Hubbs, Ronald M., 1908-1996

Ronald M. Hubbs was born April 27, 1908 in Silverton, Oregon. He was the son of George W. and Ethel (Burch) Hubbs. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon. Hubbs joined the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company in 1936 as a special agent in Oregon and Washington. From 1937 to 1941 he was an agency superintendent in San Francisco.

Hubbs served in Europe and North Africa with the United States Army during World War II. He was a recipient of the Legion of Merit, and was discharged with the rank of colonel.

In 1946 Hubbs was made general manager of St. Paul Fire and Marine's Southern California branch office. In 1948 he came to St. Paul as an assistant to president Archie B. Jackson. In 1952 he was made vice president, and in 1959 executive vice president. Hubbs became president of the company in November 1963, and served in that capacity until 1973, during which time the St. Paul Companies, Inc. was created as a holding company parent to the St. Paul Fire and Marine. Hubbs retired as chairman of the board in 1977, and thereafter devoted his time to a variety of educational, civic, cultural, philanthropic, trade, and business organizations.

Hubbs served on a variety of corporate boards, was a board member and president of the Minnesota Historical Society, and was head of the F. R. Bigelow Foundation. He was a longtime champion of adult literacy programs, and was also instrumental in establishing the Chinese language program in the St. Paul school district.

Hubbs married Margaret Stewart Jamie of Hilo, Hawaii, on September 9, 1935. The couple had one son, George James. Hubbs died on November 25, 1996.

From the guide to the Ronald M. Hubbs papers, 1937-1997 (bulk 1978-1992)., (Minnesota Historical Society)