In Memoriam: Ron Hartley

Ronald John Hartley, Sr.

Ron Hartley, Commercial Developer, and Quarter Horse owner passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 1, 1938, he then moved with his parents to California in 1944 and graduated from Montebello High School in 1957. After graduation, he joined the Air National Guard and served from 1956 to 1963. While in high school, Ron met the love of his life, Jeryl Barillaro and they were married in 1960.

Through high school, Ron trained thoroughbred horses with his father. He has been involved in nearly every aspect of horse racing since starting his career at the age of 19, becoming one of the youngest trainers on the Southern California circuit. He eventually became the Racing Secretary at Los Alamitos Race Course.

In 1976, Ron and Jeryl moved to Canyon Lake to work with his father in law, Alfred Barillaro, and brother in law, Larry Uebersetzig, as a partner in Canyon Lake Realty. They soon afterward founded HUB Enterprises, a commercial development company.

Canyon Lake was home to Ron and Jeryl for 44 years. Ron enjoyed many ventures in the business he helped create, but most of all, he loved being surrounded by his family who worked alongside him. For recreation, Ron always looked forward to camping and fishing with his children and later with his three grandchildren.

Of course, Ron’s lifelong passion was the horse racing business and in 1991 he bought his first quarter horse, Joy of Six. Ron enjoyed racing and breeding Quarter Horses and has had great success including four times World Champion Moonist and most recently, 2019 World Champion 2-year-old Cartel Jess Rockin.

Ron is survived by his wife Jeryl Hartley, three children, Ronald Hartley Jr., Lynette Gibson, Dayna Collom and three grandchildren, Travis Gibson, Jordan Collom and Jared Collom.

Services will be held at the Canyon Lake Church on Friday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m., located at 30515 Railroad Canyon Rd, Canyon Lake, CA 92587.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Los Alamitos Racetrack on March 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Vessels Club. In lieu of flowers, donate to The Los Alamitos Chapter of The Race Track Chaplaincy of America.