Ronald Earl Mayer

Ronald Earl Mayer was born in San Diego CA on January 17, 1955, and he unexpectedly passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023 at Scripps Grossmont Hospital. He had been a resident in a senior care facility since February, 2023 for rehabilitation after a fall that same month.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Mayer, cousins Sharon (Larry) Lewis of Phoenix, AZ, Jeannie Freebody, of Northern CA, Alan (Robin) Mayer of Bay Area, CA, Ted Thurmond of Memphis, TN, RoseMarie Longmire of Bellingham, WA, Glenna Gibson of The Dalles, OR, David (Lindsay) Bailey, of TN and several others.

After traveling with his parents at the age of 3 to Whidbey Island, WA, where his dad was stationed for a year or so, they returned to San Diego where Ron grew up and lived his entire life, mainly in the same house.

Ron enjoyed playing little league baseball during his grade school years, with his Dad by his side coaching along the way. He was involved with Boy Scout troops and his father was also a scout leader on various levels sharing valuable experiences together during that time. Ron enjoyed his Boy Scout adventures and received all the badges being short of only 2 for the Eagle Scout honor.

Golf was another favorite sport he loved from the age of 14, learning from his dad and they enjoyed golfing together. He continued golfing even after his accident, with his same Pro until about 2019. He won 2nd place awards four times in the annual golf tournament with the SoCal Golf Program. Another club Ron enjoyed was the Comebackers Neuro Club of which he was a member for many years. He inspired everyone with all he could do and how fun he was to be with.

Ron had a passion for music with the trumpet being the instrument he loved. His musical talent shone brightly with his involvement in the high school band, then for six (6) years with the La Mesa College Jazz Band. Some of the venues at which he performed included nursing homes in La Jolla, Coronado Park events, Balboa Christmas events, as well as other community events. He also sang in the Port Loma University choir.

Throughout high school he was an honor student with plans to attend the Naval Academy which was thwarted due to his motorcycle accident at the age of 17, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, which he had lived with for 51 years. He was able to graduate with his senior class and went on to obtain a 2-year degree from La Mesa College. He continued his education at Port Loma University as well as taking computer classes at La Mesa College. Ron worked several jobs, including some in the Hotel/Motel industry as a desk clerk for several years. He also worked with the Department of Health and Welfare at Miramar ordering supplies and other computer duties. He enjoyed being retired and doing videography for the San Diego brain injury foundation for many years.

After his Dad retired from the Navy in 1963, Ron enjoyed taking family vacations together. They loved traveling in their RV across the US, first to Louisiana enjoying the beautiful mansions in Baton Rouge, then to Houston, TX to observe the Space Center Station, they visited some of Dad’s relatives while in Houston. From there they traveled to Oklahoma Baptist University to visit Ron’s 2nd cousin, Theresa. As they traveled on toward AZ, they enjoyed the majesty of the painted desert, continuing on to Phoenix to visit his Dad’s niece and nephew, thereafter, making their way back home to San Diego. The other places they loved traveling together were Hawaii, to his father’s home state of Long Island, New York as well as his Mom’s home state of TN for family reunions.

Ron was very much in touch with the presence of God and attended church all his life with at least 50 of those years being a member of the Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship Church. His parents were always by his side in strength, wisdom, and love. They enjoyed church activities together as well as traveling as a family.

Friends and family speak of Ron as a man with the sweetest disposition, being tender and sentimental like. Many express how much Ron would light up the room with his smile and great personality, and inspiration with his determination and never give up attitude. He had a strong love for his parents and the Lord. He was even witnessing to another resident at the care facility the day before he died. He was loved by all who knew him throughout his life and is greatly missed.

A service of remembrance will be held at the Cypress View Chapel, 3952 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Anyone desiring to make a remembrance contribution in Ron’s honor can do so to the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation.