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Memorial Keepers(3)
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Ronald Joseph Gross
October 11th, 1937 - September 13th, 2021
October 11th, 1937 - September 13th, 2021
Remembered fondly for all the smiles he gave us
Ronald Joseph Gross passed away on September 13, 2021 in Grass Valley, CA. He was 83. Born in Yakima, WA to Joseph and Bernice Gross, he was the oldest of four siblings. Ron was brought up in Richmond, CA and attended San Jose State University, where he met his wife of 58 years, Laurel French. He established a career in Industrial Real Estate in the San Francisco Bay Area where they raised four daughters. In 1995 Ron and Laurel retired to Nevada City, where he continued to work in Real Estate as a Residential Broker.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Laurel. He is survived by his daughters Eleanor Lightfoot, Michele Seeber, HollyAnne Bradshaw and Sarah Heinemann, four grandchildren, his brothers Loren and Tony and his sister Carolyn Ingel.
Ron will be remembered for his intelligence, his unique wit that was always searching for a smile from you, and his knack for puzzles great and small. He always put forth 110%, winning awards of recognition and excellence in most all areas of endeavor. Professionally he thrived in the technology and real estate industries, and in his personal life he kept busy with many pursuits and interests, including mineral hunting and gold dredging, practical woodworking, vintage radios, 49er Football and Kings Basketball.
Ron had a lifelong passion for running and the outdoors. He was a star athlete at Richmond High School, earning him a scholarship to San Jose State University. As an adult, he was a member of numerous orienteering clubs, running clubs and soccer teams, including coaching for his young daughters. In his retirement, he was an award winning member of the Sierra Trail Blazers, the Gold Country Orienteering Club and River City Rebels Running Club through the age of 80.
Together, Ron’s engineering skills and Laurel’s creativity made a dynamic duo, and there was no problem they could not tackle. From buying their first house on the funds earned from early morning paper routes, to establishing their own businesses, to developing creative accessibility solutions after a stroke handicapped Laurel, which allowed her to continue her creative passions. They raised four daughters
to understand the rewards that perseverance and teamwork can bring. Ron now joins Laurel in the hereafter, and we celebrate their reunion and their lives which brought joy to many.
Events
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Resting Place
St. Canice Cemetery
39.26683015827125, -121.0237139542581 • 39.2656882, -121.0242433
Tributes
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Maryann Ray Iorns
Ron was a kind and generous man and I know he will be missed.
Sarah Heinemann
Dad won so many awards and medals as a runner, he built this display in his den to showcase them all. For his 80th birthday, I took a photo and we had a puzzle made. He was an endless source of inspiration.
Michele Seeber
Runner Ron - Front of the Sports Page!
John Darlington
I think I goofed up my earlier tribute, because I couldn't figure out how to send it. Here goes another one. I met Ron many years ago through running. We ran together almost daily for the better part of 10 years. I was always impressed by his knowledge of so many subjects. We always had a variety of things to talk about. Ron, Al Shook, and I decided at one point to call ourselves "The Three Stallions" because we ran and competed together (when Ron felt it was safe to leave Laurel). As age took its toll on us, we changed our name to "The Three Nags" but kept running together. As many of you know, Ron won numerous awards even after having a hip replacement. As much as he succeeded in running, I was even more impressed by his devotion to Laurel and the rest of his family. I was at his condo numerous times in Woodbridge, and don't ever recall going for a run until he spoke to Laurel and made sure she was able to take care of things while he was gone. Or one of his kids would often be with her if she needed help. He spoke often of her artistic talents and showed me her miniature doll houses among other things she created. I will miss both Ron and Laurel, but I will cherish the memories we made together.
Michele Seeber
Michele Seeber
Grandpa Ron and Dominic
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