July 11, 1951 - September 21, 2022
Fresno, California - Gerald Wayne Cederquist was born on July 11, 1951 to Eldora and Marvin Cederquist in Fresno, California. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 21, 2022 while at harvest on his pistachio ranch in Madera, California.
Known to everyone as Wayne, he was educated at Fowler High School, Fresno State, and the University of California, Berkeley where he received a BA in Landscape Architecture in 1973.
Energetic and industrious, Wayne started a container plant nursery on his grandmother Iva Cederquist's farm. It grew to become CW Nursery Inc, a wholesale grower of landscape trees and shrubs in Madera. Wayne was surprised that he had returned to his farming roots. He began a new venture into pistachio farming which grew to become Cederquist Farms Inc, with various orchards in Madera County.
A lifelong Fresno resident, he loved to travel the world with Kathy, his wife of 45 years. He made countless trips to visit his children and grandchildren in the Bay Area. A passionate sailor, Wayne loved cruising his sailboat in the San Francisco Bay, both with friends and single-handedly. He chartered and captained catamarans in the warm Caribbean sun, always with friends and family --- lucky crew!
Wayne was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was that cheerful friend to all who crossed his path. He has left behind memories of his gentle humor, steadfast values, keen intelligence, insightful curiosity and unparalleled margaritas! His enthusiasm for life and generosity of spirit live on.
He is survived by his wife Kathleen Suda; son Robert Suda-Cederquist; son Keith Suda-Cederquist and his wife Sona Cederquist; daughter Karen Merino and her husband Ansel Merino; and grandchildren Evelyn Merino, Mason Merino, and William Cederquist.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 3 - 7 pm at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno. Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to a favorite charity are appreciated.
