A galaxy of memories at Rancho Obi-Wan
May the 4th, otherwise known as Star Wars Day, has become a cultural phenomenon. Around the world, fans mark the day with movie marathons, costumes, collectibles, character appearances, and a shared love for stories from a galaxy far, far away.
We have marked this beloved fan holiday since 2022 with themed activities, character visits, special surprises, and moments of imagination for patients and families. This year, the tradition expanded beyond George Mark Lane, as our friends at Rancho Obi-Wan welcomed a small group of George Mark bereaved families into their own galaxy.
Stepping into the story
Tucked inside a former hen house in Petaluma, Rancho Obi-Wan is the Guinness World Record holding home of the largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia in the world. From the outside, it looks quiet and unassuming. But inside, the doors open into a galaxy of stories, memories, characters, toys, art, costumes, books, and treasures from nearly every corner of Star Wars history.
Kianna, one of the bereaved siblings in attendance, felt that contrast right away.
“From the outside, this looks like a lovely, ordinary chicken farmhouse,” she said. “But on the inside, it sort of looks like a home, and then now, there’s a lot of Star Wars museum displays.”
The visit grew from last year’s Star Wars Day celebration at George Mark, when Rancho Obi-Wan brought part of its collection to the House. This year, families were invited to experience the full museum in person.
“We brought a little bit of the collection and shared it with the families there that day,” said Rancho Obi-Wan docent Dwayne Smith. “This was a day to bring George Mark families to Rancho Obi-Wan to get the full experience of the museum.”
For Dwayne, supporting George Mark felt natural.
“We’re happy to be involved with George Mark and George Mark families and share our passion for Star Wars with them,” he shared.
Inside, families moved through aisles filled with action figures, posters, helmets, models, books, artwork, and playful surprises. Children leaned toward glass cases to spot familiar characters. Parents paused to take photos. Docents Dwayne Smith and Jon Nagel brought the collection to life with stories behind rare pieces and longtime favorites.
Small moments, big memories
For the children and siblings on the tour, the magic was immediate.
George knew his favorite character right away: Boba Fett. He loved the action figures, especially the smaller ones, and singled out a Hoth trooper in snow gear as one of his favorites. He was also taken by the bright white hallway built to look like a Star Wars set.
When asked what it felt like to be in that space, he answered simply: “Fun and really exciting.”
Aurora, dressed for the day in her Mandalorian costume, found her own favorite moments too. She loved holding a lightsaber and taking a picture. She loved seeing Grogu. And when asked about her favorite Star Wars character, her answer made perfect sense: the Mandalorian.
For Kianna, the experience was something she could share with her family.
“My family and I can have fun together, sharing something we like,” she said. “It’s almost like revisiting childhood.”
That sense of wonder showed up in simple ways throughout the visit: holding a lightsaber, posing for photos, spotting favorite characters, and enjoying time together as a family.
Carrying It Forward
George Mark’s care does not end at the bedside. Through our bereavement program, families continue to find support, remembrance, and community after the death of a child.
For Evan Lutz, who supports George Mark families through individual and family therapy sessions, experiences like this can offer something deeply meaningful.
“It can be a unique opportunity for bereaved families to continue to build memories and a life forward together, while knowing that their child’s memory is welcome, their loss is still seen and held with care, and that this experience is shared with other families,” Lutz said.
Anne Neumann, President and CEO of Rancho Obi-Wan, described the decision to welcome George Mark families in the most heartfelt way.
“We’re happy to do it because Star Wars brings a lot of joy,” Anne said. “Especially for the families of George Mark, they’re grieving and they just need a little respite from what they’re going through. And that’s what we do.”
One parent later shared what the day meant to their family: “We really appreciated everyone being kind and loving with an inclusive event. Super appreciative of the bereavement team! It was a super boost!”
A galaxy shared
Rancho Obi-Wan is extraordinary because of the collection. But what made this visit so meaningful was the people who shared it.
Docents Dwayne Smith and Jon Nagel guided families through the museum with warmth, enthusiasm, and the kind of care that made the visit feel personal from the start. Anne welcomed them with generosity. Rancho Obi-Wan founder Steve Sansweet also made a special appearance, spending time with the families, answering questions, and sharing stories from his decades of collecting.
As he greeted the group, Steve offered a warm welcome.
“I hope you had some fun today and saw something that might have interested you,” he told the families.
In one especially sweet moment, Steve signed a Star Wars book for one of the families, adding a personal keepsake to an already memorable day.
He also shared a glimpse of what may come next for Rancho Obi-Wan.
“We’re talking about doing a new museum that combines four collections,” Steve said, referring to the future vision for the Saga Museum. “That’s some ways in the future.”
Anne reflected on that larger hope too.
“How many people will come away with some kind of sense of happiness, joy, positive feelings, a feeling of being belonged,” she said. “With their people, like you found your people.”
Then she added:
“And that’s how we make this world a better place.”
For one afternoon in Petaluma, George Mark families found wonder, respite, and a whole galaxy of memories. They found it together.
