RON HAST

RON HAST of Tiburon, CA died August 20, 2013 at the age of 74. In 1957 Ron and Allan Abbot founded a flower transport service. Adding a constantly updated fleet of vehicles, Abbott & Hast Company became the nation's first full time transportation/livery firm for the trade. Between 1957 and 1985 the firm provided cars and drivers for some of the most prominent services in the state, including services for Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood and Clark Gable. In 1960 the partners created the Casket Airtray and introduced a Conversion vehicle to be used primarily for removals. In 1973 Abbott & Hast began acquiring funeral homes in the greater Los Angeles area. They created the Cremation Society of Los Angeles and offered cremains scattering through Tributes, Inc. In 1975 they acquired Berg Publications, Inc., eventually changing the name to Abbott & Hast Publications, Inc. The publishers founded the Funeral Monitor while continuing to publish Mortuary Management Magazine. Ron's editorials were enlightening and informational, his knowledge leading to his mentoring many and to his popularity as a speaker across the country.