Obituary of Richard Travis Hager

Rich Hager passed away on March 6, 2024, unexpectedly after a short illness. Rich was born on February 21, 1937, in Butte, Montana to Harley and Lillian Hager but spent his childhood in Missouri. In 1949 Rich, his parents and older brother Ron moved to Santa Cruz, California and Rich and Ron thought they had "died and gone to Heaven". Rich attended Mission Hill Junior High and graduated from Santa Cruz High School Class of 1955 where he was an outstanding athlete in football and baseball. He and Judy Caldwell, Class of 1956, became high school sweethearts. They were married for 66 years at the time of his passing. He attended Fresno State for two years but then joined the Army in lieu of being drafted. After completing his tour of duty in Germany he was honorably discharged and returned to college. In 1972 Rich and Judy and their young family moved from Santa Clara to Scotts Valley. After several years as a business owner of a small company he joined PG&E General Construction and retired from PG&E in 2005. Through his children Rich became actively involved in coaching the young athletes of Scotts Valley. For many years he coached football and baseball. For the past 20 'plus years he has been the Varsity Head Golf coach at Scotts Valley High School where he is in the SVHS Hall of Fame. He was working on this year's roster two days before he was hospitalized. "Coach" was much loved and respected by his teams, past and present, and will be greatly missed. Although coaching was his passion and his legacy, his family was his greatest love and pride. He is survived by his wife Judy, the love of his life and his four children, Stacey Lake (John), Todd Hager(Tara), Julie Robertson(Alex), Mark Hager(Rachel). His eight grandchildren, Christopher (Yvonne), Clark, Malakai, Skylor, Lukas and Sitara Hager, Mitchell (Katrina), and Kelly Lake. His five great-grandchildren Harley, Olivette, Pierce Hager, Joshua and Gemma Lake. His three nephews, Ron(Audrey), Troy, Kyle Hager and many extended family members and friends. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 18th at DeLaveaga Golf Course from 2 - 5PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Scotts Valley High School Falcons Club for the Varsity Golf Program. He will be greatly missed as he was greatly loved.