In Memoriam

George P. Ridout

Obituary

George Ridout, former San Rafael educator, dies

Marin Independent Journal

Feb. 18, 2023

George Pettingell Ridout, a former San Rafael school district administrator known for his commitment to youth education and religious faith, has died. He was 80.

Mr. Ridout, who lived in Novato CA, died on Jan. 27 from Parkinson’s disease, said his wife of 57 years, Nancy.

“He was non-judgmental, he was kind, he was loving, and he was strong both mentally, emotionally, and physically,” she said. “He was a very positive person.”

Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Mr. Ridout studied at Yale University, Union Theological Seminary, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of San Francisco.

Mr. Ridout worked for more than three decades at San Rafael City Schools, retiring in 2008, his wife said. He was first hired in 1972 to teach woodshop at Madrone High School after initially seeking a custodial job.

“He worked his way up at Madrone until he became the Principal,” Nancy Ridout said.

Mr. Ridout later worked as a Vice Principal at San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School. He returned to Madrone High School as Principal until his retirement, his wife said.

“It wasn’t a regular teaching job,” said his son, Joe Ridout of San Rafael. “He liked working with kids who really needed a second chance. He used to be happy about extending a second chance to them, giving them chances they might have missed out on in their lives.”

Mr. Ridout was remembered among those in the education community for his cooperative spirit and bright personality.

Natu Tuatagaloa, a San Rafael High School graduate who served on the San Rafael Board of Education for two decades, said he knew Mr. Ridout beginning in his high-school years. He recalled his love for sports and mentoring.

“Whenever there was an issue, he was definitely present,” Tuatagaloa said. “He always had a beautiful smile and always brought some great energy to the room every time he walked in.”

“He saw me in different capacities in terms of my involvement in the schools,” Tuatagaloa said. “Whenever I talked with George he always came with a super positive attitude. He was solution-oriented, no matter what the challenges were.”

Gina Daly, president of the school district board, dedicated Monday’s board meeting to Mr. Ridout.

“He was in our school district, started as a teacher,” she said. “I’ve heard his name forever.”

Cynthia Cochran-Carney, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, described Mr. Ridout as one of the most “caring leaders in our church.”

“His love of music and worship and biblical study informed and helped shape the congregation in meaningful ways,” she said. “I’m growing in my appreciation of him. He helped so many people, including people in the church.”

Cochran-Carney said Mr. Ridout was the co-chair of a major sanctuary redesign and remodel in the church about ten years ago.

“George was the right person to help make that vision a reality. It has served the congregation so well to have this beautiful space,” she said.

Mr. Ridout was known as an accomplished runner, having finished 26 marathons. He was also known as an avid backpacker, craftsman, and birder.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; his sons Joe and Josh; his daughter-in-law Margot; his twin brother Ted and sister-in-law Chris; his sister Emily; and three granddaughters.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm on February 26 at the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael at 1510 Fifth Avenue.