A Clovis businessman, philanthropist, veteran, coach, and politician who made youth development an integral part of his life died this month, leaving behind a legacy to continue far into the future.

Former Fresno County Supervisor Stan Oken died Feb. 16 at age 97, according to an obituary from Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home.

Mr. Oken, the founder of River Way Ranch Map at Wonder Valley Resort, is survived by his wife Dorothy, three children, Roy, Nancy, and Larry, eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Oken Remembered as Kind, Thoughtful

A World War II veteran and later a businessman and a sports coach, Mr. Oken wore a variety of hats in Fresno County.

In 1973, he purchased the Wonder Valley Ranch site near Sanger. Beyond the resort, he also used the property as a place to give youth a place to learn and grow.

In 1980, Mr. Oken survived a devastating fire at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas that killed 85 people. That experience prompted him to create Champ Camp, a summer camp for young burn survivors run by the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, which recently celebrated 40 years.

Mr. Oken was more than a businessman, though. From 1991 to 2000, he served on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors and as chairman from 1993 to 1997.

His experience made Mr. Oken a frequent source of guidance, said former Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. She first consulted him when she considered her run for sheriff. She would regularly turn to him for advice.

“Stan was measured, he was thoughtful, and he was funny,” Mims said. “He could be funny, and I just enjoyed talking to him whenever I had the chance.”

Before she became supervisor, Susan Anderson was the Fresno County Clerk and frequently worked with Mr. Oken on issues. She remembers his kindness and compassion.

“He was a gentle person but firm. He was definitely opinionated and wasn’t afraid to express his opinion,” Anderson said. “But I just remember him being very kind and caring.”

Winner of Leon S. Peters Award

In 2016, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce honored Mr. Oken with the Leon S. Peters Award. He told the Fresno Bee that he considered it to be the “highest honor somebody could get.”

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said Mr. Oken was a “dedicated servant to the people of Fresno.”

“His decades of service and commitment to improving the quality of life of every Fresno County resident will forever be remembered,” Dyer said. “Stan was a faithful family man and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ. I am confident when Stan entered through the gates of Heaven, he heard those sought after words from God, ‘Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter in.’ ”

A celebration of life will be at Wonder Valley Ranch on April 19 at 11:30 a.m.. Friends, family, and community members are invited to attend after an RSVP.

Call (800) 821-2801 to RSVP.