In Memoriam:

Ronald J. Lee, D.D.S, age 53, devoted husband and father, beloved son, brother, friend, dentist, passed away after a courageous three and a half year battle with metastatic lung cancer on October 9, 2008.

Ronald J. Lee was born on a midsummer's day in 1955, in Oakland, California. The youngest of five siblings, he was artistically gifted, easy-going, kind-hearted, compassionate, and loved nature. In sharp contrast to these attributes, Ron was fiercely competitive in all athletic endeavors and excelled in sports at an early age.

Ron attended John Swett and Lakeview Elementary Schools. While winning contests and awards for his art, he developed skills for bicycling, mini-biking, tennis, baseball and dodge ball. By the time he graduated McChesney Junior High in 1970, he was competing in volleyball and football, and mastering techniques in downhill skiing, archery, target shooting, and motorcycling. While at McChesney, he formed what would eventually become a life-long friendship with a group of guys, who affectionately dubbed themselves, "the Arimo Avenue Raiders".

They all attended Oakland High, competing in various sports. Ron decided to narrow his focus and joined the Oakland High/Lake Merritt Boat Club. In March 1973, as a member of the "heavy" four man crew, he and his teammates beat eleven college crews, and took second in the finals, losing to the University of Santa Clara, by only three feet.

After graduating Oakland High in 1973, Ron attended the University of California at Berkeley. As a member of the "freshmen four" crew, Ron sprinted his way to victory for Cal. Their boat won the Western Sprint Championships in Burnaby, Canada in May 1974.

Much to the dismay of Berkeley's studio art professors, Ron did not pursue a degree in studio art, instead, he graduated with a B.A. in cell biology, in June 1977. Ron felt his calling was in the field of dentistry. He was accepted to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and became a member of the O.K.U. Dental Honor Fraternity, earning his spot as the top academic freshman.

While at USC, he met the love of his life, Peggy. Upon graduating from dental school in June 1981, he married Peggy, settling in Oxnard, and then eventually Camarillo.

Ron was blessed with the good fortune of becoming an associate for Dr. Tsujio Kato, and then later for Dr. Ken Kerr. He was always grateful for these wonderful mentors, who helped shape and inspire his career in dentistry. In September of 1984, Ron opened his own practice in Ventura. He developed a rapport with staff members and patients alike. His talent as an artist manifested itself once again with his skillful ability to restore and recreate what was often better than the original.

In 1985, Ron joined the Los Casadores Gun Club, taking first place in short yard handicap and Class C singles trap shooting. In 1985, additional trophies were won as runner up, and a first place trophy was awarded to him for his victory in Class B doubles. That same year, he became an active member of the Ventura Downtown Lions club. He participated in soft ball, golf, and flag-football teams.

Ron's first child, Marissa was born in 1986. His second child, Craig, was born in 1989, his third and final child, Kenny, was born in 1992. During this time, Ron's passion for auto racing surged. He became a member of the California Sports Car Club, first racing his Formula Ford, and then later his Formula Atlantic, at Willow Springs, Buttonwillow and Laguna Seca. He won the C.S.C.C.-S.C.A.A. regional championship for F.A., while driving his F.A. Martini in 1997.

Switching gears once again, in 2000, Ron returned to his first love, bicycling. He became a member of Bill's Bike Shop Cycling Club and participated in weekly rides as well as the M.S. Bike Tour, Crusin' the Conejo, and the Solvang Century (100 mile) rides. In 2004, his enthusiasm for cycling motivated two of his office staff to begin participating in triathlons with him.

It was during their third triathlon in March 2005, Ron noticed that he had difficulty in breathing and could barely finish the running event. The following week was too difficult for him to consult with patients. After a series of tests and scans, Ron was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. He valiantly braved the first regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. He even felt strong enough to return to his office part time in January 2006, to the joy and excitement of his patients and staff. He continued to work until August of 2007, when the cancer metastasized once again. He resumed radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and sold his practice in December 2007. His final battle ended on October 9, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his family and loyal dog. Ron was the consummate fighter and never gave up his competitive spirit. His spirituality, zest for life, compassion, loyalty, excellence in dentistry, and infectious smile will forever be emblazoned upon our hearts.

Ron is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Marissa, Craig and Kenny; father, Dr. Richard C.S. Lee; mother, Winifred; sister, Rosina and her husband Dr. Richard Lee; brothers, Richard Lee, J.D., and his wife Risa, Dr. Robert Lee, Dr. Russell Lee, J.D. and his wife Liz; nieces, Nicole and Elaine; nephew, Douglas Lee, J.D. and his wife Dr. Jenny Lin, their daughter Jade; the "Oakland/Arimo Gang"' Ron's dental office staff; and his faithful dog Gabrielle.

Memorial service to be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2008, at Padre Serra Parrish, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo, CA 93012.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Rio Mesa High School Scholarship Foundation, c/o Dr. Ronald J. Lee, 545 Central Ave., Oxnard, CA 93036.