Ronald Gene Kikuchi

Ron lived life with enthusiasm. He was curious, creative, artistic, and, perhaps more than anything, a person who believed that if something needed to be done, he could figure out how to do it. He had a true can-do attitude, and that spirit showed up in just about everything he did.

Ron was born in Wyoming, but as an infant he moved with his family to California. His family story was itself a journey across cultures and across the country. His grandfather immigrated to the United States from Japan and came west to work on the railroads as they made their way across America. On his mother’s side, his family were immigrants from Germany.

Ron and his family lived for a time in the mountains near Santa Cruz before eventually settling in Los Gatos, California, where he spent much of his early adult life. He attended Foothill College.

Those years in California also gave Ron one of his favorite stories—and one of his most treasured collections of memories. He attended an extraordinary number of rock concerts at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, seeing many of the legendary performers of the 1960s and 1970s. Ron loved music and loved being part of that remarkable era. And he had the posters to prove it.

Ron and his brother Sonny went into the waterbed business together. Their partnership was cut tragically short when Sonny was killed in a plane crash. Ron later began a career in residential real estate brokerage in Los Gatos, a career that eventually brought him to Houston.

He moved to Houston to be with his wife, Marie, and the joy of his life, his daughter Natalie. His father and sister, Nita, were also in Houston. Ron continued his real estate career there and eventually turned his talents toward real estate photography, combining his knowledge of homes with his artistic eye.

But Ron was much more than his work.

He was a remarkably talented and creative person who could turn almost anything into a project. He enjoyed framing, woodworking, building elaborate Christmas villages, and teaching the class mothers how to make fabulous gift bows. If there was something to build, create, fix, or figure out, Ron was usually up for the challenge.

And of all the things he did, there was one role he treasured above all others: being a super dad. Nobody could beat Ron at that.

His family was at the center of his life, and his love for Natalie was unmistakable. Becoming a grandfather to Bella gave him another special reason to be proud and happy. Natalie played a large role in her dad’s care in his final months of life.

Family mattered deeply to Ron, and so did the many friendships he made along the way. He also dearly loved his dog, Winston. The dog park became more than a place to take Winston—it was a place where Ron found another community of friends, people who came to know and appreciate his warmth, enthusiasm, and personality.

Ron will be sorely missed by his family and by the many friends whose lives he touched. Those who knew him will remember his creativity, his energy, his willingness to try something new, and the excitement he brought to the things he loved. They will remember a man who didn't just talk about doing things—he figured out how to make them happen.

Most of all, they will remember Ron for his can-do spirit, his generous heart, and his love for his family.

Ron is survived by his wife, Marie; his daughter, Natalie; his granddaughter, Bella; and his sister, Nita Richards. He also leaves behind his nephew, Anthony Kikuchi, and Anthony’s children, Micah, Layton, and Masie, as well as their children.

He was predeceased by his brother, Sonny, and his parents, Yoshi and Bertha Kikuchi.

No immediate service is scheduled. Updates regarding any future gathering or event in Ron’s honor will be shared with those who knew and cherished him and via this medium.

Ron leaves behind a lifetime of memories—music, family, creativity, friendships, projects, and stories—and, most importantly, people who loved him and will carry those memories with them.