Ron moved his family to Boring in 1985. He found a nice chunk of land with a few acres, a couple barns and an inground pool and hot tub. He ended up with some great neighbors that grew to become very close friends. Selling the house in 2003 after raising his boys he retired in 2005 from Tri-Met.
After traveling through Europe for seven weeks he returned to begin a new journey in his 40 ft. RV accompanied by his wife and sister in law Linda. They spent two years traveling across the United States and Canada. Returning to Oregon in July of 2007 they spent their time with family and friends working part time preparing for their next adventure. Since his diagnosis with Cancer in May of 2010 he was able to spend precious time with his family, friends, and most important to him, his wife of 36 years.
He felt fortunate that he was able to say his goodbyes to those closest to him. He expressed that he felt fortunate to have lived such a full life.
He will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Sheila, sons Randy and Jason, Brother Glen, and sisters Patty, Cathy and Teri. Also dear to him were his two daughter in laws Becky and Trudy and his grand children, Ashley and Hunter.
If you have any comments, stories, or messages for Ron, you are encouraged to honor his family with your comments on this blog.
I have struggled with what to write about Ron. The best thing that I can say is that he was a great guy and he will be missed. I first met Ron in the winter of 1966 in Coos Bay, Oregon. We were much alike and he allowed me to become part of a wonderful group of then young men in the area. It made my time there terrific. Over time we drifted apart as I moved back home. Then about 2 years ago there he was in my office introducing himself. He and I had some great times together and I will always remember how he made everyone around him a better person and more comfortable. He was the kind of guy that everyone liked immediately. I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with him during this illness, and as always he handled it with grace and a smile. Ron was a wonderful friend and I will miss him for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteI knew Ron loved beer, but never knew he had a tavern. That makes me wonder about all the things we don't know about the people closest to us. Why did I never ask? I am glad Sheila is here to ask.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did know is that Ron was, and loved, family. He loved being around the entire "Oxford" side, watching football, telling stories, joking and laughing. He did have a great laugh. He enjoyed life and made friends easily.
He had no problem heading to the golf course as a single and meeting new folks. Maybe that's where he is now? And he'd come home with 3 dozen oysters to share.
Don't forget the oysters, Ron.
Love you.
Keith
I am very appreciative to get to see Ron before he passed. I enjoyed Ron's zest for life and incredible sense of humor over the years. When I was a boy I fell into a creek that was over my head down at Grandma an Grandpa's ranch. Ron immediately lifted me out of the cold water. Years later, Ron and Sheila helped me out by letting me stay at their place for a time and I felt a lot of support from both of them at a time when I needed it.
ReplyDeleteMerv
Well,,,what can I say. I met Ron in 1962 as he was of all things, hitchhiking. So I thought I should pick up this scrawny guy [that was in Bunker Hill by G.P. Mill]. From that day forward developed a friendship that is hard to find. He introduced me to my children's mother Bette, [we had talked about that later], he said he was sorry. The stories I could tell. RON, it was great to see you and to say goodbye. Sheila, Randy @ Jason you had the best....Love to all, Nick and Dee
ReplyDeleteThere is much to remember about times shared with Ron and Sheila. I am joyfully happy that they came to Coos Bay several times each year, making the journey to spend time with Coos Bay family and friends. One thing was clear about Ron. He loved my sister and their kids and grandkids. And he kept working to provide for them (not that he didn't take his play time too). He did enjoy his life.
ReplyDeleteThat is enough to call him a good man in my book.
Melody
Ron always had a smile and a story to tell. My favorite story was him retelling about the time he was on a bus in Mexico and wanted to know if he had time to use the restroom at the next stop. He spent a long time getting his Spanish just right, marched right up to the driver at the next stop, asked his question in perfect Spanish and got his answer in perfect Spanish. Of course he had no idea what the driver said, so not knowing if he had time to go to the bathroom or not, he turned around and went back to his seat. It always make me chuckle to picture it, because I've been there myself.
ReplyDeleteSheila - I am so glad you guys took the time to do all that traveling together. So many couples spend their lives working too hard, and never get that opportunity. You guys lived life to the fullest, and he had a smile on his face right to the very end.
You will be missed dearly, Ron.
Love,
Emily
Just also wanted to add that Ron was also Longshoreman. We worked together as casuals in Coos Bay out of ILWU Local 12 back in the late 60's and early 70's.
ReplyDeleteRon was well liked and left behind a lot of friends from that part of his life. I could tell many fun stories about Ron from that era alone.
We are left with a lot of great fond memories of Ron all thru his life. His Legacy will live on thru friends and family, thru Sheila, his Sons, Daughters-in-law, Grandchildren and beyond, he will live.
I too will miss him.
His Brother-in-law
Jim Oxford