Obituary: Board president Ulibarri leaves lasting legacy

Ron Ulibarri, longtime Menifee resident and president of the Menifee Union School board, died Aug. 12 at the age of 65. The following is an obituary submitted by his family:

Ronald J. Ulibarri born on July 11, 1953 and returned to the Lord on Aug. 12, 2018.

Ronald, the eldest son of Delfin and Canda Ulibarri, was a talented athlete in baseball, football and basketball as well as a first-rate scholar and salutatorian of his all-boys Catholic School. Ronald lived his life with absolute passion.

His love of sports began at a young age. He started coaching when he was 16 years old and was connected to assisting the youth in their journey through life. His positive example inspired many young men and women to be their best and to live a stronger and more meaningful life.

Nicknamed "The Bull", "Mr. U" and to some "Brother U", Ronald was a living example of generosity, compassion, and the power of change. His wonderful wife and love of his life, Rachel Ulibarri, said “he lived his life as an exclamation and not an explanation.” Ronald was a talented high-rise welder in the Los Angeles area, building many high-rise buildings in downtown L.A.; a kindergarten and middle school teacher for the Menifee Union School District; and a real estate broker and owner of the successful Infinite Realty and Loans company, with a team of over 20 agents and employees for over 25 years.

Earning a Bachelors and Masters degree, Ronald Ulibarri was passionate about education for himself, his children, his family and the youth in his community.

As a member of the Menifee Union School District Board of Trustees for a decade, Ronald was instrumental in the development of over half a dozen new schools, as well as the creation of many youth-based programs and activities. This year, his second time as president of the board, his theme and challenge to the school district was “Service above Self.”

Ronald's servant leadership persona was felt by all as he served people within his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and anyone in his community. His service in the church spanned from being a simple greeter to serving as an Elder assisting to establish the first Bachelors educational site for BYU Pathways Worldwide in Menifee.

Ronald and Rachel Ulibarri served countless individuals in the Pathways Program and gave many adults a second lease on life through higher education. Ronald's infectious smile, welcoming personality and talented teaching style assisted many to return to class again and again. He and his wife also served in the San Diego LDS Temple honorably for two years. He was a member of his church bishopric for seven years and presided over a congregation of hundreds. He knew everyone. He knew everyone's name. He loved people individually and looked for opportunities to serve.

A friend and community member, Denise Miller, shared her love profoundly in the following statement.
“It is a rare and wonderful man who passes through this mortal life and is able to reach out to anyone and everyone, making them genuinely feel loved and appreciated,” she said. “A smile that could cheer a lonely soul, a heart as big as the sun, a sort of kindness and gentleness that enabled friendship and trust by all who met him. A man of God, an example of the Savior’s love.”

Adi Nahsohn, a very close friend of Ron, exclaims, “Ron had a way of loving people and not thinking of himself. Each year he would look into the needs of others and arrange a secret Santa or provide food for those who needed it for the holidays.

“I will never forget one year he and I left some gifts on a doorstep for a family. I thought it would be funny to hit the doorbell so he and I had to run to the car. He had a way of looking into the hearts of people and easing their burdens. It was obvious to me that one of his many gifts was to see people how the Lord saw them."

As soon as Ronald's passing was published, there was an enormous outpouring of love and personal stories about him. Ronald lived as Christ wanted him to; he stopped to serve the "one among the many". He had a personal impact on hundreds of people, if not thousands. His legacy of generosity, fun, kindness and service will live on in the generations of individuals he has influenced.

It was an honor to know a man who lived with his whole heart and held nothing back in the service of others. Ronald's most important calling was his family, and no one can dispute the love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings and extended family. Although Ronald was only with us for 65 years, he made his mark on this earth that will last forever.

He is survived by Rachel Ulibarri (wife), Dr. Matthew Ronald Ulibarri (son), Dr. Crystal Ulibarri-Nasio (daughter), Rosalia Ulibarri (daughter-in-law), Uzziah Ulibarri (grandson), Sofia Ulibarri (granddaughter), Ezra Ulibarri (grandson), Toafa Nasio (son-in-law), Naomi Nasio (granddaughter), Laneah Nasio (granddaughter), Sariah Nasio (granddaughter), Canda Ulibarri (mother), Virginia Ulibarri Whitney (sister) and Leroy Ulibarri (brother).

A memorial service honoring Ronald Ulibarri's life will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 29725 Bradley Road, Sun City CA 92586. All are welcome. The family requests that individuals wear light colored clothing (white if possible) to the service as Ronald wanted to celebrate his life with gladness and happiness.

A luncheon will be held immediately thereafter at the same location. Flowers can be sent to Murrieta Valley Funeral Home at 24651 Washington Ave., Murrieta, CA 92562. In lieu of flowers, donations will be taken for the Ronald & Rachel Ulibarri Educational Scholarship, to be administered annually starting in the 2018-2019 Academic Year.