Bill Ragsdale-Cronin, a Del Rey Oaks City Council member who was appointed to his position in February 2023, died on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at age 65 after a battle with cancer.
A statement sent out by the city on Aug. 30 states that he left “an indelible mark” on Del Rey Oaks and that “his loss is felt by all who knew him.”
Ragsdale-Cronin was among a field of six applicants who applied to fill the seat vacated by Scott Donaldson, who won his bid to become mayor in the November 2022 election; City Council appointed Ragsdale-Cronin, who served on the city’s planning commission from 2021-2023, to fill the seat in February 2023.
Ragsdale-Cronin worked at Monterey One Water for 40 years, where he initially started as a maintenance supervisor. Upon retiring from that agency, he worked as a maintenance supervisor at Santa Catalina School for seven years.
In the statement, Donaldson said, “Bill was a devoted public servant and colleague. His contributions to our city and his dedication to improving the lives of our residents will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Susan, his daughters, and his extended family during this difficult time.”
A celebration of this life will be held at the family’s cabin at Bass Lake on Nov. 29. The family is requesting privacy at this time, but cards for the family can be dropped off at Del Rey Oaks City Hall.
Ragsdale-Cronin’s seat will remain open until after the November election. (He had intended to seek re-election.)
The statement concludes with, “The City of Del Rey Oaks extends its deepest sympathies to the Ragsdale-Cronin family and all who were fortunate enough to know Bill. His legacy of service will continue to inspire our community for years to come.”