Ron Mardigian Obituary

Ron Mardigian Resident of Mill Valley and pioneer of Bio-Rad Laboratories' innovative Bio-Rad Explorer program died suddenly at Lake Tahoe on December 26th, 2007. He was 49. Ron's contribution to science education during his life was extraordinary. After receiving his bachelor's degree in biology from University of San Francisco in 1986, he obtained his teaching credential and returned to his own high school, Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, where he taught biology. Offered a full scholarship at the University of Southern California, he returned to graduate school and received a Master's Degree in Molecular Biology and Toxicology in 1990. From there he joined Bio-Rad Laboratories where he went on to conceive, develop and manage the innovative Bio-Rad Explorer Bio-Ed program which provides high school and college teachers with cutting-edge science teaching materials. The Bio-Rad Explorer program has been a major force in helping schools to continuously update their science programs through the use of compelling science kits designed by Ron and his remarkable team and produced by Bio-Rad. Under Ron's leadership, the kits have become an important staple in thousands of science classrooms reaching millions of students worldwide, enabling them to experience the excitement of investigation and discovery in a fresh and inspiring way -- in some cases allowing them to perform novel research that can actually add new information to the global scientific knowledge base. Ron was born in South Pasadena, California, and moved to Mill Valley in 1974 where he graduated from Tamalpais High School. Though he lived in and traveled to many places, Mill Valley was always his home. In addition to his dedication to science education, Ron lived a life filled to the brim with interests and activities. He loved the outdoors and was an expert skier, windsurfer and sailor. He rode his mountain bike daily on Mount Tam. He was also a talented guitar player, and loved photography, carpentry and woodworking. Ron was a kind person with a warm heart and generous spirit. He had a serious side that loved to study and ponder the mysteries and meaning of life, yet he had a unique knack for seeing the humor in things. Ron leaves many cherished friends made through his varied interests, activities and adventures, and a large network of beloved and esteemed business associates and colleagues to whom he always deferred credit for the success of the program he pioneered at Bio-Rad during the twenty years of his career there. He is survived by parents Sandra Mardigian and Doug Burck of Mill Valley and Ron Mardigian and Merle Sheridan-Mardigian of Los Angeles; sisters Tracy Mardigian-Kiles of Mill Valley and Wendy Mardigian-Gelsman of Santa Rosa; stepbrothers Eric Epstein and Brad Epstein of Los Angeles; stepsisters Heather Bush of Boulder and Kelsey Burck of Santa Barbara; niece Franny Kiles; nephews August Kiles, Eli Mardigian-Des Jardins, and Gabriel Gelsman. A celebration of Ron's life is planned for Sunday, January 27th, 2008 at 2 PM in the Cascade Room at the Mill Valley Community Center. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ron's name may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc., at 2672 Bayshore Parkway, Suite 520, Mountain View, CA 94043.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Jan. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ron Mardigian

6 Entries

Ann Wellington

February 4, 2008

I knew Ron Mardigian just in the last part of my last year in high school, and in the summer when we went to kayaking school together. I hadn't been in touch since then, but thought of him from time to time, and always remembered him as being a very nice guy. Though I was very sad to learn of his passing, I was happy to read that he had what sounded like a very good and happy life, and that he remained a great person. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

tony anderson

January 27, 2008

I was so sad to hear of my old friend ron's passing. I got word of it and todays memorial literally hours ago and so couldn't make it to the gathering...but would like to share a couple thoughts of ron. I met ron when he moved next door to us on marion ave. in mill valley in the mid-70's. I mainly remember him as someone with nearly constant enthusiasm for life and it's many adventures, pleasures, and humorousness. We would oftern go with other friends up to bolinas ridge in the evenings to just watch to sun set into the pacific and play frisbee on the hills. It was before mountain bikes so we would hike all around the mountain. I remember quite a few wild ski trips from this time also and he taught me many finer points as he was an expert at it. We worked together at the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach in the early 80's and I remember him working with an intensity and an eye for teamwork that he obviously carried throughout his life. We took our seperate paths in the mid-80's but always were in touch every few years. he was and remains a great friend and teacher.

Aaron Johnson

January 26, 2008

It saddens me so to learn of Ron's passing. I have not had the opportunity to speak with him in many, many years although he would cross my mind from time to time. We were classmates while he was attending school in South Pasadena and I remember him as a fun loving person with a big laugh. I am sure he touched many in his much too short life. My condolences to his loved ones.

Herb Shon

January 25, 2008

I am deeply saddened to learn of Ron's passing. Ron and I were classmates at South Pasadena Junior and Senior High School until he moved out of town. We both played trumpet in the school band, shared a love for playing the piano, and he was quite good at both. Always a very smart and witty kid, Ron made friends very easily in school and I fondly recall his ability to make me laugh on a daily basis, which made school all the more fun. I touched base with Ron via e-mail about 2 years ago and he sounded extremely energized about life, work, windsurfing and mountain biking on a regular basis, and of course music. I recall Ron's parents buying him a beautiful handmade Benge trumpet in junior high school, which was sadly stolen from him after we finished playing a concert. He still lamented the loss of that trumpet some 30 years later. I miss not having the opportunity to hook up with him for a mountain bike ride after rekindling our friendship 30+ years after he moved from So. Pasadena. I sincerely hope that everybody in Ron's family is finding strength and peace during this very difficult time. He left this world much too soon.

Grace Y. Richter

January 23, 2008

A ray of colorful light in the lives of many people. A true friend and an example of a life well lived. A spirit and a legacy that will live on through all whom he touched.

Mary Lou Wratten

January 23, 2008

I went to USF and USC with Ron and we also shared a house in San Francisco. I always admired his passion for life.
I can't think of a better person to have passed on his knowledge and enthusiasm for science via his education program at BioRad. I am glad he was part of my life and I will miss him.

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