Jerry Cornelius

Jerry was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on October 1, 1944 to J.W. and Hazel Cornelius. He graduated from California State University Long Beach before serving three years in the U.S. Army, honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. While serving in the Army at Fort Carson, he met his life-long love, Louise, to whom he was married for 49 years.

His wife, Louise, preceded him in death, and he is survived by their children: son Shawn (Suzanne), daughters Dr. Tara Cornelius (Phil Reece) and Dawn Sanguinetti (Dean), 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren along with his sister Brenda Hovde.

Jerry dedicated more than 40 years to the State of California Board of Equalization under the alias of a “candy taste-tester”, but actually as an accountant. He served the City of Rocklin as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for seventeen years. His meticulous mind extended well beyond the office — he tracked the weather religiously, logged every mile driven, kept color-coded calendars, and always had a take on the latest political headlines. He coached his children's soccer teams, spent countless hours on the golf course and at the bowling lanes, embraced a healthy appreciation for naps, and could be counted on for both quick wit and a fair amount of handwringing.

Most of all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Louise and Jerry created a loving home where their children flourished and his grandchildren filled him with pride. His love of Game of Thrones was legendary, perhaps best illustrated by Drogon — his dragon-themed cane, carried with unmistakable pride. But it was as "GDawg" that Jerry truly shone, and he cherished every moment shared with his grandchildren. They were his greatest joy, and even in his final years, navigating heart failure with characteristic stubbornness and grace, he showed up — at their games, as a “jump rater” on pool days, on FaceTime, and in their text messages reminding them (with love and mild insistence) to vote in every election.

The family has scheduled a time for viewing at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd., Roseville, California on Monday, March 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

He will live with us forever and will be dearly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town Charity. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.dignitymemorial.com