-quarter century mark, and that in itself is a milestone with celebrating, for many of my good friends in life never made it this far. Wishing you well on your 75th birthday. I will be certain to drink a toast to you on March 20th as you observe your natal day. Warmest personal regards, Rusty
Happy Birthday Dick! Still value our Wednesday lunches. Don Sparks
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Happy Birthday Dick, Who could forget that hearty laugh and those twinkling eyes? Do something fun and frivolous today. Hats off to you, good friend! Carol Cheney
For Dear Old Dick: A warm greeting from a friend of more than half of your long, long life and a prayer that you’ll be lifting spirits with the country’s best (and loudest) laugh for very many more years to come. With love from Linda & me, Hays
I will always remember that we share the same birthday! You are one of my most favorite people! I will never forget you! I wish you the happiest of birthdays and many many more! I am still teaching at Trinity. Year 32 coming up! HELP! Please keep in touch and keep your fun lovin’ spirit! Sue Langston Trinity Episcopal School
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Dear Dick, Every spring, I take a trip to the local sports store to try out the new baseball gloves, just to see the improvements in design. And when I do, I think back to our fun-filled Wesleyan baseball and soccer days. I especially remember our celebration at the end of a soccer season when we found ourselves stretched out on the lawn in front of Eclectic where we serenaded all the lovely guests visiting for the weekend. I recently received a note for my 75th birthday that stated that I was now entering “the fourth quarter.” I interpret that to mean that how I play the final quarter will be a reflection of how I played the first three. I have no doubt that your fourth will be played with the same values and perspective on life that you have always lived by, with courage, joy and hope. So, I toast you with a “L’chaim.” My wish for you is for many more sunrises and the calls of morning birds. Stay well. Much love, Bob and Marsha (Gillette)
A Brief Reminiscence of Dick Cadigan I first met Dick when our family was moving our son to the Canterbury Episcopal School. It was definitely the right move. We learned that upon becoming the Head of School Dick shifted the emphasis toward greater emphasis on athletics, without diminishing the primary academic focus. For our son, this balance was precisely what he needed; he thrived, and has since gone on to college at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. Only later did I learn that Dick had spent early years in Amherst; since then we have had the “Amerst connection.” While my life’s breadth of experience does not compare to his, I have discovered that we have many mutual interests – Michigan football, politics, ethics, philosophy, morality, baseball – which provide fruitful bases for ongoing discussions, via internet when not in person. Recently we have shared with a couple of other guys season tickets to the Texas Rangers, which has been great fun. Finally, in the midst of the current heated national political wars, Dick and I commiserate about the failure of so many to see the “truth” – i.e., they don’t see things the way WE do! Dick and I do not agree on everything, but we agree on much. I congratulate him on his milestone birthday, wish him many more, and assure him that for me our friendship has been a rewarding one, stimulating both intellectually and emotionally, and one I will continue to treasure. Malcolm Burdick, Ph.D.
My Dear Friend Dick, You will never fully understand the breath of fresh air you brought into my life in Corpus Christi when you and Linda landed in the high-rise “protecting” our playground. I was quickly exhausting my reserves for running a school of 320 munchkins in South Texas – with every decision landing on the head’s plate. Having our lunches each month helped sustain my resolve and recharge my batteries. In a whole different way your ability to embrace our challenges after living a remarkably full career in education – and now once again “living large’ after retirement(s) is inspirational. Thank you Dick, and may your 75th bring blessings, refreshment and great joy. Palmer Bell Riverside Presbyterian Day School
Dick was a huge influence on both of our sons during their years at Trinity Episcopal School in Galveston when they were at a most impressionable age. Dick, we thank you for all you did and said to help mold them into the outstanding young men, husbands, and fathers they are today. You were a great role model!! In addition, you were also a wonderful addition to the clergy of Trinity Episcopal Church and we cherish our years there together with you and Linda as our friends.” Bill and Lynn Johnston
Dick, You’re the most loved, respected and honored volunteer literacy teacher at LIFT (Literacy Instruction for Texas). Your students love you (and they especially love the large print dictionaries that you give them for Christmas every year). However, the gift of reading is the greatest gift of all! The time, expertise and energy that you devote to teaching people to read will circle back to you in the form of joyful experiences that you never thought possible. Thank you a million times over. Happy Birthday and Happy Life, Your LIFT Family – students, teachers & staff Lisa Hembry
Dear Cads, I could not resist the opportunity to comment on your most recent accomplishment – graduating into oldolescence (word not in Webster’s or Dorland’s) and making it through three quarters of a century! However the fountain of youth continues to be elusive. I continue to throw a baseball as hard as I ever did – it just doesn’t go as fast! That was then and this is now. Carol and I had a great foundation for which I am eternally grateful to friends like you. One instance stands out in particular. May God be with you. Happy birthday and many more. Hope you find all that you are looking for. Love, Shive and Carol
C. Richard Cadigan Our best recollections of a wonderful friend: Wesleyan Classmate and friend, Class of ’59. Our “Minister,” Assistant Rector, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, St. Louis, Missouri. Sunday night Martinis, our house, as a Sabbatical for Dick, following a busy Church week. Lively conversations with Dick’s Father during his visits to St. Louis. Dick’s presence in the labor room as Clergy, birthing coach and entertainer immediately preceding the birth of our son, John. Baptizer and Godfather of son, John (now 45). The Cadigan departure from St. Louis for a one-year Clergy exchange to South Africa. The brief Cadigan return to St. Louis, followed by an extended stay in South Africa. (SA’s visa refusal abruptly ended Dick’s Ministry there. Not sure whether it was his voice or his laughter.) Always enjoy the opportunities we have to renew our friendship and experience his contagious laughter and stories. Happy birthday, wonderful friend. Hope to see you soon. Sally and Ned Lemkemeier
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Peace Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.