On December 19, Ronald Arthur Pape passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, after fighting complications from cancer. He lived a long, rich life marked by devotion to family, deep friendships and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Ron was born on February 8, 1933 in San Francisco to loving parents Ethel and Arthur Pape. Ron grew up in San Francisco with his younger brother Bob, and both boys loved exploring San Francisco and had many great adventures together. Ron attended Lincoln High School in San Francisco where Ron met the love of his life, Lois Leonhardt. Lois and Ron were married on February 15, 1953. Shortly after they were married, Ron served in the Navy where he worked as a butcher on an aircraft carrier. When Ron returned home after serving his country in the Navy, he and Lois originally settled their family in San Bruno before moving to their permanent family home in Millbrae. Ron and Lois were the proud parents of five children: Larry, Susie, Cathy, Caron and Tracey.
Ron and his brother Bob opened Pape Meat Company in Millbrae in 1958. Ron took great pride in seeing his business grow and thrive. His mission was to provide exceptional customer service with high quality meats. His customers noticed, and soon people from all over the San Francisco Bay Area were coming to shop at Pape Meat Company. Through his relationships formed over the counter, many customers became life-long friends. Ron became a staple in the Millbrae community and he was an active member of the Millbrae Lions Club and the San Mateo Elks Club.
Ron was most proud of his ever-growing family who brought him immense joy and pride. Family was at the center of Ron’s life, and he delighted in staying connected across generations. In a quiet manner, Ron influenced his family with his values of strength, caring and kindness. Ron and Lois loved to host family gatherings at their Millbrae home as well as at their family cabin in Twain Harte.
Ron and Lois loved taking trips to Maui. Ron enjoyed golf, travel, and especially being with family and friends on the Twain Harte Lake beach.
Ron is preceded in death by his wife (of over 65 years) Lois, parents Ethel and Arthur Pape, brother Bob Pape and daughter Caron Watts. Ron is survived by his son Larry Pape and daughters Susie Martin (Rob), Cathy Gilbert and Tracey Kohtz (Ken). Ron is also survived by his eleven grandchildren Danielle (Dan), Josh (Jen), Jessica (Dan), Colin, Rachelle (Nick), Lucy (John), Brian (Kelley), Veronica (Lino), Justin (Nicole), Sarah (Karla) and Zachary (Melissa). Additionally, Ron is also survived by his growing number of great grandchildren Amaya, Marloe, Desmond, Gianna, Amelia, Sadie, Ella, Nash, Auggie, Leo, Weslee, Iris, Elliot and Archie.
Ron will be remembered for his steady presence, his warmth and the way he valued time spent together. His life was one of connection – rooted in love, friendship and gratitude. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of the Highlands on El Camino Real in Millbrae, at 194 Millwood Drive. The family would appreciate any donations in Ron’s name be made to either the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (fredhutch.org).
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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