In Loving Memory

† Captain Ron Smith †

October 2, 1945 - April 30, 2009

On April 30, 2009, longtime Ripon resident and dedicated volunteer firefighter, Ron Smith, passed away at the age of 63 after a 6-month battle with cancer. Born in Stockton to Harry and Bonnie Smith, Ron graduated from Ripon High School in 1967 and married Cynthia Nepote, his high school sweetheart.

"He was truly an inspiration and model of dedication to the community" according to Ripon Fire Cheif Dennis Bitters. He was a firefighter's firefighter. He was one of the people in our department who provided leadership. Station 2 was his station -- he was a very proud man."

Capt. Ron had just returned from one of many Strike Team assignments when he was diagnosed with cancer. "He took a leave of absence and was fully planning to come," Chief Bitters said. He was one of our longest-serving volunteers. He and his wife, Cynthia, had an amazing attitude. Capt. Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, son, and friend.

Capt. Ron is survived by Cynthia, his wife of 42 years; his children Gary and Debbie Smith, and Chris and Angela Smith; his granddaughters Gianna Joy and Natasha Dean Smith. He is also survived by his sisters Blanche Carlos, Phyllis Lonero, and Dorothy Fagundes; and his mother-in-law Mary Neporte. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Cliff Smith, and his father-in-law Pete Nepote.

† Bill Berghorst †

April 20, 1939 - April 24, 2009

Bill Berghorst, a longtime Ripon resident and the second-longest serving publicly elected official as a member of the Ripon Consolidated Fire District Board of Directors since 1996, passed away on April 20, 2009 at the age of 70.

Bill grew up on a farm in Minnesota where his family grew soybeans and corn. He left Minnesota for California in 1957. Bill owned the AC Auto Repair and Welding business before retiring five years ago in 2004. He enjoyed family table games, camping, boating and sitting around the campfires telling stories. He and his wife Betty enjoyed each other deeply with an unwavering, committed love.

Bill was a volunteer for the Ripon Fire Department, joining other men from the business and farm community to respond to that memorable siren that alerted locals of an impending call for assistance. He received the Citizen of the Year award for his involvement in the community. Bill organized the Almond Blossom Tractor Pull, and enjoyed competing in neighboring communities’ tractor pull events.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Foster Brink of Norwalk, Linda Combs of Anaheim, Teri Pairish of Lakewood, Tamara Bend of Bend, Oregon, Julie Hoogeveen of Manteca, and Debra Page of Ripon; sons Brian Berghorst of Ripon and Kevin Berghorst of Vacaville; siblings, Joe Berghorst of Ripon, Miriam Mowl and Faith Talsma of Bellflower, Keith Berghorst of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Virginia Bouma of Fullerton, Darwin Berghorst of Riverside, Bonnie Sybesma of Corona, and Gene Berghorst of Canyon Lake; and 22 grandchildren.