Ronald Watkins

Ron Watkins was born on May 10, 1935 to Erwin and Doris Watkins in Sacramento, CA. He lived his entire life in and around the Sacramento area. Graduating from Grant Union High School in 1952 and attending Sacramento State College for a brief time he soon found himself working for Swift and Company Meat Packers, first in the plant then promoted to a salesman. After winning the number-one salesman's award for the United States, he realized he had gone as far as he could go at Swift without leaving the Sacramento area. He went into the real estate business in the area in 1958. In 1966, he co-founded TransPacific Industries building thousands of apartments all over the West Coast. In 1971, due to a family tragedy, he sold his interest in TPI and spent some time with his family for a couple of years. Then in 1973, he decided to resume his real estate career. Went on to bring his son in with him building both apartments and office complexes for his own account only in the Sacramento area, many leased to the State of California. Eventually the company would employ not only his son, Doug, but daughter, Sue, and son-in-law, Jim Dobrinski. In 2007 he retired. He was a lucky man in that he had four passions that lasted throughout his lifetime. Those being his love of business, duck hunting, boating and the love of his family. He owned many duck clubs over the years, finally ending with Woodstock in northern California. Had many boats, from 12 ft. to 110 ft. Sailed the world from the Orient to the Mediterranean crossing the Atlantic in his own boat. All of which he shared with not only his family but his many friends. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Shirley, daughters and sons-in-law Kim and Jim Dobrinski and Sue and Michael Bollinger, his grandchildren (3) and his great grandchildren (7). The family would like to sincerely thank Bertha & Hector Cazares and Peni Toro for their compassionate care of Ron the last two years. Also appreciation to hospice nurse, Michelle Alles, and the care we received from Mercy Hospice. As per Ron's wishes there will be no funeral. Donations can be made in his name to the ALS Society of Sacramento.