Harold Hambrice
Harold is from Arkansas but has lived in San Diego County for 20 years. Harold worked for several multinational companies overseeing manufacturing in many locations in the US and internationally. He has been involved with many aspects of the Society and has assisted in areas of investments, and most recently in developing a new website. He has a keen interest in coordinating activities with Parks and Recreation that can create additional projects that can support improvements in all county parks in San Diego County.
Joe Hester: 1932-2019
Joe Hester was born and raised in Texas. He was a drafter in the army in 1953 and spent 20 years serving his country, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973. He served as Senior Army instructor for 15 years and 17 years with the San Diego Police Department as a Senior Volunteer Patrol. Joe was enthusiastic about all parks and encouraging all residents of San Diego County to use and enjoy the diverse offerings in our county.
Ralph Strahm: 1930-2021
Ralph Strahm was a longtime resident of San Diego County. He served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia for four years. He was on the faculty of the University of Michigan in the development of a family court system. His career was mostly in the fundraising profession. Ralph was recognized recently by San Diego County Parks and Recreation for his long and distinguished service in San Diego County. Ralph retired from San Diego County but served 31 years. He was the coordinator of volunteer service for four years, public information officer and deputy director of library services for three years, and over 24 years with the San Diego County Park Society as Vice President. Dianne Jacobs from the county board of supervisors recognized Ralph for his long and distinguished service and declared January 5, 2016 as “Ralph Strahm Day.”
Cynthia Williams
Cynthia Williams has been a 40-year, intermittent resident of San Diego County. She graduated from Casenovia College for Women in Cazenovia, NY and attended American University in Washington, DC. Her husband, Jim, is a retired Marine Colonel. They have four grown children and 10 delightful grandchildren. During Jim’s military career, they enjoyed many interesting tours of duty within the US (especially CA) and abroad. They have permanently resided in North San Diego County since 1989. Cynthia worked as an elementary school librarian until her retirement in 2001. She was a member of the San Diego County Parks Society Board starting in 2002. She recommends the Wilderness Gardens Preserve and its peaceful trails, especially the Upper Meadow Trail which provides a wonderful view of the preserve and spectacular overview of the San Luis Rey Valley corridor.
Bill Woolman
Bill Woolman traces his family’s history in San Diego County back to 1886. The family has distinguished itself in the area, with several historic structures, notably the Long Waterman House on First Avenue and the Sherman Gilbert House, having been family homes. A family tradition has been philanthropy, with donations of land in the area of William Heise Park and of family heirlooms and household furnishings, many of which will be included in the renovation of the Sherman Gilbert House. Bill had a long and productive working life, and found time to raise two children, and now is helping to raise two grandchildren. Because of many family connections, and because of the park’s alpine beauty, Bill singles out William Heise Park as most deserving of visitation.
Edith Wyatt: 1914-2013
Edith Wyatt was a native of San Diego County and was born in 1914. For 36 years she taught fourth-grade students while raising two sons. Edith had an interest in outdoor recreation, parks and particularly the Boy Scout and Eagle Scout program, which she was involved in for over 50 years. Edith joined the San Diego County Parks Society in 1984, and during her tenure she served as an officer in all of the Board’s positions. Edith served over 14 years on the San Diego County Parks Advisory Board.