Ronald Walter Park

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah; and parents, Roy and Esther.

He is survived by daughters, Monica, of Redmond, WA, and Valerie, of Seattle, WA; sisters, Dena Ward and Grace Park, of Michigan; three sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron led an active life full of highs and lows. He was born and raised in Niles, MI. Ron's father died when Ron was 10 years old, which forged a very close relationship between Ron and his mother. Ron was high school class president and played on the basketball team. He joined the Army in 1950 and with the GI Bill attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in journalism. He wrote for the Ann Arbor News and for Businessweek magazine, and then worked for Michigan Congressman Marvin Esch in Washington, D.C., where he met Sarah and married in 1972. He raised his daughters in Ann Arbor, MI before the family moved to Monroe, WA, in 1992. Ron retired from his job as a railroad lobbyist in 1989 after a near-fatal closed-head injury. He filled his retirement with Kiwanis club, local charities, faith and family. He was a lifelong lover of Michigan football, history, and classic movies. He was a devoted supporter of many charities, particularly those addressing poverty. Ron faced the challenges in his life with courage and grace, and a heart full of love. He spoke of his daughters to everyone, and after his wife's death he never removed his wedding ring. He prayed daily, never asking for anything for himself, always thanking God for his many blessings and for the protection of his family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 2010, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Snohomish, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Ron's name be made to the Sky Valley Food Bank of Monroe or Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.

Ron's family extends a special Thank You to his Monroe neighbors who gave so much to him in life and much to his family in the wake of his death.