Ronald Joseph Dias

Ron “R.J.” Dias, 58 passed away at home on August 28, 2015 after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Ron was born to Joseph S. and Frances E. Dias in Hanford, CA at Sacred Heart Hospital on October 8, 1956. He had an older sister, Stephanie and two younger brothers, Tim and Don. He attended school at Washington Elementary, Woodrow Wilson and eventually Hanford High School, where he graduated from in 1974. His favorite teacher was Mr. Waldo Larson who taught photography, which was also his favorite class. Ron was always the man behind the camera, taking what he learned in this class and applying it to his many years of personal photography and videography, capturing memories of himself, his friends and his family. Throughout his childhood, Ron participated in little league and enjoyed playing games with the neighborhood kids. Ron was also an active member of the Cub Scouts and Boy scouts, during which he achieved numerous merit badges and worked towards obtaining Eagle Scout. He was also an avid bicycler, motocross rider, snow and water skier and jet skier. Ron continued to ride motocross for as long as he could, but even if he was unable physically, he still showed up on Saturday mornings to show his support for all of his riding buddies.

Ron was a hardworking man beginning his working life as a teenager. His first job was at San Joaquin Nursery, then Hanford Floral, Armstrong Tire Company, Bill’s Bicycle Shop, Netto Ag, and finally Verdegaal Brothers where he worked for 22 years and made countless friends. At Verdegaal’s, he started as a truck driver and worked his way up to serving as the ¬¬¬¬¬Acid Pump Injection System Technician Manager. Although his career path led him to agriculture, Ron never forgot his passion which stemmed from his younger work years, landscaping. Whether it was simply mowing the lawn or drawing up plans for new landscaping, even after his long days at work, he always enjoyed working in his yard. His latest work can be seen at his new home.

Although they had known each other since they were young through her brother Stan, it was not until later in life that Ron and Gina began their lives together. They were married on January 8th, 1994 in South Lake Tahoe. They were able to spend 21 years of marriage together. Through this marriage he gained a daughter, Brynne and together they welcomed into the world their daughter, Shea and their son, Ty. Together, the family enjoyed taking vacations to Pismo, Disneyland and Hawaii. In 2012 they had the opportunity to take a road trip to the Mid-West during which they visited the Great Salt Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore and white water rafted down the Snake River. Ron and Gina were also able to take vacations to Arizona and Hawaii.

Ron was a great husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Joseph and his sister, Stephanie.

Ron is survived by his wife, Gina, his three children, Brynne, Shea and Ty, his mother, Frances, his brother’s, Tim and Don, his nephew Joseph (Wife Andrea and sons, Colton, Jackson and Max) and his niece Katie (daughter, Joesy).

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. at Kings River Cemetery;10499 Dover Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230. A reception celebrating Ron’s life will follow graveside services.

Family and Friends are invited to view Ron’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

Services are under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com