In Memory

Andrew Rankin "Andy" Caddes - Class Of 1964

Andrew Rankin Andy Caddes

Aug 14, 1946 - May 17, 2023


Filmmaker, writer, director, actor, teacher, volunteer

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, Andrew Rankin Caddes, beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully in Brea, California. He was 76 years old.

Andrew was born in Boston, MA on August 14, 1946 to Harry Rankin Caddes and Rachel Ober Bates. In 1959, after the subsequent births of his sisters — Elizabeth “Betsy,” Marilyn, and Beverly, the family moved to Claremont. He was a direct descendent of passengers of the Mayflower and graduated from Claremont High School with the class of 1964.

“Andrew was a brilliant filmmaker, writer, and director,” his family shared. He managed the Old Eagle Theatre in Sacramento, producing, directing, and acting in many theatrical productions. In the mid 1970s, he performed in plays at the Shakespeare Festival at the Claremont Colleges and there, met the woman he would someday marry. After reconnecting at Mensa years later, the two fell in love and on February 12, 1981, he and Lisa Nylin Reeve were married. In August of 1982, together they welcomed a daughter named Helen Elizabeth Caddes.

After studying film, he earned his bachelor’s degree at USC, a master’s in English from Cal Poly Pomona, a master’s in business from UCLA, and a master’s in education from Claremont Graduate University. He was a member of the Directors Guild of America and served his country in the United States Army as a corporal, doing extensive study in Japanese at the Presidio in Monterey, California.

He had a prolific and diverse career teaching algebra, drama, English, and ESL. Through his video production company, Dayspring Productions, he documented the joy of newlywed couples’ most special day with memories to treasure always. He had a show on a local public access network called “Up to Much Good,” about people doing good works in the community.

As a writer, his historical fiction novel “Fort Sumter” commanded his attention, with editing finally completed in the past year. He wrote plays and poems, acted as copy editor for published screenplays and novels, journaled frequently and had a wide-ranging collection of collectible books. His bookshelf included political, philosophical, and spiritual texts, and specialty books relating to the history of modern film, popular music, and the United States.

He enjoyed the extensive collection of vinyl records he collected since the 1960s, including musicals, comedy, and rock and roll, especially his favorite artist, Frank Zappa. An avid devotee of classical music and musical theater, he was a regular attendee at performances by the Claremont Chorale, plays by local theater troupes, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“As a part of the creative tapestry of his dynamic and vibrant life, Andrew directed and produced a music video for his daughter Helen’s song ‘Sustenance and Sleep,’” his family added.

While he lived with challenges related to Parkinson’s disease, he acted in local theater productions at Arise Academy in Pomona and led the Service Center for Independent Life as president of the board, always helping to do whatever he could to improve the lives of others. He was a photographer with an eye for detail and a passion for nature who took pride in sharing his pictures of beautiful flowers and local greenery. He enjoyed dancing and was an active member of a local Contra dance group. He would often film and participate in monthly square dances in Covina with the Funsters. He loved animals and often shared about the comedy set he performed in his youth at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

His daughter Helen describes her father as, “The most generous and brilliant soul with the most graceful spirit.”

He loved Jesus and was very active in the congregation at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, where he was able to engage in acts of service, bringing communion to those too ill to attend services in person, serving as usher and performing duties as videographer for broadcasts that aired weekly on local television.

“A patient, loving, and devoted father, brother, uncle, and community member, Andrew and his wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed by many,” his family said.

Mr. Caddes will be fondly remembered by his daughter, Helen Caddes of Los Angeles; sister Marilyn Pettit of Costa Mesa, and her son Thomas Cordova-Caddes and his wife Andrea, and their children Garrett and Serena of Claremont; sister Beverly Kottkamp and her husband Shawn of Claremont, and their children Rachel of North Hollywood, Elizabeth “Betsy” of San Mateo, California, and Bill of Los Angeles.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 830 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

Donations in Andrew Caddes’ name can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org to help to further his dream of seeing a world with a cure for Parkinson’s.



 
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08/06/23 01:41 PM #1    

Donald G. Pearson (1964)

Not only was Andy one of my very best friends Go in junior high and high school, we were distantly related through the famous Pilgrim John Alden. We kept in contact the past few years through Facebook. God bless you, Cuz!


08/08/23 06:28 AM #2    

Steven "Steve" Denning (1964)

I remember him fondly. What a life well lived. He is now in the arms of a loving Sacior. 
 


08/10/23 03:42 PM #3    

Thomas "Tom" Green (1964)

I am so sorry to learn of the death of Andy. He was a great person. I witnessed his acting skills when we were in DeMolays together in High School. We both went to USC and I attended some of the plays he was in. He was great. We kept in touch for many years through Christmas cards and letters. Then we lost track of each other 10-15 years ago. My loss  

 

 


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