Selfless Determination: Remembering Bob Hren
Bob Hren
Robert Ralph Hren was an outstanding citizen who dedicated his life to making a positive difference in the world. A loving husband of 50 years and father of two sons, he was a beacon of light for his family and community. Born in Chisholm, northern Minnesota on September 19, 1948, and passed away peacefully from multiple strokes on September 26, 2023. Bob had a way of seeing the goodness and the potential in people. Even when facing adversity, Bob gained respect from others for his fair and calm manner. He was a mentor and guidance counsellor to many. He approached life with his dry sense of humor, kindness, determination, and forward thinking.
Bob gained more than 40 years of experience in the electric power generation field. He combined his technical expertise as a mechanical engineer and legal knowledge with his law degree to work as a Project Development Manager for Bechtel Enterprises, Inc. He focused on the development, construction, ownership, and operation of electric generation facilities. He travelled worldwide to develop projects in Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and across the United States.
Bob joined International Generating Company (Intergen) as Vice President, in 1999 and opened an office in Sacramento in 2001 to respond to the California energy crisis and develop new power projects. His two notable natural gas projects that he legislated and oversaw the development of are now bringing power to citizens through Roseville Electric and the Ocotillo plant in Palm Springs.
In 2002, Bob became an independent consultant through his own company, Vista Enterprises, and brought his expertise to advise Solar Energy companies such as Next Light, and Eight Minute Energy (the amount of time it takes to receive energy from the sun). He retired from the energy consulting business in 2016 to dedicate time to his family, hobbies, and travelling to favorite destinations in the US and abroad.
Bob loved gardening and was known for growing an abundance of large, luscious tomatoes. He would plant up to ninety-eight plants in raised beds creating a tomato forest. When his wife objected after processing them, he said, “Ok, I only planted 49 this year.” Bob was passionate about making his award-winning wines, that he distributed and enjoyed with family and friends.
In 2017 Bob was elected chair of the Nevada County Republican Party. He dedicated over six years to growing the party into what it is today. He recruited candidates for local county offices and supported their efforts to win. He led fundraising events by organizing and presenting dinners and other events to establish the largest reserve fund in our local party’s history. He recruited volunteers to help at events, established a Republican headquarters, and managed the daily activities, meetings, and issues of the party. Bob was good at managing people, keeping calm and order even when debates became heated. He could subdue controversy in disputes and recognized the innate good in people. Bob used his practical experience in negotiations with both friends and adversaries to advance the prospects for Republican candidates and issues.
His colleagues at the Nevada County Republican Party knew Bob as a thoughtful and reasoned leader, who carefully weighed the ramifications of each decision. He applied his engineering mindset in planning large and impactful projects. His technological mind understood the value of digital campaigning for the 21st Century. He was a key figure in several Statewide initiatives that fundamentally changed the political dynamic in California.
Bob left a legacy that made a positive difference in many lives and in our entire community. His presence is greatly missed.