Ronald James Warnes

He graduated from Rockford High School in 1970 and Ferris State University in 1972 with an associate degree in restaurant management. His education built upon years of experience, having begun working in his parents’ family restaurant at just 12 years old. In 1972, Ron married his beloved wife, Valorie (Val), beginning a 54-year marriage and lifelong partnership that became an extraordinary example of love, devotion, and commitment to everyone who knew them.

Ron built a successful career that took him from the family restaurant to Bell Industries, where he worked in sales, and eventually into the shoe business with his father-in-law. His entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and connection with people carried him through decades of business, owning his own businesses (RJW Imports Inc.) and UPD Inc. with his partner and long-time friend, Wendell Sunberg until 2006, and eventually serving as a country manager for Chinook Trading Co. in Jinjiang, China. He retired in 2018.

While Ron was proud of his career and accomplishments, his greatest joy was always his family. He was a devoted husband to Val and father to his children, Nicholas (Nick) and Lindsay.

Ron spent countless hours coaching Nick and Lindsay in baseball and basketball, teaching them lessons about teamwork, perseverance, competition, and, most importantly, enjoying the journey. He was always there to encourage them, support them, and celebrate the moments that mattered. The memories that he made with his family at home, at the cabin in Baldwin, and traveling the world formed them into the people that they are today.

His greatest joy, however, was being a grandfather. His grandchildren, Lucy, Matilda (Tilly), Lee, and Michael James (MJ), lovingly called him Dado. He treasured every moment with them and took great pride in watching each of them grow. Being Dado gave Ron another way to love, encourage, teach, laugh, and make memories that will remain with his grandchildren for the rest of their lives.

Ron also loved golf. To him, golf was about much more than the game, it was about spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, laughing, and making memories. Whether on the golf course, at the cabin, at a family gathering, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Ron had a way of making those around him feel welcome and cared for.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Donald; his mother, Kathleen; his sister, Cynthia; and his brother, Donald.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Val; his children, Nicholas (Whitney) and Lindsay (Chad); his grandchildren, Lucy, Tilly, Lee, and MJ; his brother, Rob; his sister, Roxanne; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

Ron will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and Dado, coach, businessman, brother, and friend. His generosity, work ethic, humor, loyalty, and unwavering love for his family touched countless lives.

His greatest legacy is not what he accomplished in business, but the love he gave, the people he influenced, and the memories he created. The example he and Val gave through 54 years of marriage - a life built on love, devotion, partnership, and family - will continue to live on in the people that loved him.

Ron showed up. He loved deeply. He worked hard. He made people laugh. And he made the lives of those around him better simply by being there.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A Visitation will be held on October 16, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am and a Memorial Service will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Val in this difficult time using this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/633odz/donate/init