Becker, who was 59, died unexpectedly overnight Monday. He moved
to San Juan Bautista with his wife Martha four years ago and laid a
vision with DMB for the 6,800-unit, multi-use development off
Highway 25 near the Santa Clara County border.
HOLLISTER
A DMB representative today called the death of El Rancho San Benito project manager Ray Becker “devastating” to peers, but he stressed that the firm will “carry on with his work” and move the project forward.
Mike Roberts, a DMB executive who moved here in July as additional support for Becker as the project progressed, noted how the company and local office’s culture is “one of a family.”
Roberts emphasized that the group’s primary focus these past two days “has been on the family and making sure we serve their needs appropriately.” Otherwise, he said they’re trying to continue daily tasks and keep things running.
“Certainly, Ray was the leader,” Roberts said. “He was the face of the project. He was a leader in this community. He was certainly the leader of this team. Anytime you lose a leader like that, it’s devastating.”
Becker, who was 59, died unexpectedly overnight Monday. He moved to San Juan Bautista with his wife Martha four years ago and laid a vision with DMB for the 6,800-unit, multi-use development off Highway 25 near the Santa Clara County border.
Roberts, who said he likely will take on the project’s lead role, noted how he had moved here from DMB headquarters in Arizona three months ago to coincide with the county’s progress on an environmental impact review – a crucial element of the project before a potential countywide vote by citizens.
“We’re ready to pick up Ray’s work, carry on with his work and do what he would have us to do, which is process this project and get it approved,” Roberts said.
