Ronald George Boyer

RONALD GEORGE BOYER (1932-2022)

Ron Boyer was raised in Portland, Oregon where he attended Jefferson High School. He graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Economics and an MBA from Columbia University. He served a two year post as a commissioned officer in the United States Army Finance Corp, in Fort Benning, Atlanta. After the Army, he worked in marketing at Ducommun Metals in Los Angeles and Merchandising Manager for a subsidiary of AJ Glenser in San Francisco. In 1963 and at the urging of his step-father, he pursued a career in real estate. He joined Coldwell Banker in Palo Alto selling commercial real estate. Over the years, he was promoted numerous times, transferring between San Jose and San Francisco offices where he ended his career as Senior Vice President of Coldwell Banker.

Over the years, Ron was known for his keen business sense and sense of humor (one could even say a practical joker). He fostered lifetime relationships with many people inside and out of real estate, while growing up and after "retiring". He was known for fostering careers and partnering on real estate deals with people who he trusted and who trusted him.

Everyone who knew him knew that he said what he meant and meant what he said.

The same work ethic and intensity Ron applied to real estate, he applied to fitness. Throughout his life he excelled in sports. He was Portland Boys' tennis champion, two years Jefferson High School's top scoring football running back and Stanford handball champion. He was an avid tennis player at Alpine Swim & Tennis Club in Portola Valley and the Olympic Club in San Francisco, playing in and winning numerous tournaments and rattling the cages of his opponents. It was a rare day for him to miss some sort of a work out. Whether it was free weights and barbells, jogging at the high school track, swimming or running off-road to the top of the hill with his dog Schatzie, he was driven and his routine was extraordinary. He and his family were passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed activities together like camping, skiing both water and snow, backpacking, fishing and sailing.

Ron was all about functionality. When he noticed the first signs of muscle deterioration, he approached it like any other life challenge. Tests and exploratory surgeries from the most prestigious medical facilities in the country failed to diagnose the problem. His symptoms were a mystery for several years until he met a neurologist at Johns Hopkins. He was able to correctly diagnose his condition as MMR (Multifocal Motor Neuropathy). While there was no cure, he found that by undergoing infusions he could at least minimize the progression. For 35 years he underwent infusion therapy, never complaining but approaching it with persistence and dignity. Ron was very courageous throughout these years, measuring his progress multiple times per week via weight regimens, swimming laps or any other method he could think of. He never gave up. Initially, his infusions took place once a quarter, then once a month and over the last decade or so every two weeks for two days. He referred to it as his going into "the tank". His nurses at the Stanford IV Center were his second family. They were such an important part of his life and he knew them as well as they knew him. Some knew Ron throughout their adult lives, getting married and having their children, all the while Ron was coming for his infusions. His family will be eternally grateful for the care they gave him over the years. His infusions were the only way to keep his symptoms at bay and maintain his functionality.

Together, Ron and Loriene have three daughters and one granddaughter; Karen Boyer of San Carlos, Cathy Boyer of Redwood City, Rhonda Lukich (Jim) of Bend, Oregon and granddaughter Alexandra Lukich of Portland, OR. Ron is predeceased by Loriene and soulmate of 62 years (passed in January 2017) and older brother William H. Boyer of Bend, Oregon. His sister-in-law Ann Boyer and two nephews David Boyer (Becky) and Jeff Boyer (Tracy) reside in Bend.

Ron and Loriene were laid to rest, together again, at Portland's Riverview Cemetery along with his parents and numerous extended family.

Obituaries will appear in The The Palo Alto Weekly & The Country Almanac Friday 1/13/23 & The San Francisco Chronicle & The Oregonian on Sunday 1/15/23.

A celebration of life will take place this spring. Contact rlukich@gmail.com for more information.