Ron Simons was a friend, a mentor, and like a brother. I met him when I was President of the Cal Poly Pomona Alumni Association in 2004. He stood by me and helped me navigate through my responsibilities with fervor and passion for the good. He brought students, planning to pursue a law career, to my law office so I may give them advise. Our friendship lasted through the years. I enjoyed going fishing with him, together with other Cal Poly alums, families, and friends. He will always be in my heart. Rest in peace dear friend.
EMMA HILARIO
My friendship with Ron was one of the most wonderful associations that I look back upon. Ron wrote in his remembrance memo for my 80th birthday celebration that when we became roommates at Cal Poly it was an “instant friendship” that lasted for over 60 years. I’ve always cherished our friendship and enjoyed every minute I had with Ron. He was also responsible for me changing my educational endeavor from engineering to agricultural business management. I’m not sure that I would have made the choice without his encouragement. Ron loved Cal Poly and Cal Poly was fortunate that he was a major contributor to the development of such a great educational institution. When I look back on all that he did for Cal Poly Pomona I can see why he became “Mr. Cal Poly”. When Ron traveled to Battle Creek, Michigan to call on the Kellogg Foundation, he would always see us here in Saint Joseph. During one visit, we were dinning at Tosi’s restaurant during one of our electrical storms and a very major lightning bolt hit very close to the restaurant. Ron's life was always like a bolt of lighting! As I reflect on the attributes that Ron possessed it had to be his positive attitude towards life. He was always happy, enthusiastic and most of all never complained about his physical difficulties. He has been an inspiration and I admired Ron for his achievements and all that he has done to help others. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Thomas Chapman
I met Ron Simons as a student and he was one of the reasons I started working on the Rose Float, serving on Rose Float Committee as Flower Growing Chair. After graduation, Ron talked to me about getting involved with a group of alumni trying to see how we could get more alumni involvement with the Rose Float As a way to do this Ron contacted the Alumni Association and helped us form alumni group called the Cal Poly Rose Float Association. There was one problem and that was we did not know who was going to be the officers? Ron then convinced me in becoming the founding President of this new Rose Float Association. It is only one of many wonderful memories of this Wonderful Man.
Paul Steele
You will always be remembered and appreciated as "Mr. Cal Poly". From Ernie Kawai and all the staff at Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc.
Ernie Kawai
I remember hearing so many good things about Ron from my dear friend, Bob Stein. If I’m not mistaken, it was Ron who hired Bob to serve as the Director of Development for the Ag College. Bob always expressed so much gratitude toward Ron, but reading this helps me understand their friendship further. What a loss for the CPP community. My condolences go out to his family. Juan (Political Science, ‘02).
Juan Hernandez
I first met Ron when I began my career in fundraising in 1982. We met at a professional lunch meeting for Planned Giving Directors. We shared a commonality based upon the relationship that Cal Poly Pomona had with Whittier College. Our football teams once played against each other. Ron welcomed me into this unique association as if we were long-time friends. For decades, we pretty much only saw each other at professional meetings and conferences, always making it a point to talk with each other and share ideas about fundraising and what we were doing to advance planned gifts. Where many in our profession kept there experiences close to the vest, Ron and I openly shared both our good and not so good fundraising experiences and results. I'd like to think we learned a lot from each other. Ron was a great guy, and truly a committed professional.
Vince Fraumeni
We offer sincere condolences to Judy Simons and family and to the entire Cal Poly Pomona community. Mr. Cal Poly was a friend to our family, starting with the co-founder of Rain Bird Corporation, Betty La Fetra, and subsequently to us. Ron was the glue that kept us involved in Cal Poly Pomona programs, starting with the first visit to the Corporate Office with Dr. Hugh La Bounty many decades ago. It was our joy to orchestrate the naming of a Street on the campus after Ron during one of the fundraising events some years ago. It seemed only fitting. Dr. Ron Simons was one of a kind, a friend to all and an enemy to none. Rest in Peace dear friend! Sarah and Art Ludwick
Arthur and Sarah Ludwick
We have truly lost an iconic legend! I remember Ron in so many different areas when he came to RKR. Rose Float, Pace Setters and so many other official events. Ron's affiliation with all CPP alumni was out of his heart in caring for all who continued to support Cal Poly is so many ways. His story telling was truly one of a kind. I have a video of him from the 35th Anniversary Pace Setters luncheon in 2016. I will forever hear his voice and his humor and his heart. He truly bled Green & Gold and is the one and only Mr. Cal Poly! He will be remembered by so many. I will miss him so much! His spirit lives on in the stables, rose garden, mansion and in every area of CPP! Ron, Rest in Peace! I love you!
Barbara Jean Bruin
When Hugh and I married in 1987, Ron was one of the first persons I met at Cal Poly. I enjoyed his sense of humor immediately. Whenever I attended a Cal Poly function, i usually saw Ron and occasionally his wife Judy. He was always happy and offered to help or aid in many situations. I talked with Ron about a month before he passed; as usual, he was upbeat and "down played" his pain.
Judy La Bounty
Ron was a passionate person about the Rose Float. He'll be missed greatly.
Minoush Niknam
