A posting prepared and shared Gerhard Pagels, 08-24-2021 at 11:19 AM.

It’s with a heavy heart that I must inform our friends and neighbors; both near and far, that on 08/24/2021, our brother, Geoffrey M. Pagels lost his fight against pancreatic cancer.

Geoffrey was initially diagnosed this past February (2021) with pancreatic and (possibly) lung cancer, which eventually spread throughout his body. After going through months of chemo therapy and radiation treatments, it was discovered more recently, that the cancer had continued to spread. The decision was made to stop all types of treatment, so that he could be relieved of the pain which he had endured for too long.

Geoffrey was a husband, though he was also the father of two grown sons; Kevin (33) and Kurtis (32). Geoffrey and his family lived in the Chesapeake, Virginia area.

Shortly after graduating from Sayville High School (NY) in 1980, he enlisted into the United States Coast Guard, where he eventually advanced to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Before he retired from “the Guard” after some 20 years, he had become intricately involved with the SAR (Search And Rescue) program. Immediately after his retirement, he was then employed as a civilian and working as a government employee, in the same area of responsibility along with the United States Coast Guard.

It was during his time with the Coast Guard that Geoffrey was invited to National and International Military conferences in which he outlined the services of USCG and of their SAR program, instructing how it could be utilized by the various conference participating countries. As part of the SAR program as both an enlisted man and civilian, Geoffrey was part of a team who coordinated the rescue efforts and having saved hundreds of lives in the open waters of the United States eastern coast, including his years on several ships and rescued many others.

Two major events that he was apart of during his time at sea were; the “Perfect Storm” (1991) and as part of the search and recovery efforts after the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster (1986).

More recently, he became a designated USCG Representative coordinating with the Government of Bermuda, for the America Cup racing event (2017), organizing where spectator boats should be located and preparation for any possible incidents.

It was during a recent visit to see Geoffrey at his Chesapeake, Virginia home, that his brother Gerhard (Gerry) and his wife Nancy Pagels witnessed and became part of a visit by three United States Coast Guard Admirals; Admiral Keith Smith, Admiral (Retired) Dean Lee and Admiral Laura Dickey. Also in attendance was his son Kurtis and a colleague from his SAR Unit.

Our brother Geoffrey had worked with the three Admirals over many years. This visit, which was powerful and moving with stories being told about Geoffrey during his time with the Guard, as part of SAR (Search And Rescue) and the saving of hundreds of lives over 20+ years, which then ended with a special recognition award from the USCG Commandant, which only a few have ever received. That “Superior Achievement Award” and recognition read as presented Geoffrey M. Pagels;

In Grateful appreciation for your dedication as the Fifth District Search and Rescue Specialist. Many lives have been saved because of your service. Semper Paratus, signed Karl Schultz, Admiral, United States Coast Guard, Commandant.

He will always will be remembered as our little brother, even though he was the tallest of the family. More importantly, he’ll be known as having a big and good heart, always willing to help anyone in need.

I have included a photo of the award recognition ceremony and a photo with our parents (Helen & William Pagels) who proceeded him.

Peace and with love, our brother….Husband and Father, Uncle and Cousin of many.