Ron Schafer
Ron Schafer, Angeles District Superintendent, California State Parks, died on September 15 from complications of a stroke suffered on Sunday, September 12th. He leaves behind a legacy of park protection and a deep sense of respect that will live on for many people in years to come.
- The SMMTC will host a gathering to remember Ron on Sunday, October 10, 2010. Details below.
- Share your memories of Ron on this page of our web site -
- Email us at mail@smmtc.org
- View this section
- Read the story of his passing from our Fall 2010 newsletter
- Obituary from the LA Times (external link)
- Obituary from the Malibu Times (external link)
Memorial Gathering Hosted by the SMMTC
The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council is hosting a memorial and celebration of life for Ron Schafer on Sunday, October 10 at 3pm in Malibu Creek State Park in the conference room of the administration building (link to map). We will have refreshments and a slide show. We invite you to bring photos and stories to share.
Please RSVP to the Trails Council at 818-222-4531 or by email to mail@smmtc.org so we can be sure to have enough refreshments.
Remembering Ron
This section is pending. Please share your memories and/or photos with us at mail@smmtc.org
Ron at the rededication of Will Rogers in 2006. Photo from Jennifer Ruffolo. |
Story From Our Fall 2010 Newsletter:
Angeles District Superintendent Ron Schafer Taken by Stroke
Ron Schafer, Angeles District Superintendent, California State Parks, died on September 15 from complications of a stroke suffered on Sunday, September 12th. Director of State Parks Ruth Coleman said, "There was tremendous passion in all Ron did in life. He leaves behind a legacy of park protection and a deep sense of respect that will live on for many people in years to come."
Woody Smeck, Superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, said, "His great enthusiasm, energy, and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on the public lands in Southern California. His loss will be deeply felt and mourned by those who care about our state park system, including many National Park rangers who worked so closely with him."
Only 53 years old, Schafer oversaw 18 state park units in the Greater Los Angeles Area, including 12 units within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. His numerous accomplishments include:
- Managing efforts to open up new state parks in the urban core of Los Angeles where the need for parks is most acute.
- Despite deep budget cuts, increasing access to parks and programs through a variety of creative partnerships.
- Most recently, working with the National Park Service and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy on development of a new inter-agency visitor center to increase awareness of park facilities and the unique natural and cultural history of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Schafer believed that urban populations should have immediate access to parklands and focused intensely on building multi-stakeholder partnerships that would create and protect open areas in Los Angeles County.
Craig Sap has been appointed interim superintendent for the Angeles District, California State Parks.