Ronald A. Straka

1937 - 2018

After 80 years of living life to its fullest, Ron died peacefully. He was an architect and urban planner and saw the beauty and potential in places where others only saw blight. He was a distinguished member and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and winner of the prestigious Kemper award in 1977. Ron spearheaded and participated in the AIA's RUDAT program for many years, lending his expertise to cities around the U.S. Appointed by then Mayor Federico Pena, Ron served for seven years as Denver's Deputy Director of Urban Design for the Pena administration in its vision of "Imagine a Great City" which was the impetus of its current renaissance. He was active in the revitalization of his beloved Lower Downtown neighborhood and consulted on many projects including the I-70 Corridor, Union Station, Platte Valley, various neighborhood and sub-area plans, infrastructure projects and large civic projects all of which helped establish an urban design awareness, policy and attitude within the administration and the city. Ron was involved nationally as a member of the American Institute of Architects in developing urban design policy and assisting local communities around the country. He received many design awards for his architectural and urban design projects. He has lectured and taught at various colleges, universities and design forums and has received the Fisher Traveling Scholarship (2002) to research inter-modal transit facilities and mixed-use development in metro London, England. He leaves behind his brother James Straka (Celeste) of Dallas, GA, his three children - MarySue Edwards (Jeff) of Rochester, MI, Robert Straka (Cecelia) of Aurora, CO, and Nancy Hill (Boyd) of Loveland, CO, their mother Judith Ann Long of Longmont, CO, as well as four grandchildren; Luke, Carl, Haili and Melanie. His friends and treasured colleagues are too numerous to mention. Ron received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and master's degree in architecture-urban design from Ohio State University with honors. Ron loved to travel and encouraged his children and grandchildren to explore the world. A final word from Ron to all of those he knew and loved, "CELEBRATE and ENJOY! " A celebration of Ron's life to be set at a later date.