Napa Vintner Ron Spicer Dies

Ron Spicer, beloved husband of Kathleen Spicer, brother of LaDonna Spicer, Patricia Smith and Jacqueline Altamura, died on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at his home in Napa, Calif.

Born in Rochester in 1939 to Henry and Rosetta Spicer, Ron was a cattle rancher in Theilman. Ron and Kathleen married in 1968, and were active and successful professional rodeo competitors across the Midwest and in professional rodeos and quarter horse shows in Pacific Coast competition. Ron’s event was calf roping, and he was very successful. Ron was Minnesota RCA Champion in 1974, 1975 and 1976. Ron was also a successful horse trainer in Minnesota, and qualified several horses for the World Quarter Horse and World Paint horse competition in calf roping and reining. Ron held clinics for calf roping and had many successful students.

Ron and Kathleen moved to the Napa Valley in 1976 and purchased vineyards in the Stags Leap and Oakville districts. Ron’s parents and sister, LaDonna, moved to the Napa Valley in 1979, and were partners with Ron and Kathleen in the Oakville vineyard, which was eventually sold to Swanson Vineyards. Ron concentrated his efforts on the Silverado Trail vineyard, where his home and quarter horse operation remain. Other than harvest, Ron did all the vineyard work himself. He was also employed by Rios Farming and Wight Vineyard Management. Ron was truly admired by all his associates for his hard work and determination to produce the finest grapes.

Spicer Vineyards has been a premium grape producer for Beaulieu (BV) Vineyards for 20 years, and is annually included in the BV winery George de Latour and Tapestry cabernet sauvignon wine.

Ron and Kathleen raised Australian Shepherd dogs and quarter horses. Ron’s great love for all his animals was his life’s joy.

Ron appreciated the advice and encouragement he always received from friends Manual Rios, Joe Miller, Doug Wight, and George Altamura.

There will be a celebration of Ron’s life from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19, with a sharing of memories at 3 p.m., at the home at 6161 Silverado Trail, Napa. All friends and associates are invited.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name may be made to the Cowboy Crisis Fund, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919; or the American Quarter Horse Foundation, 2601 I-40 E., Amarillo, TX 79104.

Arrangements by Morrison Funeral Chapel of Napa Valley, 707-963-3536.

Condolences may be written to the family at www.morrisonfuneralchapel.com.