Ronald Stewart Himes

Ronald Stewart Himes, Cultural Anthropologist and Professor Emeritus of San Diego State University, age 83, passed on April 7, 2024 in San Diego, CA his residence for 55 years. His parents Earl Sylvester Himes and Louise Kirchner Himes preceded him in death. He is survived by his elder brother, Richard Himes and sister-in-law Cynthia Himes of Georgetown, DE. A Member of the Telophase Society since 1978, he was cremated according to his wishes and his ashes were returned for dispensation to his colleague, close friend and longtime travel partner, Kerry Nelson.As a high school student in Riverside, NJ Ron participated in a foreign exchange program to France, where he developed his lifelong interest in the world, its people, foreign cultures and religions. Ultimately he traveled to over 50 countries worldwide completing his last 3 month around-the-world trip at the age of 78. He received his Baccalaureate at Georgetown University in June of 1962, was awarded 2 Fulbright Scholarships during his studies, completed a Masters Degree at the Atheneo de Manila University in 1964, and received his Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology from the University of Hawai'i in 1972. Dr. Himes' expertise was in linguistics and dialectology with focus areas in East Asia and the Pacific, most specifically the Philippines. He conducted years of field research in Central Luzon and later in the Cordilleras, among the Bontok, Kalinga and Ifugau people as examples. Dr. Himes was a Professor and often the Chair of the Anthropology Department at San Diego State University for 25 years. He received an impressive number of teaching awards and citations for his contributions to the institution. After retiring from full time teaching he stayed productive within his discipline continuing to conduct field interviews, present research findings at international conferences and to publish papers. He remained in contact with many of his former students who regarded him as a major influence and mentor. His personal collection of Ganesh statues, the Hindu patron of arts and sciences, symbolically reflected his life focus on obstacle clearing, intellect, wisdom and spiritual discipline.A true gentleman known for his charm, wit and good manners, Ron also was a generous benefactor toward education, human rights causes and animal protection organizations. He leaves behind many close friends in several countries who are grateful for his friendship, guidance and generosity, who mourn his loss while remembering the positive impact he had on all of their lives.