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Ronald Miguel Obituary

Ronald Julian Miguel
August 5, 1931 - June 28, 2020
Ronald Julian Miguel passed away this past Saturday, June 28, 2020 at the age of 88 peacefully and surrounded by family. As the only child of Jerome & Mariette Miguel, he was a fourth-generation San Franciscan who cared deeply for his hometown and was engaged in nearly every facet of civic activity. He was molded by the rich art, culture and music of his birthplace and his 25 years in the flower business with his wife, Ruth Israel Miguel.
A longtime resident of San Francisco's Potrero Hill, Ron attended Lowell High School and University of San Francisco. Ron imbued his children with an appreciation for creative expression in all its forms and together with his wife, Ruth, taught them that family is precious even when it's not easy.
As President of the San Francisco Planning Commission and founding member of the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition, he worked to make the city an inclusive and affordable place. As foreman of the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury and later as a trainer, he advocated for safer conditions for young people in Juvenile Hall and supported community initiatives. More recently, as Chair of the Citizen's Working Group, he devoted his energy to making the city's neighborhoods more livable by supporting improvements to San Francisco's transportation infrastructure.
Experts across nearly every city agency would regularly seek his advice on decisions. He never cared for pageantry or fancy titles and engaged everyone with respect. Ron was always generous with his knowledge and his time. And if you asked for his opinion, you would be sure to get it.
Ron's historical perspective gave him an understanding of place and space that few others had. He was never restrained by conventional thinking and welcomed the certitude of change. As he was quoted in The Potrero View, "Nothing stays the same," he said. "Everything will change and be different. You can have a hand or a voice in bringing opinions together, so the changes that are made make sense for the future...". Ron's work and active engagement with San Francisco civic organizations will benefit his beloved city for generations.
We will miss his deep, hearty laugh and his easy smile. Ron is survived by his loving wife, Ruth, his three children, Barry Miguel, Melanie Miguel and Renée Miguel, as well as seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Miguel

16 Entries

Patrick M. Rigney

October 20, 2022

I loved Ron and Ruth. Learning of their passing saddened me. I learned so much from Ron, but especially admired his ability to go to the heart of any issue. (and) Everytime I park in the City, I remember Ron parking that big station wagon in North Beach, but that's another story. My condolences to the family.

Alicia Lo

July 29, 2020

I had the pleasure and honor of knowing Ron while attending many of the SFHAC Design Review meetings. I'm so sad to hear about his passing. He was always so kind to me and I really liked hearing his comments about each project. They were so thoughtful and intelligent. I will miss him very much.

Charlotte & Jerry Hyman

July 11, 2020

A wonderful generous man who was a pleasure to know.
Condolences to Ruth and your family.
May his memory be a blessing.

Linda

July 9, 2020

Dear Barry and Melanie,
I didnt know your Dad, but i knew the both of you from summer camp (and Beth Sholom) many years ago. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda
Friend

Christopher M Newgard

July 7, 2020

Ron was a great guy! I worked for him doing deliveries at the House of Flowers when I was in college at USF. Condolences to Ruth and the family

Ruth Elin Auerbach

July 7, 2020

Dear Ruth, Barry, Melanie and Renee,

I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Your family has always been dear to me and to my family and I have many fond memories of Ron like helping us build a sukkah in our backyard and helping me pick out flowers for our wedding. May his memory always be for blessing.

With much love,
Ruth Auerbach

Serena Bardell

July 4, 2020

Dear Ruth,

Please accept my deepest condolences and share them with your children and grandchildren.
Ron was the foreperson of the 96-7 San Francisco Grand Jury, on which I served. Since then our paths crossed at SFCCGJA annual meetings and the Planning Commission. It was always both a joy and a comfort to see him.
"May his memory be for a blessing."

Dr David Silverman

July 4, 2020

I grew up with Rons family. Ron introduced me to The San Francisco Sound when I was 12. with his son Barry. Ron took us to weekly Jefferson Airplane concerts at Playland. Ron later helped me to follow my heart about my career. He helped me develop my dissertation topic in 1984, counseling boldness in my research topic.
My brief involvement in government was in emulation of Ron.
For a time, Ron was a second father for me, and I will miss him all my days.

Howard Wong

July 4, 2020

Ron Miguel gave his heart and mind to the City and its neighborhoods. As a leader, activist and member of so many committees/ groups/ organizations, his insights were always listened to---and helped lead the way for the betterment of our society. His long and fruitful life accumulated much institutional knowledge, which hopefully rubbed off on others who served with him. but definitely set a model that others should emulate.

Robert Finlayson

Planted Trees

Brad Aronson

July 3, 2020

Dear Ruth & Family

A few days have passed since you and I have lost a most important person. "Ronny" Miguel- That's the way I was introduced. We met in a sand box. From that moment a friendship was formed for a lifetime. He will be in my mind & heart forever. God has granted his image for all.

Take care. We are blessed.

With love,
Brad & Gail Aronson

Dianne Hoffman

July 3, 2020

Ron was my mentor when I began as a trainer for the California Grand Jurors Association in 2002. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. There are no words to recount all of what his friendship has meant to me. He has left his stamp on me. I will miss him forever. His loss to his family, friends, his city and to CGJA is profound. My deepest sympathy to Ruth and his children who he loved so deeply.

Pat Chelini

July 3, 2020

Dear Ruth and Family,

Sorry to hear of Rons passing. My husband Harry was a butcher at Sutro Super and spent many lunch hours at your Flower Shop. You did the flowers at our wedding 52 years ago and we are still together with three sons and their wives plus five grandchildren. How time passes. Our condolences.

Pat and Harry Chelini
Pchelini @msn.com

Barbara Leibo

July 3, 2020

I have only very fond memories of Ron from time spent with him in my childhood. My father, Steven spoke so highly of him. He was a wonderful person.

Shelley Reppel

July 3, 2020

My memories of Ron go back to my childhood. I am so glad I was able to visit him last year along with my brother Steven. My heart is with Ruth and the whole Miguel family.

Cathy Abrams

July 2, 2020

Dear Ruth and family,
I am so sorry about the loss of your dear husband.
Im very glad you shared his background and civic duty experiences.
My parents (Rhoda and Zane) were always very fond of both of you and your family.
With love,
Cathy Kaplan Abrams

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