Ronald Lee “Ron” McGowan passed away Oct. 16.

Ron was born April 10, 1943, in Berkeley, Calif. He attended the University of Oregon and earned his bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State College. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt and fish with friends and family.

He was married in January of 1971 to his lovely wife, Seana, who continues to live in St. Helena.

Ron was an active member of various clubs/organizations, including Rotary, American Legion, his hunting club, and the AHC. Ron was most proud of was his military service. He served in the Navy from 1961 to 1965 and saw much of the world aboard the USS Vancouver.

Ron was born in California, but he spent some of his younger years in Burns, before settling back in the Napa Valley with his real estate practice of more than 40 years. His family’s history in Burns goes back to 1884, when his great-grandfather, George McGowan, was the first postmaster and named the town after the famous poet Robert Burns.  Ron’s grandfather, Archie, started the Ford garage in Burns, and the family owned several properties and acreage over the years.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Burns and Marjorie; and his loving sister, Maurine.

A celebration of his life will be held in the near future in St. Helena, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Operation HomeFront (www.operationhomefront.org).