We pause to honor Rod Caborn, who passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, after a two-year journey with ALS. To our school community, Rod was a dedicated parent, board member, and school supporter. Yet what we remember, love, and appreciate the most about Rod is that he was an embodiment of the values we hold dear at Mount Madonna School.
Rod quickly became an integral part of the Mount Madonna School community after enrolling his daughters, Kenzie (‘12) and Cassie (‘15). His enormous energy, warmth, and enthusiasm for life were apparent in all he did. Whether he was commanding a microphone at a school auction, rallying a crowd at one of our event kick-offs, or celebrating fundraising efforts with wild mechanical pig races, Rod gave our school community everything he had. His exuberance, kindness, and charm were inspiring.
Rod Caborn’s contributions to our school were immense. He played a meaningful role in supporting the building of our upper school and upper gym, and year after year he returned to help with our annual fundraising efforts. Rod did this not because he had to, but because he believed in what we are doing here. As a professional emcee and auctioneer who raised over $50 million for schools and nonprofits throughout his career, Rod brought a level of skill and heart to our events that we strive hard to duplicate.
In reflecting on his time at Mount Madonna School, former Head of School, Supriya McDonald shared, “ I will always remember his enthusiastic cheerleading at the Hawks volleyball championships. We would all wear his emblematic rainbow wigs. He was a great inspiration for the Summit for the Planet walkathon and made so many children happy with the fun kickoff parties and games he hosted. He served for many years on the MMS school board and was always a committed school parent. As an auctioneer, he had a superb talent that he shared with MMS and all of our fundraising adventures. Mount Madonna School owes Rod immense gratitude for his service to the school.”
Sarada Diffenbaugh, President of the MMS Board, remembers Rod’s “…dynamic presence, regardless of the task, discussion, or event at hand. At the Board meetings, Rod would always explore issues thoughtfully and respectfully. During deliberations, Rod was able to integrate his perspectives and responsibilities as parent, Board member, mission holder, and value-keeper into valuable contributions that informed decision-making. He supported MMS in our growth and in staying true to our essence.”
Beyond what Rod gave to our school, he was a man of many talents. A rugby captain turned proud girl dad. A man with a master’s degree in linguistics who wrote a thesis on the word “arse.” A vibrantly dressed, gregarious Brit who never shied away from a microphone and never failed to make a room brighter. He was one of a kind.
Rod is deeply missed by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Kelly, his daughters, Kenzie and Cassie, and his extended family. We thank his family for sharing his light because we were all made richer for knowing him. We are grateful beyond words for the time, energy, and spirit he gave to this school.
Celebration of Life Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 2:00–5:00 PM The Grove: Santa Cruz Event Center 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
All are welcome — and in true Rod fashion, guests are encouraged to come in their brightest, most over-the-top outfits to honor the man who made every room a little more alive.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The ALS Network at alsnetwork.org, an organization that supported Rod and his family throughout his illness.
