John Casken Obituary

JOHN CASKEN 84, of Kailua, Hawaii, passed away October 27, 2024, due to complications from cancer. Born in Thetford, England, John obtained his bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from the University of Swansea, Wales. He taught in London and Saudi Arabia before earning a master's in political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he also served as crew coach for the UCSB Rowing Club and met his wife, Sarah. After completing the nursing program at Santa Barbara City College, the couple moved to Hawaii, where John graduated from the University of Hawaii with his master's in public health. 1n 1980, John accepted a job at the Indian Health Service Hospital on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Returning to Hawaii in 1985, John joined the UH School of Public Health faculty. In 1994, he was awarded his doctorate in political science. At the time of his passing, John was department chair and associate specialist at the UH School of Nursing. In his thirty-nine years at UH, he served on the Council on Study Abroad, the Manoa Faculty Senate, the UH Professional Assembly, as well as the non-profit Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (H3RC). In 2000, he was awarded the Board of Regents' Medal for Excellence in Teaching. John and his wife raised five children and opened their home and hearts to foster children, foreign exchange students, and many others from near and far. John will be remembered for his hospitality, his numerous parties, and his generous spirit. Many benefited from his invigorating conversations, unique teaching style, collegiality, and witty British charm. He was committed to his family and was a relentless advocate and tireless ally for UH faculty and students. John leaves behind his wife, Sarah; sons Philip (Sophie), Paul (Erica Arnold), Damien (Silke), and James (fianc?e Jennifer Mendez); grandsons Remy, Beau, and Ollie; brothers Patrick and Michael; brother- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Elizabeth, and his brother, James Bernard. The family will hold a Celebration of Life and Retirement Party on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 am at Koolau Ballrooms, Kaneohe. Please RSVP to [email protected] by February 3, 2025, to assist the family in planning for seating and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to H3RC or your favorite charity. A more detailed obituary is available on the Nuuanu Memorial Park website. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC