Ronald "Ron" Stanley Krusinski

February 4, 1945 – September 11, 2026

Ronald “Ron” Stanley Krusinski, 81, passed away on September 11, 2026.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ron moved with his family to Washington when he was four years old. Growing up as the youngest of three boys raised by a widowed single mother, Ron learned early the importance of family, responsibility, and hard work. He was practical, dependable, funny, and deeply devoted to those he loved. As a boy, he worked a double paper route and saved every dime until he could purchase his first car.

That devotion to family remained a constant throughout his life. Ron happily called his mother every day until her death and remained extremely close with his brothers, Bill and Rich. The three brothers shared a lifelong bond and often vacationed together.

Ron followed his brothers into military service, serving six years in the National Guard. He went on to build a successful 29-year career as an accountant and auditor for the State of Washington. After retiring, Ron discovered he wasn't quite ready to slow down. He spent another nine years working with FEMA, responding to disasters throughout the country.

Perhaps no relationship better reflected the man Ron was than his 52-year marriage to his wife, Barb. He adored and cherished her. Their love wasn't something reserved for the early years of marriage; those around them could see Ron's deep and abiding love and devotion to Barb throughout their life together.

When Ron married Barb, he also became an instant father to Angela and G.R. Having lost his own father at a young age, Ron didn't have a father's example to follow—but he embraced the role wholeheartedly.

He gave his children experiences and memories that would stay with them for a lifetime: train trips to Canada, curing Angela's “puppy fever” by bringing home their first dog, Ebony, teaching the kids to bowl and supporting them in their own leagues, and shooting off fireworks every Fourth of July.

Most importantly, Ron taught by example. He loved his children and took great pride in the people they became and the lives and families they built. For G.R., one lesson in particular endured: his dad showed him, through the way he loved Barb, what it meant to be an exceptional husband.

Alcoholics Anonymous was also an important part of Ron's life. For 33 years, AA was where he found sobriety, friendship, fellowship, and a community that became part of the fabric of his life. Ron was always willing to talk about AA and share his story. When someone needed encouragement, a kind voice—or sometimes simply a ride—Ron was there.

Ron loved sports. His first love was the Dodgers, dating all the way back to their Brooklyn days, and his loyalty never wavered after their move to Los Angeles. Living in Washington, he also became a fan of the Mariners and Seahawks and enjoyed attending games whenever he could.

Baseball remained his favorite. And when a game didn't go quite the way Ron—or his team—had hoped, those nearby might hear his characteristic exclamation: “RATS!”

Ron was quiet, funny, and genuinely enjoyed people and life. He was known for his kindness and for thinking of others. He loved Snoopy and Charlie Brown, decades of poker nights with the guys, bowling, and the special bond he shared with his neighbor Tim over Sunday games of cribbage—a tradition that lasted more than 20 years.

And then there were the dogs…Oh, a boy and his dog.

Ron loved dogs from an early age. Throughout their marriage, Ron and Barb shared their home with many dogs, most of them rescues and often two at a time.

One of Ron's final wishes was to have another dog. After searching for nearly a year, Poppy finally entered their lives. Ron was overjoyed.

Even as illness made conversation more difficult during his final months, the mention of Poppy could make Ron light up. She brought him laughter, silliness, comfort, companionship, and love when he needed them most.

Those who knew Ron knew a genuinely kind man: a devoted husband and father, a loyal son and brother, and a dependable friend. He was someone who found joy in life's simple things—family, dogs, baseball, friendship, a good cup of coffee, a laugh, and giving and receiving grace.

Above all, Ron loved deeply, and the people he loved knew it. He will be deeply missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Barb; daughter Angela Mosier; son G.R. Heryford and his wife, Michelle; grandchildren Andy, Katie, Gage, Noah, and Chase; great-grandson Oliver; his oldest brother, Bill; and, of course, Poppy.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rich.

A celebration of Ron's life will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Ron's memory to consider a donation in support of Alcoholics Anonymous, a local AA organization, or a local pet rescue.