Ronald S. Westphal J.D ’74, a resident of Campbell, passed away on Sept. 1, 2014, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, his wife, Carolyn Westphal, a retired Campbell school teacher, and his two children, Holly and Ryan. He also leaves behind his mother, two sisters, Lisa Smith and Tina Liddie, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ron was born in Glendale, California, in 1944 to A.J. "Tiny" Westphal and Kay Scott. He moved to Odessa, Texas with his mother and his step-father O.E. Scott where he attended Jr. High and Permian High School. Ron spent a year in South Africa where he attended the University of Natal, in Durban, before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, including an assignment to the NSA where he worked in intelligence. Ron graduated from the University of Maryland before going on to Santa Clara University School of Law. 

After passing the Bar, Ron’s first job, as a newly minted attorney, was with Cotrell, Hofvendahl and Roessler. He later left to hang his own shingle and had a wonderful career in the Bay Area as an Estate Planning and Business Law attorney doing what he loved best, counseling. He is known by his clients and colleagues for his integrity and quality of work. Ron was also known for his sharp wit and intellect. His quest for knowledge was insatiable and he enjoyed a wide array of subjects ranging from history, politics, philosophy, to religion. Not everyone shared his perspective, but all can attest that Ron loved the discourse and people frequently walked away from a conversation feeling enlightened or invigorated in some way. Not all of Ron’s interests were cerebral. He enjoyed walking, hiking, traveling, and cycling, often referring to the later as "the church of the rolling wheel." He spent many hours riding with his wife, children and friends, on a single or a tandem bike, traveling virtually every road in the greater Bay Area and many roads beyond its borders. He was part of the Almaden Cycle Touring Club for many years and he was a Board Member of Books Aloud, a charitable organization near and dear to his heart. Ron will be incredibly missed by family, friends, and colleagues. He truly was one of a kind.