Ronald M. Gelfan, Sergeant Retired, Lake County Sheriff”s Department, age 59, died at his home in Kelseyville, Oct. 26, 2006, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 20, 1947 in Santa Monica, to his surviving father Sydney Gelfan and his mother the late Estelle Gelfan. He lived in Burbank, where he graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1965.
Ron graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, Northern California Criminal Justice Training and Education System, Santa Rosa, on April 18, 1975. He served with the Calistoga Police Department, first as a Reserve, then as a dispatcher and then became a police officer. Prior to becoming a police officer, Ron was employed by a private investigative service that placed him as an undercover narcotics officer in Alaska. He received several commendations from Alaska Chiefs of Police.
Ron began his career with Lake County Sheriff”s Department on Jan. 1, 1978 as a Deputy Sheriff. He was promoted to sergeant in 1983. He was a member of the SERT Team., Swat Team and served as a Rangemaster and Armorer for the department. During his tenure with the Sheriff”s Department, Ron obtained his teaching credential through the University of California at Berkeley. He taught Law Enforcement classes at both Yuba and Mendocino Colleges for several years. Ron was a life-time member of the National Rifle Association proudly supporting the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Clearlake, and the Lake County Peace Officer”s Association.
Ron had a great fondness for teaching, shooting, and above all being a Law Enforcement Officer.
His great sense of humor will be remembered by many.
He loved all of his German Shepherds and is now survived by his dog Sam. After retiring Ron was most happy when traveling with his wife, dog and friends in his fifth-wheel trailer.
Ron loved to socialize with people.
Ron is survived by his wife, Victoria; father, Sydney Gelfan of Burbank; aunt, Miriam Lasker of Los Angeles; mother-in-law, Leoma Wicks; sister-in-law, Jill Wicks; and nieces, Amanda and Amy Wicks all of Kelseyville.
He is also survived by his many friends and all those who loved him.
Ron Gelfan will be cremated at Jones Mortuary and his remains given to his family.
There will be a celebration of life for Ron at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Kelseyville Lions Club, 4335 Sylar Lane, Kelseyville.
In lieu of flowers, Ron asked that donations be made to the German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California, P.O. Box 8498, Emeryville, CA 94608.
He is loved and will be missed by many.
Jones Mortuary
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(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on Friday, November 3, 2006.)
