July 22, 1933 - July 2, 2021
Dr. Ronald Lee Laub died Friday, July 2, 2021, after a lengthy illness. The 87-year-old veterinarian had practiced in the region for over 50 years. He was also a wine grape grower in the Acampo area. Ron was born in Fresno, California, on July 22, 1933, to Henry and Anna Laub. He was a second generation German from Russia” whose ancestors settled in Fresno County in the early 1900s. His maternal and fraternal grandparents were proud farmers whose descendants still farm the area today. He was always quick to acknowledge that he should not have lived much beyond birth having been born a twin with a low birth weight in the 1930s. He credits his mother for removing him from the hospital and having his beloved Aunt Kate nurse him to health. At nine years old, Ron lost his father. He, his mother, and his twin brother, Don, were left to farm the family ranch.
Through hard work, determination, and the leadership of an ambitious mother, they were successful. In their small community outside of Fresno, they also found wonderful mentors to guide them through track, Boy Scouting, and FFA. Using the structure of a strong vocational agriculture program at Central Union High School, Ron and Don set high goals and became co-owners of a ranch of their own, along with a small beef breeding business by the time they graduated high school in 1951.
Over the next few years, Ron enrolled at Fresno State, married Joyce Ihde in 1953, was drafted into the Army, and became a father. He resumed his education after his Army service, and, with two young children in tow, graduated from Fresno State in 1957. In 1963, Ron completed his Master of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, graduating first in his class. He always said he was not smarter than the other students; he just worked harder. Anyone who knew Ron knows that to be true. After turning down a teaching position at Washington State, the newly graduated Dr. Laub headed north on Highway 99 from Fresno, stopping at small towns, checking phone books, and calling vets to see if they needed help. He secured a job in Lodi from 1963–1965. He then bought Lockeford Veterinary Clinic on Locke Road. He later relocated the practice to Jack Tone Road until he built Mokelumne River Veterinary Services on Elliot Road in Lockeford in the late 1970s. Around the same time and after a long hiatus from farming, Ron purchased bare land and planted his first 40 acres of wine grapes in Acampo. Years later, he was able to purchase a house and additional acreage adjacent to this property, which he then put into production.
Dr. Laub’s clients and their animals were his top priority, and it was his honor to provide veterinary services to the foothills and the communities surrounding Lockeford. He specialized in large animals, and it was not uncommon for him to be called out at all hours of the day or night, holidays included. His clients generously rewarded him with homemade jams, confections, liquor, friendship, and much gratitude. Most clients referred to him simply as Doc or Doc Laub.
Through the years, he mentored many young people, and a few of them went on to become veterinarians themselves. At one time, he was affiliated with Davis Veterinary School as an associate professor and taught an animal science class at Delta College in Stockton. He is a past president of the Northern San Joaquin Veterinary Medical Association. He has also served on the Board of Directors for Guild Wine.
In 1985, Ron married Marjorie Havens. They celebrated many happy years together until her death in March of 2019. Marj was successful in getting him to take some time off, occasionally. Together, they enjoyed hosting an annual summer BBQ, visiting family in Montana and throughout California, taking cruises, traveling to the Stanislaus Forest cabin, and caring for their home on Collier Road where they tended to over 80 rose bushes in addition to stray cats, horses, cattle, and their dog, Bonnie. Ron enjoyed freshwater fishing but was known to go after a few abalone in his time. His Santa Maria BBQ Grill provided good memories to many, but especially to his grandchildren. His home-cured olives were a treat to receive. A lifelong learner, Ron was never far from a newspaper or a veterinary journal.
Dr. Laub is survived by his children, Connie Millsap (Jim) of Encinitas, CA, Ron Jr. of Fresno, CA; and his grandson, Matthew Millsap of Encinitas. He is also survived by Marj’s loving children, Judy Watson (Rick) of Bozeman, MT, and Kathy Simoes (George) and Susie Swan (Mike), of Galt, CA. In addition to Marj, Dr. Laub was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don and sister-in-law, Clara, as well as his grandson, Michael Millsap.
The family would like to acknowledge the love and support of Ron’s niece Debbie Jacobsen of Fresno, CA. Also, a special thank you to Vienna Nursing and Rehab for your support and care. Ron and Marj were generous supporters of many charities including Lodi Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the California FFA.
Due to the challenges of Covid a service will not be held. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.lodinews.com/guest book.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Laub family.
