Roger H. Spaulding

ROGER HARDEN SPAULDING

1936-2014

ROGER HARDEN SPAULDING was born the eldest and only son of Wesley and Marian Spaulding on July 15, 1936 at Queen of Angels Hospital, Los Angeles, California.

He was a proud member of the founding class of Arcadia High School, 1955. He attended UC Berkeley, where he majored in Political Science and, while his youthful goal was to become a teacher, he decided to study law. He also served in the United States Naval Reserve (inactive duty) from 1954 to 1963.

Upon his graduation from Boalt Hall School of Law (UC Berkeley) in 1963 and after passing the State Bar in 1964, Roger joined the office of the Merced County District Attorney. In 1968, he began as a Trial Attorney in the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office, where he rose to the rank of Chief Deputy. He went into private practice for a short time, as well.

Roger relocated to San Diego in 1985, where he served in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office until March, 2002. His colleagues remember him as a bright and capable lawyer and a consummate professional with a wry sense of humor. He was a long-time member of the California Public Defender’s Association. In 2014, Roger received his Certificate of Recognition from the Supreme Court of California and the State Bar of California for fifty years of service as a member of the State Bar.

In addition to his years of service to his profession, Roger was deeply dedicated to his church and his community. He served on a number of committees for Mater Dei Catholic Parish, which included work on the Capital Campaign as well as taking on the role of Church Historian. In addition, Roger served on the Board of Directors of his Homeowners Association and as Treasurer for the Homeless Court Alliance of San Diego County.

Roger passed away on October 6, 2014 at his home in Chula Vista, CA, leaving a host of family and friends to cherish his memory. These include his beloved wife of twenty-five years, Norma Ignacio Spaulding; his children by his former wife, Jacqueline Roh: David (Gladys) Spaulding, Carol (Timothy) Spaulding-Kruse, Allen (Usha) Spaulding, and Marcy (Andrew) Spaulding-Kercher; his sisters Sandra Spaulding and Elaine (Art) Aron; five grandchildren (Jonah Kruse, Winton Chou Spaulding, Karuna Spaulding, Janaki Spaulding, and Matthew Kercher); several nieces and nephews; and the devoted pet who never left his side, Cheska.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.