Ron's colleagues at Seattle Department of Transportation are saddened to learn of Ron's passing. The following info has been distributed to all department employees.

Those  of us who worked closely with Ron are glad that he got a chance to enjoy life without work. If the family is interested, I can send along the remarks that were made at Ron's retirement in May, 2003. Please email me if you would like them.

Our hearts go out to Ron's family, his dear friend Sue and others who may gather in Chicago.
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We learned with great sadness today that Ron Hess passed away on July 19. Ron joined the Seattle Engineering Department in 1969 and retired from SDOT's Street Maintenance Division in May, 2003. Ron was closely associated with SDOT's pavement preservation and restoration activities. He exemplified many of the high ideals of public service, vigilantly protecting the public's investment in the streets, and seeking to deliver to the public the best, safest streets and sidewalks at the least cost.

Ron had been in declining health, but managed to continue his bridge playing and trips to Whistler into his retirement. Recently, he sent his former colleagues a postcard from Hawaii. Those of us who worked with Ron miss SDOT's reigning curmudgeon and will warmly remember his wry humor and gruff ways.

Funeral services will take place in Chicago. PLease sign the online guest book at www.evergreen-washelli.com.

Ron, anytime I made you smile it was one of the highlights of my day. Your gruff exterior belied the total kind-hearted softie that was hidden just below the surface. I've missed you very much since you retired, and I am so sad to learn you have passed on. You were a good friend and teacher and I will miss you very much. My deepest condolences to your family at this very sad time.

I worked with Ron for many years a long time ago.  I remember how knowledgable he was and how hard he worked to do things the right and best way. He helped me many times to solve a problem or satisfy a request from the public.  He still has my thanks and I send my condolences to Ron's family.  Jesse Krail

Sorry to learn of Ron's passing.  Ron was an extremely knowledgable resource needed for Seattle's Construction Standard Specifications having anything to do pavement construction.  Ron had a sense of humor, was "construction  and maintenance seasoned", and was a pleasure to have discussion with when it came to "important benefits available in big towns, such as good steak and pizza" I'm from New York City.  Ron did life the way life's supposed to be done.

My prayer today is that God will comfort your hearts.  You will forever miss Ron greatly, but the wonderful memories will last forever.

I was saddened to hear that Ron is no longer with us. Yes, he could be a grumpy guy, because he stubbornly believed in his mission, but I knew a little of his private self, as well. I frequently passed him while I was walking with my sister, as he was taking his walks. He was always happy to see us and cheerfully discribed his latest art project or planned trip. He will be missed. I'm sorry I'll have to tell my sister, too. She had a lot of trouble reconsiling my discription of him as the "pitbull" at work with his sweet and cheerful disposition when meeting on our walks. 
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Dinah Kinney
and Pam kinney, as well

I enjoyed working with Ron for many years. He added interest and humor to our work  place. He will be remembered with fondness.

I am so sorry to hear that Ron Hess has passed away.  I am one of his colleagues at what is now the Seattle Department of Transportation.  I work in public relations, and in order to write things for the public about our streets I often sought out Ron's assistance.  He patiently explained a great deal to me about pavement management, enabling me to write brochures, news releases, and similar pieces of public information. He strove for accuracy and doing things the right way. He always had something funny to say, or a wry comment to put things into perspective. I enjoyed working with him.

Our condolences to Ron Hess family from his former collegues and friends.  We had found memories.  We pray the Lord will comfort his family and Sue during this time of loss.

My prayers are with Ron.  I worked with Ron for over sixteen years, and have truly prayed to the Almighty to bless him and keep him.  My deepest sympathy to his family.  Ron is in Heaven now with the Lord.  

Susanne Bass

Ron and I both have a Russian / German ancestral background.  We enjoyed sharing historical information and stories of our families migrating from Germany to Russia during the mid-1700s, their times of living in Russia, their coming to American, and, of course, our family recipes with a Russian / German influence.  Sometimes, he would try a recipe his grandmother used to make -- and sometimes he would bring samples.  Ron enjoyed learning new things, and he enjoyed sharing, whether it was information or a sample of Reibekuchen.  He was a great guy!

