Submitted by Karen Root–
Ronald “Ron” Jay Root, 65, passed away the morning of July 18th, 2025, at his home in Citrus Heights. Ron was born on May 25th, 1960, in Oakland, California, to Ivan and Nancy Root. The fifth of six children, Ron and his family moved from Oakland to West Point, CA, after the death of his father. Ron’s childhood dream was to become a pilot, and he even received his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. A graduate of Calaveras High class of ‘78, Ron lettered in football and went on to get his Associates of Science in Forestry from Modesto Junior College.
From there, he worked as a timber faller and a cowboy. Ron loved being in the woods and was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. An eye condition, “Keratoconus,” caused Ron’s blindness and prevented him from his dream of joining the United States Air Force. However, after many treatments, in 1989, Ron was able to graduate from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Training Academy. He worked for many years as a skilled and highly respected Sheriff’s Deputy for Sacramento County. He was on the Sacramento County Trap Shooting Team and won many medals.
After injuries sustained as a Sheriff’s Deputy forced him into retirement far too early, he found a new love and sense of purpose in the world of giant pumpkin growing. Ron’s life was marked by numerous health challenges, yet instead of bowing to them he always found a way to pivot, try something new, and move forward.
He was endlessly curious and had a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics. His ability to learn new skills and quickly become an expert and master them was no surprise. In 2010, he won the Half Moon Bay World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off with a 1,535 lb. pumpkin. It was the first time in 11 years that a California grower took home the top prize. In 2023, Ron and his growing partner Nick Kennedy set a new CA state record for largest pumpkin at a staggering 2,497 lbs and taking home 2nd place at the World Championship. He loved mentoring new growers.
The first words out of everyone’s mouths about Ron are always “he was so generous and kind”. Ron’s generosity was as big as his heart. Whether it was his time, his knowledge and expertise, or even opening his home, he helped everyone constantly. He loved nothing more than to spend time outside among the trees and beside a lake with his dog, his family and friends.
He is survived by his sister Karen Root, brother Roger Root, nieces and nephews Kristen, Kelsey and Kristopher Root and yellow Labrador Remi. A memorial service was held on August 23rd, 2025, at Scottish Rite Center 6151 H St., in Sacramento.
