Stan Oken, who served Fresno County as a supervisor, entrepreneur and coach for decades. Photo courtesy Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

Stan Oken, World War II veteran, former Fresno County supervisor, coach and long-time owner of Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, died on Feb. 16  at age 97. 

Oken, who dedicated his life to community development, was born in Chicago but moved to California at a young age before purchasing Wonder Valley in 1973. Oken, aka “coach,” committed much of his life to ensuring experiences at Wonder Valley were fun, stable and educational.

In 1967, Oken founded the River Way Ranch Camp, a multi-award-winning California children’s summer camp that quickly developed into one of the most successful and beloved camps in the country.

Oken received numerous honors including the Leon S. Peters Award (2016), California Family Business Award (2000, 2008), and The Business Journal’s Legacy Award (2022) and Lifetime Achievement Award (2012).

In addition to his work at Wonder Valley, Oken coached both at the high school and collegiate levels, serving as the varsity basketball coach at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda, California, and as varsity baseball coach at Los Angeles City College.

He also served on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors from 1991 to 2000, acting as chairman in 1993 and 1997.

Oken is survived by his wife Dorothy, three children, Roy, Nancy and Larry, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Oken will be memorialized in a Celebration of Life ceremony at Wonder Valley Resort and Conference Center on April 19 at 11:30 a.m. Friends, family and members of the community are invited and encouraged to RSVP by calling 1 (800) 821-2801.