Ronald D. Spelhaug

Ron passed away on August 20, 2010 in Everett following a long battle with cancer with family at his side. He was born on June 12, 1941 in South San Francisco, California to Chester and Lois Spelhaug. They had three sons, Larry, Ron and Keith. Ron is survived by his wife, Rita and brother, Larry (Diane).

Ron attended Everett High School and graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Design and Psychology. Following school he began his amazing life of passionate pursuits and business successes. He joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged. Ron loved to ski and taught at Stevens Pass where he met Rita. He also loved flying and taught before leaving for Libya to fly oil crews into the desert. Rita joined him there where they married. On their return, he continued his love of flying by flying Citation jets for GTE and owned and flew several different airplanes including a surplus T-33 trainer from the Air Force. Ron’s love of flying led to the creation and funding of a scholarship at WWU for students that want to pursue a career in aviation (contact: Sonja Chorba).

In earlier years, in addition to planes, Ron loved trains and train travel. Over the years he has ridden on every rail line in the United States and before his illness had wanted to expand his travel to international. Travel was a passion. Ron and Rita went to Mexico many times over the years and in the later years found Sayulita, a then sleepy village, on the coast of Mexico and went there as often as possible. Protection Island was also a favorite place and they built and maintained a cabin there for many years. It was great place to fly into and Ron loved the landing strip, as it was like landing on a carrier he said.

Ron owned and operated a successful real estate appraisal business along with owning and managing rental properties. The people working for Ron loved him and even after retiring stayed loyal to him. He was a kind and generous man, as many know. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those that were in need and was always available to be a great and caring sounding board.

In addition to Rita and Larry (Diane) he is survived by nieces Lorrie Schleg (John), Keri Cable (Sean) and nephew, Justin Spelhaug (Jenn) all of whom were with him during his final days in addition to nephews Johnathan Cooper and nieces Hannah Cooper and Michelle Cooper. Ron had numerous cousins and grand nieces and nephews most of which were near.

Rita and the family would like to thank the kind and considerate staffs at Bethany Pacific, Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, the Emergency Room at Providence Pacific, the Everett Transitional Care Unit, Dr. Jacqueline Vuky and Leslie of Virginia Mason for the compassionate care they provided.

A celebration of Ron’s life and reception following will be held at 2 pm Wednesday September 8, 2010 at Purdy and Walters with Cassidy, 1702 Pacific Avenue, Everett, Washington. Remembrances may be made to the Providence Hospice of Snohomish County.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home, Everett, WA.

www.purdy-walters-cassidy.com