Ron O’Branovich

Ron O’Branovich passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2012, 16 months after his cancer diagnosis. He managed his illness with grace and humor. Friends and family were inspired by his ability to find the joy in every day and his determination to continue doing what he loved. He is preceded in death by parents, Matt and Arleen; and brother, Bill. Ron is survived by Joan, wife of 41 years; son, Brian; daughter-in-law law, Ashley; and granddaughter, Abigail. Also daughter, Amy; son-in-law, Scott; and grandchildren, Lila and Ethan all of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by brother, Jim of Napa; and a group of amazing and generous friends, nieces, nephews and the dogs and horses he loved.

Ron was passionate about his hobbies, from skydiving in the 60s, to skiing with Joan and friends in Tahoe, backcountry Yosemite trips with friend Irv McMillan, to putting thousands of miles on his bike with friend Jim Gemmer. Ten years ago he started horseback riding, spending innumerable hours riding Jazzy in the hills of Green Valley, team penning with the Novato Horseman’s Association. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Freer, Carpenter and Erkelens families for helping him pursue this passion. A dedicated family man, he took trips with Brian and later Amy to Yosemite to climb Half Dome. He got great joy from Abby, Lila and Ethan, doing horse camps with them to whipping up a batch of his famous pancakes. He worked  many years at Mare Island but especially loved working as safety manager with his many friends at West Coast Contractors in Fairfield. Family and friends will gather to celebrate a life well lived.