Ron is survived by his loving wife Sally; children Larry, Elette, David, Dorene, Duane, Teresa and son in law Alan. He is also remembered lovingly by sisters and brother in laws Connie and Floyd Herold, Decorah, IA and Miriam and Adolph Humpal, Protivin, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents Orville and Betty Byram (Fencl), Protivin, IA; his brother and sister in law David and Jane Byram, Tulsa, OK; Gary Herold, nephew IA.
Ron was born on October 4, 1930 in Protivin, IA to Orville and Betty Byram (Fencl), the oldest of four. Following his high school graduation, Ron remained on the farm for two years before enlisting and serving in the United States Air Force. He attended St Louis University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1960 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Following his graduation, he moved to California, where he met Sally on a blind date they fell in love and married June 25, 1960 in Marin, CA. Ron not only gained a wife, but became a father to Larry and Elette. During the next seven years, there would be additions to the family, and many moves prior to the final move in 1964 to San Diego, CA. The family of four, added members David, Dorene, Duane and Teresa. Ron encouraged his children to work hard in school, engage in the arts, sports and scouting; then spent many weekends attending the events. When there was a break, he would pack up the van and plan day trips with the family, mountains, hiking, skiing or simply viewing Christmas lights. He loved to travel and would plan summer vacations which alternated between travels back home to Protivin, IA and taking camping trips. He loved nature and wanted to take every opportunity to share his love of this country and the National Parks. When Sally started running which turned into a Marathon career, he was her support and SAG, always waiting at the end of a race with a cold beer and later leg rubs.
He was a generous loving man whose greatest pride was simply being dad. He was quick witted and had a great sense of humor. As an engineer, Ron was very smart and talented, he would tackle home projects and did all the automotive maintenance including major engine rebuilds. He loved music and was an accomplished musician and singer. He joined the Swiss Club and sang with the choir and enjoyed the travel for performances and the comradery.
Ron was an active and dedicated member of St. Charles Parish for over 45 years. During this time Ron developed many great friendships, was dependable and assisted whenever someone needed help. He was a Knight of Columbus 3rd Degree, he was a lecturer, an extraordinary minister, and volunteered his time and with Parish functions. He served as a Scout leader, and following mass on Sundays could be found cooking up pancakes as a fund raiser. Ron enjoyed eating, he enjoyed cooking and was quite accomplished, and he could make a great split pea soup, chorizo and huevos (eggs) and grill a fantastic steak.
A mass is scheduled with the Knights of Columbus in honor of Ron on Friday, January 11, 2019, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Rd El Cajon, CA , 92020, with a reception to follow at the reception hall. All are welcome to attend mass and celebrate Ron’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a Charity of your choosing in honor of Ron. Condolences may be sent to www.dignitymemorial.com. The family would like to thank 24 Hour Care, Best of Care, the physicians at Kaiser, and Hospice for their efforts, care and dedication during his final months.
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