Capt. Ron Leonard
August 28, 1947 - June 13, 2018
Obituary
Footseps
God sees when the footsteps all falter
When the pathway has grown too steep,
Then He touches the weary eyelids
And gives His dear ones sleep.
Ronald L. Leonard
Life started for Ron Leonard on August 28, 1947 near Lebanon, OR. Ron had a good life but, it was also a hard life. The Leonard family which now included Ron and younger (twin) siblings Larry & Terri moved to West Seattle while Ron was still a boy. It was here in West Seattle that Ron’s father Elmer was active in the construction industry and began to lay the foundation for what would become Ron’s lifetime passion – Construction!
Ron was a natural, quick learner with a flair for doing what couldn’t be done, on time and under budget. If you’ve had the pleasure of stepping foot inside an Oregon post office, Ron probably built it, along with numerous other government facilities ranging from a US Army ammunition depot in Arkansas to WA State Department of Transportation locations in the Puget Sound region. It was from the fruits of his passion for construction that allowed Ron to pursue his other passions, some of which were boating, alpine skiing, dogs and of course fishing. As a teenager Ron set the State Record WA Ling Cod taken with a spear gun (82lbs.) A day of Grandchildren story telling material for sure!
Dad loved going to Alaska and spending time with life long friends Leroy & Marci, snatching up all the Halibut they could. Dad also enjoyed the 15+ years he spent doing Ski Patrol with dear friends Henry & Francis.
Ron married his first wife Pamela in 1970 and in the years to follow welcomed two beautiful children (Todd & Nicole). They frequently took trips on their 40′ boat that Ron affectionately named “Tiger Thumper” for the kids’ nicknames, Todd (Tiger) and Nicole (Thumper). In 1990 Ron tried his hand at marriage again, tying the knot with Diane whom he blissfully spent the next 28 years raising 4-legged furry kids (dogs). Ron & Diane were devoted animal lovers and provided a loving home to nine lucky dogs over the years.
Family was important to Ron he often shared stories of the fun & adventure that he had with his extended family on G-dock. He loved seeing the smiles of his grandchildren (McKenzie, Cameron and Cierra) light up the room.
Sadly, Ron lost his beloved Diane to Cancer on January 1, 2017. Not a day went by that he didn’t think of her. A year and a half later Ron too was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Cancer that in the end proved to be more than he could handle. On June 11, 2018 dad asked me to pray with him and he invited the Lord into his heart. Ron passed peacefully, at home where he wanted to be, with his kids Todd & Nicole by his side on June 13, 2018.
Ron was a special soul that touched the lives of many, and during his time made this rock we’re on, a better place to live.
Goodbye Is Not Forever
When you lived your life for others
and you loved without condition
When you made so many laugh
and your smile won’t be forgotten
When you left behind an empty place
that no one else can fill
When the friendships that you shared
long to be renewed
When you built your life on hope
and fulfilled it every day
The footprints that you left behind
will bring us face to face
So, goodbye is not forever,
You’re only steps away
Cremation will take place at Bonney-Watson SeaTac with a private Family Scattering to follow.
Family will have memorial service at a later date to be determined.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I first met him for the Super Bowl, i had the pleasure of meeting him for the first time when he hosted a watching party on his beautiful boat. I met several of his good friends; it was easy to tell how much he was loved and cared about.
I wish i had had a chance to know Ron better. We had several nice conversations before and after meeting….he was smart, kind, generous, and caring. He loved his family, friends, dog, boat and fishing and spoke of them often. We talked about his building projects and you could feel the pride he had in his work. He was courageous and stoic in facing his cancer. A great guy all around….
I know he is in Heaven now, free from pain, worry and enjoying passed loved ones and pets…..i bet hes near the water, probably on a beautiful fishing boat and knowing this is paradise and its forever.
Rest in Peace Ron…..