My Dad

Ronald Ernest Mau
The Mau family would like to announce the recent death of Ronald Ernest Mau, 71.  Ron died in his home on Sept. 18, 2012 from melanoma brain cancer. 
  Born in July, 1941 in Torrance, California, Ron lived a full, passionate life surrounded by dear friends, loving family and exciting sporting events.  He was raised in Southern California on a grape vineyard with baseball as his childhood passion.  His mom and step-dad were instrumental in promoting the Little League program because of Ron's love of baseball.  His high school baseball career at Chaffey High School provided life lessons that he passed on to his students and children; Ron remained in contact with his coach and teammates throughout his lifetime.
  While attending Brigham Young University, he met Barbara Ferguson, the love of his life.  They married in 1964 while Ron worked at a Provo shoe store and finished his education.  Ron brought Barbara to Riverside, California where Ron taught and coached at Jurupa Junior High and Rubidoux High School as they began their young family.  It was during this time that Ron and Barbara met many dear, lifetime friends. 
  In search of a small town lifestyle, the Mau family moved to Lompoc in 1974 where Ron was hired by Santa Barbara Unified School District to be the head teacher at Casa Floral, a school for struggling teens.  Ron loved his job and his students.  He played ball with them daily and loved hearing of their successes as they progressed through life.  Upon arriving in Lompoc, they also joined the Village Country Club where Ron pursued his love of golf and poker.  Ron and Barbara spent countless hours golfing and socializing with these dear friends.  Always the competitor, Ron hit several ‘holes in one', won the men's club championship, and worked his way to a very impressive handicap. 
  Ron loved sports.  It would be hard to find another sports fan as passionate, dedicated, and disciplined. He coached Lompoc Youth Football, influencing the lives of every player he worked with.  He intently followed every California team and thought that every Californian should be loyal to their home team.  Over the years he played every sport available, but golf was his passion.  He was a fierce competitor and found great joy in every sporting event.  He never missed a chance to watch his children and grand children competing in sports.
  Ron retired from education in 2003 and spent his time golfing, traveling, and doing all those things he and Barbara had neglected over the years.  His car was always immaculate, his lawn was pristine, and golfed like crazy.  Retirement was his heaven!
  Ron loved his family.  He was an involved, loving father and grandfather, and he loved his wife voraciously.   Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara, his four children, Morrie, Meshelle, Misty, and Moose, his 18 grand children and his brother, Jimmy.
  Ron lived life with intensity and zest and believed that attitude is everything.  He was loved dearly and we will miss him every day.  We will celebrate his life at the Dick Dewees Senior Center, 1120 W Ocean Ave, at 2pm on Friday, Sept. 21.  Please come to honor Ron and enjoy friendships. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Lompoc Youth Football League at P.O. Box 99, Lompoc, CA 93438.  A website, RonMau.com, has been created to connect and share.