Ronald Kaufman

Ronald Kaufman 1938-2015 Ron felt he lived an incredibly fortunate life. Although the word "unique" applies to every person, it seems to be the word that occurs most to friends and family when they remember him. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ron centered his life around the core value of community service and finding ways to help anyone in need. Based on outstanding work as a student, he received a full scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and graduated from Stanford University with a Ph.D. in experimental psychology. Motivated by the urgency of current events, he then turned away from an academic career path completely. He was deeply involved in both the Civil Rights and Peace movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He gradually evolved away from working on worldwide problems and centered his attention on more direct ways to make a difference in smaller organizations and with friends and family. He was a creative genius and inventor - looking at how to design all manner of furniture and tools in ways others would never think to do. He could visualize projects in his mind in 3D. A walk down a hardware store aisle would generate the ideas most would get from a library or on-line. He put these talents to work as a building manager for much of his career, working to improve a Los Angeles nursing home, the student Bookstore at CSU Hayward, and at the World Affairs Council and the AIDS Foundation in San Francisco. His proudest accomplishment was building two concrete, energy-efficient geodesic domes he and his wife, Marti Leicester, called home. Ron was an unflagging supporter of Marti's career with the National Park Service, providing wisdom, uncanny insights, a ready ear for ideas and a shoulder on which to lean. He was an incredible and loving husband and Marti was honored to be his wife and partner for over 33 years. When she transferred to Fredericksburg, Virginia, Ron volunteered for 3 years with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, helping to restore historic aircraft. He especially enjoyed working on the Enola Gay - painstakingly removing rust with dental picks while feeling awed at the sense of touching history, and moved to think and study deeply about the many questions raised by centuries of war. World War II history, national politics and watching movies and documentaries were his favorite interests. Ron was a passionate cyclist, pedaling long distances ranging from California to the mid-west and east coast as well as averaging 4 days a week of cycling for many years, no matter the terrain or weather. He was a familiar figure to many in Forest Ranch as he rode his recumbent bicycle up and down its challenging hills, usually taking a rest break at the communal meeting spot - the Forest Ranch Post Office. He would return home with a lighter heart and the most recent "news" of local happenings after his chats there with friends and strangers alike Ron's last bicycle ride was November 21. He died of complications from ALS on December 7. Ron is survived by his sister and her husband, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins in his extended family. He was deeply thankful to Marti's family - brother, sister, sister-law, and friends and neighbors for their non-stop support to him and Marti near the end of his life - and at all times. He was humbled and grateful for the Veteran's Administration Home Based Primary Care Program and to the outstanding medical professionals at Kaiser Permanente and Enloe Hospitals who provided outstanding compassionate care. The Greater Sacramento ALS Association and the Paralyzed Veterans of America provided unceasing guidance and help at any and all times. A private gathering to celebrate Ron's life is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable contributions in honor of Ron's life to the following (the numbering doesn't indicate any specific priority): Ron's favorite organizations: 1. The Southern Poverty Law Center -he felt this was the most effective organization in the country combating racism, hate and poverty and promoting education for a more just society. The Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 www.splcenter.org 2. The Louisville Leopard Percussionists - teaching disadvantaged kids to play in an orchestra his favorite music - jazz and swing. The model is being adopted internationally and the Leopards have performed around the world. Louisville Leopard Percussionists P.O. Box 3291 Louisville, KY 40201 www.louisvilleleopardpercussionists.com As Ron's disease progressed, he recognized the importance of research, and the critical need for help to those suffering from this incurable and devastating disease. Both these organizations are working to find cures and offer incredible support to those suffering with ALS: 3. The ALS Association, Greater Sacramento Chapter 2717 Cottage Way, Suite 17 Sacramento, CA 95825 websac.alsa.org 4. Send checks made out to: Paralyzed Veterans of America with the notation: Ronald Kaufman #8220 and send to: Paralyzed Veterans of America Attention: Susan Sullivan 10365 Old Placerville Rd. Sacramento, CA 95827 www.pva.org Checks noting the charity can also be sent to the Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway St., Chico, CA 95928. They will consolidate the checks and send to each organization.