Agricultural leader Ron Tyler dies

Ron Tyler, a founding member of the Agricultural History Project, died Friday from heart surgery complications. He was 78.

Born in Oakland, Tyler attended Mount Diablo High School in Concord and obtained a degree in pomology from UC Davis in 1955. He was commission a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years active duty before serving in the California National Guard as a commander of Company C 149th Armor, where he reached the rank of captain. He joined the UC Agricultural Extension Service in 1957 and was later assigned to be farm adviser to San Benito, Santa Clara and Monterey counties. In 1971, he became director and farm adviser for Santa Cruz County, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.

“I knew him for about 34 years and he was very dedicated to the ag industry, first being in his profession as the Agricultural Extension adviser for many years,” Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau executive director Jess Brown said. “In that role, not only did he interact with people in agriculture, but farmed and gave them advice.”

For the complete article see the 01-31-2012 issue.

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