Remembering Robert Paul Rader: A Life of Resilience and Service

Robert Paul Rader, a beloved figure in the Santa Cruz community, passed away in 2025 at the age of 90. Born in 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to Benjamin Rader and Catherine (Kay) Lambertz, he was the eldest of three siblings. Rader’s family moved to California in 1947, where he spent his formative years embracing the vibrant life of Santa Cruz.

Rader’s journey was significantly shaped by his family’s history with Alzheimer’s disease. He inherited the gene from his mother, who also struggled with the condition, as did his grandmothers. Tragically, both his siblings succumbed to the same illness. When asked about his diagnosis, Rader expressed a poignant acceptance, stating, “Yes, but what can I do about it?”

Career and Community Contributions

After moving to California, Rader attended Branciforte school and graduated from Santa Cruz High in 1953. He furthered his education at San Jose City College and San Jose State University. However, midway through his senior year, he began working to support his family. In 1961, he became a partner with his father in Rader’s Jewelry and Loan, the only pawn shop in Santa Cruz at the time. He dedicated 37 years to the business, amassing extensive knowledge about jewelry, musical instruments, and more, which proved invaluable in community events.

Beyond his business acumen, Rader was deeply involved in local organizations. He was a life member of the Santa Cruz Elks Club, where he played a vital role in running Bingo games and summer barbecues. Rader also held the position of District Governor of the California Jaycees and contributed to the Santa Cruz Lions Club. His commitment to community service extended to the SIRs organization until Alzheimer’s limited his participation.

Family Life and Legacy

Rader’s personal life was equally rich. He was previously married to Rilma and had a daughter, Rachelle Hall, who resides in Australia with her son, Chaytan. In August 1971, he married Nancy Gould, with whom he shared two children, Robyn Bariteau and Scott Rader. His grandchildren from Robyn, Barry Bariteau, are Eli, Ryan, Paige, and Lauren Bariteau, while Grace and Gavin Rader are from Scott and his wife, Shelly Pinkham Rader.

Traveling the world with Nancy and enjoying their shared passion for skiing, Rader also had a love for tennis and music. He was a cherished babysitter for his grandchildren and took pride in attending their games, compensating for the many he missed while working six days a week.

In his later years, Rader resided at Westwind Memory Care in Santa Cruz, where he received excellent care. He participated in research studies related to Alzheimer’s, donating his brain for scientific investigation after his passing.

Rader’s family encourages donations in his memory to the Scholarship Fund Sigma Alpha Omega Nu of Santa Cruz or the Alzheimer’s Association. His life exemplified resilience and commitment to family, community, and service, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.