Ronald LeRoy Wilson

Ronald LeRoy Wilson, a loving father, tall, dark haired and movie star handsome, a classy dresser, a man with a booming voice and a soft heart, a stellar sense of humor, loved crossword puzzles, reading the paper, baseball, football, traveling south on vacation, Joe's Special at Thirteen Coins, western movies, especially John Wayne, a grilled steak with a Caesar salad, chocolate milk, Fritos ,telling a good joke and most of all a good cup of coffee, passed away on Sunday June 2, 2013 at the age of eighty.

Ron was born in Oakland, California to Dan and Clara Wilson the second of four children; Tom, Ron, Floyd and sister Barbara. The family moved to Whidbey Island in 1946. Dad attended Langley High School where he played football, basketball and was president of his class. After graduating he attended Everett Community College and joined the Navy Reserve in 1951. Missing the last ferry on a Reserve meeting weekend resulted in Ron being activated into the Regular Navy and being stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, which was considered an overseas assignment since Alaska had not yet become a state. Dad's shipmates all had nicknames, there was Casanova, (obvious reason) Pie Face,(painfully obvious) and dad's nickname was Drydock(somewhat obvious) because he was stationed on a mobile drydock that never left the harbor the whole time he was in Alaska. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1955 and went to work at Boeing for a time with his brother Floyd and father Dan commuting from Whidbey Island into Seattle and Renton down Highway 99.

Ron met Luana Marie Larsen on Whidbey Island and were married in 1959. They had three children, Kathleen, Thomas, and Susan and were married for ten years. He worked at the former Ideal Cement Company as a Lead Supervisor (now known as Holcim), located in West Seattle, for thirty three years, retiring in 1995.

Dad commuted to work in a small red Toyota pickup. He was a tall guy and his legs wrapped around the steering wheel. He liked his little truck but he didn't like the insignificant sounding horn, so he went out and bought the largest horn he could find and mounted it outside the driver's window. Drivers were quite startled when this little truck let out a sound that would blast them into the next lane.

Dad remarried in 1981 to Bette Guthrie and lived in Issaquah, Washington spending their time with family, grandchildren and each other made for a rich life together. They liked to vacation in Arizona and California enjoying the warm weather, friends and family. They also went on several cruises to Mexico.

He was a devoted caregiver to his wife Bette during her last year. Bette passed away on October 9th, 2000. Ron moved to a retirement apartment to be closer to his children and after moving in called his daughter to inform her that, "There are a lot of old people here."

Dad's sense of humor went both ways. He could laugh at himself as well. Once when an afternoon nap turned into a good night's sleep, and upon waking at 3 A.M. in the dark he called to inform us that Mt. St. Helens had probably blown again and he was going to pop some popcorn and enjoy the show.

On Valentine's Day he would hand deliver a box of chocolates to each one of the ladies residing in his apartment building. Dad made friends and endeared himself to all that knew him.

Living close to his family we were able to spend time together having barbeques on the patio, celebrating holidays, birthdays, attending or watching Mariner games, and enjoyable conversations over a cup of coffee(did I mention he loved coffee). Memories we hold so precious now.

When life was hard, Dad never asked why? Never felt sorry for himself. Dad was genuine, he never pretended to be someone he wasn't. He was comfortable in his own skin. He showed us what perseverance and strength was and lived every day with determination to move forward. He showed compassion for others and performed small acts of kindness wherever he could.

Dad was kind, generous, supportive and loyal to his family. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and we felt it in all he said and did. Thank you for all you taught us, how to be compassionate and kind, to make the best out of every situation, to love unconditionally, and how important good manners are.

Dad once asked "Why is it that when people die, they all turn into saints?" Well, Dad we will not call you a saint, but only because you would not want us to.

We are grateful that on a beautiful June day, with family around you, you died peacefully with the class and dignity in which you lived your life.

We could write a thousand pages, but still would be unable to convey, just how much we love and miss you every single day. We will remember your smile, your laughter and your all encompassing bear hugs. Thank you Dad for always understanding, listening, caring, and loving us. One of the greatest gifts God gave us was you.

We are so proud of you and though our hearts are broken we know you would not want us to dwell in our grief. Thanks Dad for everything. We love you so. God bless you and keep you until we are together again.