Ronald Cornelius Siemens

September 1939 to September 2020

Ron Siemens moved to Arcata in 1950 when he was 12 years old and attended what was then called College Elementary School. He was the son of Cornelius and Olga Siemens, the president and first lady of Humboldt State University for 23 years. Ron always held this area close to his heart and he and his wife, Karin, who met at HSU, visited often to enjoy their school reunions, the Redwood Coast Music Festival and introducing their grand boys to the Kinetic Sculpture races. We honor his wonderful life with this poem...

On September twenty-second, Nineteen thirty-nine,

A bouncing baby boy was born

On whom a lucky star would shine.

Blessed with loving parents A professor and a singer, He was joined by two more siblings A brother and a sister.

Humboldt State and UCLA Were his Alma Maters. Ron married his beloved Karin Then they had two daughters.

Thirty years with IBM Ron moved his family state to state. Settling at last in Danville Ain’t retirement GREAT!

A talented musician,

Ron played euphonium in three bands. Piano, guitar, and ukulele Also thrilled his hands.

Volunteer extraordinaire Decades of Meals on Wheels he provided; A fix-it man for ARF’s thrift shop, Students at Del Amigo he guided.

He loved chatting with his 4 "grandboyz" On topics like the Oakland A’s; 60 Minutes, the term "mooning" And the stock exchange.

Passions included travel, Education and exploration;

His 911 Porsche

And claiming the “world’s largest anteater collection!"

Kind of heart, quick of wit, Ron had many friends. They and his loving family Will miss him ’til no end.