Ronald Anthony Izaguirre

Ronald Anthony Izaguirre, 61, of Oceanside,CA, died on July 29, 2023 after battling ALS for 2 years. During his illness, he continued to smile everyday and never lost his loving and caring spirit. Services to be held at Eternal Hills, Oceanside, CA, September 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, children, Kimberly Izaguirre of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Anthony Izaguirre of Hacienda Heights, CA,and Katlyn Izaguirre of Hacienda Heights, CA. Brother Vincent Izaguirre of Hemet, CA and Frank Izaguirre of Springhills, TN. Sister Stephanie Rodriguez of Ames, IA. His Aunt Betty Sanchez of Rowland Heights, CA and Uncle George Loya of Los Angeles, CA. Ronald also had many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank and mother, Patricia.

Ron was born on February 1, 1962 to Patricia and Frank Izaguirre. Ron happily joined his older brother Vincent in the family. Ron and Vince developed a close bond that lasted until the day he died. Patricia and Frank divorced and both remarried. Ron and Vince moved to Santa Fe Springs to live with Patricia and Fred and a household of children. It was a combination of yours, mine and ours. When Ron, Vince and Steph tell stories of their childhood, it was filled with laughter and crazy adventures.

Vince and Ron moved to Walnut to live with Frank and Vera when they were in junior high. Ron was active in student government and sports. Ron loved sports. He played baseball, football, and wrestling. He was well liked and had many friends and too many girlfriends to mention.

After graduating from Walnut High School he joinned the Army. He spent the majority of his assignment with the 82nd airborne at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.This is where he willingly jumped out of airplanes! He was honorably discharged and he returned home to California. However, his girlfriend at the time, Shirleen jumped on a greyhound bus to California because she missed him so much. Nine months later they welcomed Kimberly into their lives. Next, Ron met Beth and they had two children together, Anthony and Katlyn. Ron made some questionable choices in his life that he deeply regretted. Ron always reflected on this time later in life and realized the number of people he disappointed. It saddened him that he had caused so much heartbreak to the people he loved. He never made excuses for his actions and took full responsibility.

When Ron was in his late forties, MySpace was all the rage. Carolyn reached out to say hello. A few months later, Ron joins Carolyn on the Navajo Reservation where she was working on a family literacy program. This is where he is able to turn his life around. He goes on to continue his education at Navajo Technical University where he is well liked and makes many friends. He would walk the hallways saying hello to everyone. He graduated with an AA in Technology with honors.

Ron was always helpful with Carolyn. He happily helped her set up her classroom, set up equipment for events, and even dressed up as the Easter Bunny. They took full advantage of their time in the southwest. They spent time exploring south western Colorado, which included Pagosa Springs, Durango and many of the Native American ruins. They spent time in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Sedona. They made friends within the Navajo community where they lived. They were invited to Pow Wows, Navajo ceremonies and were invited to visit Native American ruins off the beaten path. Ron and Carolyn decided to get married before they left the Navajo reservation. Ron and his wife move to Yuma, AZ for a short time before moving to Oceanside, CA.

After a few years, Ron started to develop aches and pains that he thought were age related. He was finally diagnosed with ALS in September of 2021. At this time, he was already having trouble walking. He decided he wanted to live as long as possible. In a few short months, he was unable to use his arms or legs and required a ventilator to breathe. A few months later, Ron could no longer talk or eat. Yet, he continued to smile and mouth, “I love you.” He still loved sports, he watched football, basketball and baseball. He even enjoyed watching cornholing. Any of the health care workers who cared for Ron, would end up loving him. He loved his nurses and aides and never complained. In the end, Ron was thankful that he could be at home,with his wife and dogs by his side until the very end.