Ronald Jack Frederick Elder

Beloved best friend and husband to Iola, he was a loving father to his sons Chris (Denise) and Jason (Ashlee), stepchildren Sanna (Andrew) and Jacob (Sahara), and grandfather to Toben Elder, Hayden and Harlow Larose. They were the joy of his life.

He is also survived by his sister Sylvia Stephens and former partner Frankie. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Katherine, and his son, Jason, who passed away far too soon last year.

Ron graduated from Washington State University with a Forest Management degree. He started his long and distinguished forestry career in 1966, where he worked extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest. Ron was a great mentor, always patient, willing to share his knowledge, and made countless friends along the way.

Ron enthusiastically pursued many talents and hobbies. He was passionate about restoring and showing vintage cars, was a talented amateur photographer and an impressive cook. He shared his father’s love for carpentry and spent many hours creating in his workshop.

Anything that Ron was associated with seemed to come with the connection of creating lifelong friends. He loved hunting and fishing and went on an annual moose-hunting trip with the same group for 45 years; they occasionally brought home a moose to prove they were actually hunting and not just drinking scotch.

Ron and Iola, created a beautiful and welcoming home together, sharing a love for gardening, dogs and travel. Above all, his true passion was his family and friends.

Ron was a gentle giant of a man; with a huge smile and a ready laugh you would recognize anywhere. We will all miss him profoundly.

A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Coastal Silviculture Committee’s Forestry Student Bursary, contact Don Piggot for more details [email protected].