Ron Roberts, Longtime Temecula Leader, Dies At 78

TEMECULA, CA — Former Temecula Mayor/City Council Member Ronald H. 'Ron' Roberts has died at the age of 78, Temecula city officials announced Tuesday. Roberts passed away peacefully on Monday, on what was his 58th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne, son Ron, Jr. (wife Kara), daughter Wendy (husband Sam) and five grandchildren, according to the city of Temecula.

"We are mourning the loss not only of a former colleague, but a dear friend who loved Temecula and worked selflessly for nearly 25 years to help create this beautiful City," Temecula Mayor Mike Naggar said in an emailed statement. "My colleagues and I are grateful for the time we worked alongside him. We learned from his leadership style and admirable manner in which he served the City, and his commitment to causes throughout the community. Ron was a great man, and we will miss him."

Roberts first began his service to the city of Temecula when he was appointed to the Temecula Traffic Commission in 1990. Two years later, he was elected to his first term on the city council — and was then re-elected to five continuous terms.

Roberts served as Mayor five times over the years, and retired in Dec. 2014.

"Mr. Roberts’ impact is seen throughout the City’s infrastructure, facilities, parks, and, most visibly, the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library named for his vision, leadership and perseverance to ultimately build what remains as the best and busiest of 35 libraries in Riverside County," the city said.

Roberts served on numerous county commissions and boards over the years, representing Temecula as Chairman of the National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure & Services Committee, Chairman of the Western Riverside Council of Governments, Chairman of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, Chairman of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), President of Southern California Association of Governments, Chairman of Southern California Association of Governments Transportation & Communication Committee, Chairman of South Coast Air Quality Management District Mobile Source Air Pollution and Reduction Committee and Chairman of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival.

— Image courtesy City of Temecula