Sue, I was sorry to hear about Ron.  I know that even when health is an issue it is still a tremendous shock.  My condolences and my prayers are with you.
Love,  Layne

Ron and I enjoyed many bus rides together after work.  He was always curious and interested in the world around him.  He did not always approve of the world but he was a participant and not a bystander.  He was always helpful to me at work and happy to share his knowlege.  I witnessed his loyalty to his friends and so many other nice qualities.  
I am sorry for your loss and I know he will be missed.

I have known Ron since 1985, when I began my career with the City of Seattle.  Although Ron could come across as a little grumpy sometimes, I found that if he was treated with respect, he appreciated it very much and returned it in kind.

Good luck, Ron, on your next stage of life.

I will not forgot working with Ron. Ron was one of the colorful characters I've met along the way and he has made my work life memorable.  I will remember him fondly.

I worked with Ron for 4 years here at SDOT.  He had a wealth of knowledge. 
I will sincerely miss Ron-I pray for comfort for the family and friends.  
May God Bless you and if there is anything I can do --please call me at 360-790-5642 or 360-705-9667 or 206- 684-0937.

I worked with Ron in Seattle's Department of Transportation for several years.  He was the friendliest, most helpful "Grump" I've known.  He seemed to try to cultivate a grumpy attitude, but his "good morning" greetings, his willingness to help with technical issues at the drop of a hat, and his keen interest whenever the subject of skiing was mentioned always "betrayed" his friendly side.  His work passion was protecting Seattle's pavement.  I enjoyed working with Ron and am sorry to learn of his passing so early in his retired life.

Mr. Hess worked for me for 5 years while I was at the City of Seattle. I always found him to be experienced, knowledgeable and helpful. He also had a great personality; Ron had a sense of humor and was calm even in the most stressful times. I always enjoyed working with him and I want his family to know what a great person he was. A good man indeed.

Dear Sue:  Our family is deeply saddened by your loss of Ron.  He was such a vital part of your life and you of his.  Ron was so fortunate to have had you at his side during his last traumatic illness.  You did all you could to make his quality of life the best one could hope for with your special care and devotion.  All the Potter family offer their sincere condolences to you and to Ron's family. 

Love and prayers,

The Potter Family

Ron would always find time to stop by the front desk, where I worked, to share some of his very dry, wonderfully warped sense of humor.  He had a great uplifting effect when I was dealing with cancer a few years back.  He will be missed.

Our hearts are filled with sadness at loseing our good friend, Ron. We have so many good memories, the many Christmas Eve's Ron and Sue spent at our home with us and our family. Our stay with Ron and Sue in his condo at Whistler B.C. And then the week he and Sue  joined us in Maui, Hawaii, in March of this year, to name just a few. For these we are grateful.To Sue and Ron's sister, Barbara and Kathy, our heartfelt sympathy. We will miss your Ron. Our love, Darrell and Mary Miller

I am very saddened to learn of Rons' passing.  Ron has been my friend since before he started work with the City of Seattle. My first memory was from a group picnic that we both attended in the 1970's.  I handed him a watermelon and asked him to put it in the river to get cold.  He placed it in the water and gave it a gentle push into  the current.  As we watched it being carried out of sight out of sight, he remarked that he hadn't  known that watermelons could float!

When I married in 1980, Rons' gift was a metal sculpture  of an embracing couple.  It is very special to me.  Ron was very special to me. I will miss him greatly at our Holiday parties and get togethers.  Go in peace, friend, you will always have a place in my heart

Good By Ron, It's been fun skiing with you. We sure did; when you followed me under that tree branch in the powder!

Best wishes to the family that reads this. I'll always remember Ron dancing on the table to his disc jocky big band dance music.

Thinking of you Sue,and remembering the fun times we've had playing bridge with Ron.

OBITUARY

Ronald Victor Hess

31 December, 1969 – 31 December, 1969

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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