Ronald Larry Sydow

Ronald Larry Sydow, 78, of Oak Harbor, WA completed his final performance and exited stage left on Sunday, July 9, 2023 in Bellingham. His passing was due to postoperative complications resulting from surgery to correct his mesenteric ischemia.

Eldest and devoted grandson of Anna Sydow (Jacobsen) he was born on August 19, 1944 in Everett, WA to his parents, Rudolph and Esther Sydow (Bosworth), who preceded him in death.

Ronald pursued a lifetime of entertainment through theater and arts. After achieving his Bachelors Degree from Eastern Washington University in 1970, he was a first of many to graduate from the University of NC at Greensboro in 1972 with the Master of Fine Arts in the theater program.

His first run as an educator at the theater arts occurred at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. This was prior to his return to his hometown of Everett, WA in 1976 to earn his tenure at Everett Community College.

As Technical Director and Theater Instructor, he honed his arts of scenography and stagecraft over several decades. He was involved with countless numbers of plays, ballets and musicals in many of the theaters and auditoriums across Western Washington, eventually becoming a Director of Children’s Theater and adding film production to his educational arsenal.

He possessed a fondness for all of the arts and beauty, including that of nature. Ron was never one to miss a good show, performance, recital, or sunset with his family and friends.

As a lifetime collector of things, likely stemming from reusing flats, props and costumes from his theater days, he always swore he could find new use in almost any old or broken thing. His collections went from things to fashion and friends. He had a knack for talking to complete strangers and engaging them in conversations (or ramblings if you knew him).

Well dressed to impress with a fedora on his head, and color coordinated tennis shoes, he could usually be found at a music venue or festival for some entertainment. He loved Karaoke and could be seen singing one of his favorite songs across Whidbey Island.

Ron, a.k.a. “Ronnie” (to his Aunts and Cousins), a.k.a. “Ronaldo” (his theatric name embellished over time from Ronald), a.k.a. “ Papa” (to his granddaughters) adored his faithful dog and companion “Bingo.” He was a regular at the local dog park.

Ron is survived by his spouse Rika Suda; his two children: Tara Sydow and Donovan (Jessica) Sydow; his siblings: Bruce Sydow and Annette Jenkins; his granddaughters: Amber. Brielle, and Teagan; his great-granddaughter, Alannah; and his former wife, Donelle Bunch-Sydow.

Graveside services for immediate family and close friends will be held Aug 18, 2023 at 11am for his internment at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, 1615 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA.

A Celebration of Life, for all that knew him, will be held the following day at The Muse in Everett’s Historical Weyerhaeuser building located at 615 Millwright Loop N., Everett at 3pm on August 19th. Both events will be conducted by his lifelong friend and spiritual advisor, Jeff Craig.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the arts.

The Village Theatre/Kidstage is an awesome opportunity to help a youth in their passion for theatre.

https://tickets.villagetheatre.org/TheatreManager/1/online?donationcampaign=128

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-FH.com for the Sydow family.