So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He hired me as a student assistant in 1972 and as a “real” biologist in 1975, thus beginning my 38+ year career at the DNR/DEQ. He was also very instrumental in me subsequently obtaining a Masters Degree.
Ron was a great mentor, supervisor, co-worker, professional, and friend. Although we slowly lost contact with each other after he left DNR, he was never forgotten and I consider myself very fortunate to have been one of Ron’s “students”.

I worked with Ron for many years in the Superfund cleanup program. Ron was always kind and a great leader. He was beloved by those that worked with him and will be missed.

Ron was such a genuine person and enjoyable to work with. 
He will be missed by many. 
Sincere condolences to Melodee and his family.

I was so sorry to read of Ron's passing. I worked in the Membership Department at Photo Marketing Association when Ron worked there.  He was such a nice and friendly individual and so kind and gentle. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him.  May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and give you peace during this very difficult time.

I had the distinct honor of working with Ron at PMA for 15+ years.  He always had time for everyone that he came in contact with.  I also had the pleasure of hunting, fishing and flipping a canoe/going swimming with him.  

Ron was a wonder man and will certainly be missed.  Thoughts and prayers to Melodee and Family during this difficult time.

I am saddened to hear of Ron's passing.  I enjoyed my brief time with him as our DNR careers overlapped.

My condolences to his family.

Without Ron's assistance, I do believe my career with DNR/DEQ may not have happened.  Fellow co-worker, Pat Donovan, sure hit the nail on the head citing C.S. Lewis's statement (regarding Ron):  'We do not have a soul, we ARE a soul who has a body.'  Ron was an exceptional supervisor but more importantly, an exceptional friend.  And as Pat also stated in his remembrance--'a fine a person as I've ever met.'  So glad I kept in touch with Ron (and Melodee) throughout these many years we've known each other (mostly due to his initiative of course).  Loved hearing from him about the love he and Melodee have for their family--especially the wee ones.  The Willsons have been in my morning litany for many a day and will continue to be.

I believe he was working out at Rose Lake when I was working with the group that put monitoring well around hazardous waste sites. He was a great guy to be working with

Before our entomological career paths diverged, Ron as an aquatic biologist in Michigan and me as a Lepidoptera taxonomist in California, in the 1960s we shared office space and adventures in the field as graduate students in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University. Rest in peace, Ron; you had a good run and you made a difference.

Mentor, teacher, confidante, friend. Ron was the Patriarch of our duck hunting group. Decades of memories of Ron cooking  Duck and
 Mushroom, red wine out of a stemmed wine glass, the warmth of a wood stove during a squall. Weekend visits to our respective homes.
We all have our time, we don’t get to choose that time. 
C.S. Lewis wrote that we do not have a soul, we ARE a soul who has a body. Ron’s soul is still with us. As fine a person as I’ve ever met. Rest now, my friend.

OBITUARY

Ronald Bair Willson

October 29, 1941 – September 11, 2025

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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