EL DORADO HILLS – El Dorado County is grieving the loss of longtime District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, who passed away suddenly on Saturday afternoon at his home. Hidahl, a dedicated public servant and respected leader, was a longtime resident of El Dorado Hills, the community he represented. He was serving his final term as District 1 Supervisor, having devoted decades of service to his county and its residents.
In a joint statement, El Dorado County Board Chair Wendy Thomas and Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid expressed their sorrow at Hidahl’s passing. “It is with heavy and grieved hearts that we share the news that Supervisor John Hidahl passed away suddenly at his home Saturday afternoon. Supervisor Hidahl was a dedicated and devoted public servant who loved his country, his county, and his community. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him,” the statement reads. “Details about his service will be forthcoming. Until then, please keep his family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Hidahl was a 5th-generation Californian, born and raised in Ceres, California, in Stanislaus County. His roots run deep in the state, with a family history that includes his great-great maternal grandfather, Edward Kiernan, an Irish immigrant who mined in Tuolumne County before settling in Salida. Both sides of his family have a long legacy of farming and ranching in California’s Central Valley, where the family ranch, Hidahl Inc., continues to operate under the management of his youngest brother.
Hidahl spent the last 46 years in El Dorado Hills, where he and his wife of 52 years, Eileen, raised their five daughters. An alumnus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Hidahl had an accomplished career in the aerospace industry. His 41-year tenure in the field included significant roles at Aerojet and Northrop Grumman, where he held positions ranging from rocket test engineer to Chief Systems Engineer and Mission Assurance Program Manager.
In addition to his professional achievements, Hidahl was a steadfast community leader. He served as an elected Director of the El Dorado Hills County Water District (Fire Department) for 33 years and volunteered extensively across various committees dedicated to the development, safety, and well-being of El Dorado Hills. His commitment to the motto “Service before Self” was evident in his roles on the El Dorado Hills Area Planning Advisory Committee (36 years), the El Dorado Hills Community Council (23 years), and numerous other local boards and committees. He was also a strong advocate for budget stability, open space preservation, and senior housing options in the county.
Hidahl’s extensive community involvement earned him a reputation as a devoted advocate for El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County. His legacy includes contributions to local planning, economic development, fire safety, and parks and recreation. His dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on the community he loved.
As the county awaits further details about his memorial service, residents are encouraged to keep Hidahl’s family and loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Supervisor Hidahl. I ask for privacy and support for his family and patience and grace as our county family walks through this tragic loss,” shared Thomas in a separate message on her own social media Sunday morning.
News of Hidahl’s sudden passing was drawing an outpouring of condolences from the community he served Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Supervisor John Hidahl. John’s leadership and dedication to our community made a lasting impact, he will be greatly missed,” Debbie Manning, CEO of the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce said in a statement to Folsom Times. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Hidahl was known well for his dedication and work in El Dorado County, but was also well known outside of the county as well.
“John was a wonderful public servant and an even better father. My deepest condolences to his wife and daughters,” shared Folsom Vice Mayor Sarah Aquino as she learned the news of his passing.
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