Ronald L. Wattles

Ronald Lee Wattles, 68, of Washington Twp., Apr. 9, 2017. Dear father to Erika (Bill) Wattles-Cooke and Brett (Katie); Beloved son to Bette; Cherished Grandfather to Mason; Caring brother to Dave (Lynn) and Keith (Kim); Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews; Predeceased by parents Harold and Elaine. Born May 2, 1948 in Chicago, Ron graduated from Berkley High School and Northern Michigan University. He joined the Rochester Fire Department in 1973, and then joined the Avon Township Fire Department in 1978 as a firefighter. Ron was promoted to Lieutenant in 1981, he was promoted to the position of Captain in 1982, and then to the position of District Chief of Station 5 in Rochester Hills from 1987 until retirement in 2005. Ron also taught students at Reuther and Hart middle schools and Central Junior High School. In retirement, he enjoyed working at Ace Hardware. Ron was a tremendous craftsman, gifting so many people with items he created for them. He enjoyed raising pups for the Leader Dogs for the Blind. Ron was an avid fan of NASCAR and loved to follow his son’s motocross and MSU baseball. The family will receive guests for a Memorial Gathering Thursday April 13th from 3-8pm, and Friday 10am until the time of the Memorial Service at 11am at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester. Memorial contributions may be made in Ron’s honor to Leader Dogs for the Blind (www.leaderdog.org), or a charity of your choice.