Ronald Ernest Hahn

April 9, 1943 - January 9, 2024

RANCHO SANTA FE — Ronald Ernest Hahn, a distinguished pioneer in real estate, sports, and entertainment, passed away at the age of 80 in his Rancho Santa Fe home. Born in Inglewood, California, Ron was the second of Jean and Ernest W. Hahn’s three children. His childhood in Rolling Hills, CA, fostered a deep love for sports, music, and various other interests, which he passionately followed throughout his life.

Ron exhibited remarkable athletic talent from an early age, excelling as an avid surfer and multiple-sport letterman at Chadwick High School, notably as a star first baseman. His skills in baseball led to his recruitment and attendance at Stanford University. Accompanying his athletic success, Ron was a collector of music and a self-taught guitarist, deeply passionate about his extensive and diverse music collection.

1964 marked a significant year in Ron’s life when he met Linda Queen, his future wife. They married in 1965 and began their life together. Their son, Ernest, was born in Santa Barbara in 1967, and their daughter, Jennifer, was born in San Diego in 1969. Ron was a dedicated father, deeply involved in his children’s lives, introducing them to a variety of sports including skiing, tennis, and surfing. He enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball teams and vacationing with family. Ron also loved golfing, and skiing. He particularly enjoyed skiing in Aspen and was renowned for his exceptional golfing skills, playing both left and right-handed. In retirement Ron travelled globally to pursue his love of golf, averaging 320 rounds annually.

Beyond his personal life, Ron’s professional career was also marked by significant achievements. He began his career in mall development in 1964 with his father at The Ernest W. Hahn Company. His first major project, La Cumbre Plaza in Santa Barbara, was just the start of a remarkable journey in the retail and real estate sector. In 1969, Ron moved his family to San Diego to oversee the development and opening of the Fashion Valley Mall. Under his leadership, Hahn Property Management expanded to manage over 40 malls, which entailed negotiating over 20,000 leases and overseeing 40 million square feet of retail space. In 1984, he founded Landgrant Development, playing a pivotal role in developing 12 malls across the western United States.

Ron founded the Arena Group 2000, and with a group of San Diego investors, acquired the lease of the San Diego Sports Arena in 1992. Under his management, the arena became a top 10 venue in the world for its capacity, hosting over 4500 events during his tenure. In 1995, Ron took an ambitious step in the sports world by starting the West Coast Hockey League, serving as chairman of the board, and re-establishing the San Diego Gulls. The San Diego Gulls would go on to win 5 Taylor Cup Championships from 1995-2003.

Ron’s commitment to his community was exemplified through his participation on numerous boards and committees. He sat on the board of directors at La Jolla Country Day for six years, two of those as its president. Additionally, he sat on the boards of the San Diego YMCA, International Sports Council, San Diego Community Foundation, Noble Broadcast, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Padres Advisory Board, and the Hall of Champions.

Known for his generosity and intellectual curiosity, Ron was an avid reader, having read over 6,000 books throughout his life. His extensive reading spanned a wide range of subjects, showcasing his breadth of interests and constant desire to learn.

Ron Hahn left behind a legacy of relentless dedication, innovative leadership, heartfelt commitment to his family and community, and a life rich with cultural and intellectual pursuits. He is survived by his wife Linda; children Ernest (Kristin) Hahn II and Jennifer (Dana Saraceno) St Amour; grandchildren Alexis (Mitch) Boylan, Ernest III, Martin Jr., Veronica, and Carter; brother-in-law Jack (Patty) Queen, sister-in-law Barbara Bennett, many nieces and nephews, and a sister. His life and contributions have left an indelible mark on all who knew him and the City of San Diego.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ALS Association – Greater San Diego Chapter (1890 Peacock Blvd. Suite A Oceanside, CA 92056).

A mass will be held on Saturday, January 27, at 1:30 pm at The Immaculata Church on the University of San Diego campus. Ronald Ernest Hahn’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering spirit, a commitment to excellence, and a deep love for his family and community. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.