Harold Ragan, 88, a retired educator, died Sunday, November 20 in Monterey. Harold was born in Cherryvale, Kansas and was ninth of ten children born to Charles and Dora Ragan. He graduated from Cherryvale High School, and was a member of the army from 1946-1949 and again during the Korean War.
After his discharge from the army, he earned a BA in English at University of Wichita, Kansas, in 1954. He taught English at Andale Rural High School in Kansas, where he met his wife-to-be, Laverne, also a teacher. Harold enrolled at the University of Pacific, Stockton, CA, in the summer of 1955 and earned his California teaching credential in 1956. He and Laverne were married August 7, 1956 in Elko, NV, and made their first home together in Pacific Grove.
Harold taught English at Monterey High School for 5 years and was librarian for 24 years. In 1969, he was awarded his Master's Degree in Library Sciences from San Jose State University. He was active in teachers' unions as well as holding elective offices in the California Association of School Librarians. He retired from teaching in 1986.
After his retirement, he worked part-time as a librarian at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and later at Santa Catalina School. He enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandson. He was a member and officer of the Carmel Orchid Society for a number of years. Harold was also active in various city and county political campaigns throughout his life in Monterey. He served two terms on the Monterey Planning Commission, and chaired that Commission for one year. He was a member of the Monterey Public Library's Board of Trustees for 13 years, chairing that board for 7 of those years. His most recent contribution to the Monterey City government was as a member of the city's General Plan Committee.
Harold is survived by his wife of 60 years, Laverne, and three sons: Timothy (Katie) of Fair Oaks, CA; Scott (Cat Dampier), of Monterey; and Mark (MaryAnn Wilkinson) of Pacific Grove. Six sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kelli (Drew) Brusaschetti of Rocklin, CA; Jack Ragan of Fair Oaks, CA; Anne Ragan of Fair Oaks, CA; Erik (Mallory) Ragan of Ashburn, VA; and Gwendolyn Ragan of St. Petersburg, FL.; and one great grandson, Beau Brusaschetti of Rocklin, CA.
A celebration of life service will be held at Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove, Ca on Saturday, November 26th at 2 p.m. Interment was at San Carlos Cemetery. Any memorial contributions should be sent to the Monterey Public Library Trust Fund, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
November 30, 2016
Marielena Spadaro
Mr. Regan lived across the street from me, and then became my childrens neighbor. I could not have asked for a nicer person and neighbor. He would play with my kids and and tell them stories. He loved all our pets. He will be forever in our hearts....we will miss seeing you every morning...
The Spadaro's
November 23, 2016
Broeck Oder
I knew Harold as a colleague during his years at Santa Catalina School. He was a wonderful guy, always knowledgeable, helpful, and positive. God bless him for all his service to students and to our community over many years, and good thoughts for Harold and his family.
November 23, 2016
Harry & Amy Wareham
Harold is our long time friend, neighbor and fellow Kansan. We miss him greatly. Our love & sympathy to Laverne.
November 23, 2016
Mr. Regan was my junior teacher at Monterey High
School.
He was a kind and a great man. I learned alot.
Sharon Andrews nee Howe
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Nov
26
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more