Ronald Hultquist

Ronald A. Hultquist, Pioneer in Aurora Public Schools and Community Leader, 80

Mr. Hultquist retired from Aurora Public Schools after a 30-year career in 1990 and served the community through his work with Kiwanis and support of the Aurora Historical Society and Museum. He was known for his leadership and innovation in implementing the Middle School concept in the state of Colorado.

Mr.. Hultquist was born on August 2, 1934. His kind, considerate and positive attitude was infectious with all who had the pleasure to know him. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Dunn and by his daughter Kari Stewart and son Kyle Hultquist and his five grandchildren: Morgan, Torell, Tyla, Karsten and Jaxson. Married for 42 years to Janine, who passed away in 2000, he is happily reunited with her now.

A well-known veteran of Aurora Public Schools, Mr. Hultquist was known for his effective teambuilding and leadership and for pioneering the Middle School education concept, opening the very first large Middle School in Colorado as principal at Aurora Hills Middle School in 1973. The new modern building was as unique as it was controversial where he introduced open space and team teaching concepts and built a first-rate team to run the school. After nine successful years at Aurora Hills, he moved on to open Columbia Middle School, another new school in the rapidly growing Aurora Metropolitan area in 1982. There, he continued his enterprising educational career until 1990, when he retired after 30 years of service to Aurora Public Schools.

Mr. Hultquist attended Aurora High School, where he played football and basketball and was voted "nicest" in his senior class, graduating in 1952. In September of 1952, he left Colorado for two years active duty in the U.S. Navy. After serving his country, he began college in 1954 at Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado where he graduated with a BA in Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Counseling and Guidance.

A long-time Denver Broncos season ticket holder - he proudly attended two Bronco Super Bowls. He was active in the community and a member of the Aurora Kiwanis club for the past 47 years. He enjoyed reading to children at several local elementary schools where Kiwanis supplied students with books and refreshments. He was also an active member of the Aurora Historical Society and Museum. In addition, he enjoyed getting together with his life-long high school and college buddies. He was a long-term member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

Services will be held in Aurora at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 1609 Havana Street from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to:

Aurora Kiwanis Foundation P.O. Box 441774 Aurora, CO 80014-1774