Elbridge "Gerry" Paddock

Obituary Elbridge Gerry Paddock III (1943-2018). Gerry passed away due to complications from a stroke four years prior. He was at home, with his family and had his truck parked right outside. Gerry was born in Oakland, CA to his parents Elbridge Gerry Paddock II and Leone Wilma Paddock (Batt). Gerry and his sister, Julie Levitt (Paddock), moved with their mother from Oakland to Carmel Valley in 1949. Growing up he spent summers in King City working on a cattle ranch. The family traveled to Mexico frequently and Gerry attended high school in Oakland, Guadalajara, and Carmel. He set down roots in Carmel Valley, learning from one of his mentors, John Simpson, how to run heavy equipment. He financed his first bulldozer after driving down the face of a Big Sur landslide. He went on to establish Carmel Valley Construction, a general engineering contracting company and helped create many local developments, golf courses and projects on countless private residences. He was known to be a fair and skilled business man who often went the extra mile to make sure the job was done correctly. He employed many operators who remember him fondly as a mentor. Gerry also volunteered for the Carmel Valley Fire Department for 25 years. He parlayed his fire and dozer experience to cut fire lines for major forest fires throughout the state. His fire radios were the soundtrack in his home and trucks. In the early 1980’s, Gerry began caretaking for the Fish Ranch and established his beef cattle business. He was known for his land stewardship and grazed cattle in locations throughout Carmel Valley and Big Sur. His cattle became a fixture on the side of Carmel Valley Road at the September Ranch which he leased for decades. He had a love for his horses and for the western way of life. When he wasn’t working, he could be found at the local watering holes enjoying a glass or four of Chardonnay. While mostly soft-spoken, he enjoyed dancing with lovely ladies and the ladies generally loved him too. He was a well-known figure in the Carmel Valley community, often spotted in his red truck, or having breakfast at a local cafe. Gerry was generally a quiet and stoic observer, but had a wry sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his three children, Emily (& Luke Gardner), Teresa West (& Johnny Crisp), and Gary (& Kelly Paddock), four grandchildren Chelsea, Lacey, Lachlan and Edith, one great granddaughter, Maddison, brother-in-law, Mort Levitt, and niece Paige (& Thomas Burks). Gerry is also survived by his former spouses, Leslie Ormbsy, Marjorie Saint D'Agneaux and Sallie Walker. His sister Julie and grandson David preceded him in death. There will be a party to celebrate his life on August 25th 2:00-7:00 pm at 910 W Carmel Valley Road. Please direct any questions to Emily [email protected]. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elbridge "Gerry" Paddock, please visit our floral store.