Ron Sidell, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, died of complications caused by pneumonia on Monday, February 25. He was known for his curious mind, his generous heart, his sense of humor, and his deep fascination and appreciation for the natural world – stars, plants, reptiles, rocks, and especially dogs and cats., a fan of the Grateful Dead, the Warriors and 49ers, and a passionate advocate for a free internet. Helen was always his first priority.
Ron loved the joys of life and bore its hardships with grace and ingenuity. He contracted Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in 2001, leading to a variety of health issues that led to his death at the age of 59. Ron’s response to his losses was to serve others. He spent the last years of his life adapting technology to enhance the access of disabled people to the wider world with the help of his wife of 29 years, Helen Nichols.
He was born in Cleveland, raised in Walnut Creek, earned a BA in applied math at UCSD, and was Director of Computer Operations at Genentech until he contracted GBS. After living on the Peninsula for many years, he and his wife moved to Novato in 2011 to be closer to family – Susan, Avery, Logan, Kanjana, Emily, Natalie, Madison, Lona, and Lukas Stewart; Trevor Hickey and Caitriona Olson.
Ron is also survived by his parents, Shirley and Dr. Sheldon Sidell of Seattle, as well as his brothers Michael and David. In the last 16 years of Ron’s life, both families are grateful to his faithful caregiver, Va Loto’hahea, for her love and devotion.
On March 9, Ron’s family and friends will gather in Novato for a celebration of his life. Please consider making a donation in Ron’s name to the Valley Medical Center (VMC) Foundation of San Jose.