Obituary of Ronald Edward Wyzga

Ronald Edward Wyzga left this world on June 5, 2021 the
same way he lived--with elegance and grace, surrounded
by loved ones. He was 78.
Born in Massachusetts in 1942 to Mitchell and Erma Rae
Wyzga, Ron earned a scholarship to Harvard University
that whetted his appetite for lifelong learning. He obtained
his Doctorate in 1971 in Biostatistics from Harvard after
earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics at Harvard
and his Master’s Degree in Statistics from Florida State
University.
Ron’s professional career could fill a book: his dissertation
on developing new methods to study the effects of air
pollution on health led to his work as a worldwide
consultant in the field. He authored a book on estimating
the economic value of environmental damage; penned
dozens of articles and speeches for conferences, journals
and publications worldwide; was a senior technical
executive at Electric Power Research Institute (from whom
he received a Lifetime Achievement Award); sat on
dozens of advisory committees; and gave testimony to the
U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.
Travel was a large part of Ron’s life, for work and
pleasure. He organized a workshop in South Africa,
studied workers in Slovakia, and conducted research in
Brazil and Japan, among other places. He traveled to
over 70 countries and visited all seven continents. He
especially enjoyed his many trips to Southeast Asia with
family and friends. Ron lived in many places, and loved
Massachusetts, France (especially Paris); and his final
home, Bonny Doon, California.
Ron is survived by his partner, Tuan Nguyen of Santa
Cruz; his son Damien Wyzga of Bonny Doon; his son
Zachary of Campbell, California, and his brother, Mitchell
R. Wyzga of New Bedford, Massachusetts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife,
Pamela Raymond Wyzga.
Besides travel, Ron loved to frequent fine restaurants and
explore new places. He also loved entertaining, gardening
(especially dahlias), and opera. Ron also challenged
himself to successfully train for and run the Boston
Marathon.
Ron will be remembered for his kind spirit, his twinkling
blue eyes and his gentle and sweet personality. He had a
wonderful combination of brilliance and innocence. He will
be greatly missed by all.
The family would like to thank Dr. Julie Jaffe, Katz Cancer
Resource Center, UCSF Medical Center and the large
community of friends who assisted him through the final
chapter of his life. No services are planned. Donations in
Ron’s honor may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank,
Jacob’s Heart or Hospice of Santa Cruz .