Ronald D. Tedrow
May 4, 1938 - October 11, 2021
Obituary
1938-2021
Ron (Harn) Tedrow was born in Manila, the Phillipines on May 4, 1938, and recently passed peacefully after a short illness. His parents were Wilson Harn and Consolacion (Connie) Belamide. He was preceded in death by his sister Verna Gauthier and brother Walt Vining. Survived by his younger brother, Jack Tedrow of Spokane.
Ron moved to the US in 1966 with his young family and lived in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. Ron resided there several years before finally settling in Kent, where he lived the remainder of his life. Ron had a long and successful career working at the Bon Marche, where he won many awards as a top salesperson in Men’s Clothing. He retired in 1998 and devoted his days to his horses and the many pets that he loved.
Ron was at his best outdoors. He had many skills, but gardening was his passion. It showed in all his fruit trees, berry bushes, grapevines and summer gardens which he loved working-digging, planting, watering and sharing his “bounty” with family and friends. He always said that gardening is the hobby that nurtured his mind and body.
Ron was a loving father to his three children, Richard Tedrow (Cheryl), Polly Rydman (Bob), and Isa Tedrow. He was a devoted grandfather and great grandfather. Ron will be missed by his stepchildren Anthony, Jennie (Darren) and Sara (Greg). He leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews, plus friends both locally and internationally. All who knew Ron loved him.
Ron is survived by Marie, his wife of 20 years. “My dear Ron, You have always been my anchor of love and source of strength. Thank you for loving me because I will always love you. Such an honor to have been your wife, partner and friend for all these years. We will all deeply miss you.”
The family has decided to forego a formal memorial service due to current social distancing protocol. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date dependent on relaxing of Covid restrictions. Please honor Ron’s memory in a way that is comfortable and personal to you.
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22
Great friend and neighbor!!! What great memories!!! We love and miss you Ron!! RIP friend!! Bob and Lucia
What wonderful childhood memories I have growing up with the Tedrow’s. So sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing his beaming smile is looking down upon you.
Ron will hold a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. He was the kindness, most honest man I have ever known. I’m so grateful that he was my step dad. Although, I never really thought of him anything else but my dad. I will miss all of our adventures and fun trips. Thank you for being so good to my mom all these year. I love you so much.
I was happy to call him my father in law, I was glad that we were able to take some cool trips together. You will be missed.
I met Ron during the Novak Family Reunion in July 2018 when Doug and I stayed with Marie and Ron as their houseguests for that weekend. I found him very easy to talk with and his kindness as a person was evident from the beginning. I am happy that my dear cousin, Marie, met Ron and they had a wonderful 24 years together!
It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my supportive and caring stepdad. The story goes that Mom and Ron met at a time in their lives when many people have matured past expecting a romantic love as both had previous spouses and children of their own, but their romance was a pure love filled with friendship and devotion. Regardless of the trials that blending families can present Ron embraced me, my husband and children as members of his family. Telling and showing us often how much he loved my mom and as an extension of her he welcomed her children and grandchildren into his heart.
I best got to know Ron when he and my mom transitioned from their home on a large lot in Covington to their forever home in Kent. We were privileged to have Ron and mom live with my family in my home for four months, most of which was during that year’s holiday season. I soon learned that multi-generational living was an easy transition from just the regular visits we got before they stayed with us. Ron and my kids would greet me when I came home from work each night. Shelby cuddled up with Ron on the sofa, Sasha teasing Ron about avoiding his homework and mom having beat me home from work herself with supper already waiting for me.
I fondly remember from that time our daily family television regiment of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Ron getting most of the sports or history questions right, and mom and I trying our best guesses at the pop culture questions then having to explain to Ron who Lady Gaga was. After our shows Ron would let me have control of the remote as long as I gave him a foot massage. Little did he know I would have given the foot rubs regardless of choosing tv channel or not.
It’s hard to describe Ron in lofty terms or describe his accomplishments which I know were many because I met and knew Ron during his last 24 years. I found him to be uncomplicated but never simple, he was happy to be part of the gang but kind of liked to watch the action and interject a silly joke or share some wisdom when you least expected it. The most profound impression I have of Ron and his character is that he was a gentle soul, he took great delight in watching a humming bird sip from his birdfeeder or he would make a cheeky suggestive comment to my mom to get a rise out of her in front of us. With Ron I felt like he heard and cared about my opinions or ideas without judgement as I never once in all my time knowing him heard him say something mean about other people.
His absence cuts deeply. My mother’s other half is gone. I know he waits patiently for her. I am so grateful I got this time with him and that he brought so much joy to my families lives. Love and miss you Ron.
Oh Ron, what a guy let me tell yah, this man by far was the juiciest & grandma always made sure of that by getting him cups, i love him like the sardines he gave me, they completed my meals full spectrum of flavor.
I remember years ago on the ranch, how much fun it was oh my gosh! so much to explore, tons to see! especially wild life! like horses, deer, squirrels & birds that like delicious little dogs, lots of crazy & fun stuff happened on this property.
grandpa showed me how to use a turbo!! Chainsaw!! i lost my mind and couldn’t find both our marbles, this man was fun to be around always cracking jokes & playing board games haha it was so much fun! priceless! especially with grandmas cooking oh my gosh.
Just thinking back about this makes me feel warm & comfortable like a nice sip of a mocha on a winter morning, i believe grandma feels that also, they’re both beautiful people that have an admirable connection, i really appreciate both of them, A moment of
silence for Ron… … … Thank you.
His spirit is free, he is not truly gone, he still remains in our hearts for we still have a connection, we love you Ron & thank you or being a big part of
our lives, bless you. 🙏
There is a saying which goes, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal”. And words can’t express how thankful I am for every lovely memory I have with grandpa Ron.
From all the trips to the ocean with him and my grandma Marie, to picking fruit in the backyard, to the many Christmas celebrations, all the fun family dinners, even watching football games together while I pretended like I knew what was going on, and to all the times my heart warmed when Grandpa Ron asked if my car was doing alright, and if school was going well.
The pain of his absence will never lessen but nor will all of the love we have for him.
Rest in peace Grandpa Ron, thank you for everything.
My uncle Ron will always be in my heart and memory. He did many great things for me in my life. When I was kicked out of my apartment and was living in my car and turned to drinking, he was the one that found me and took me to treatment and saved my life.
He was more than an uncle to me.
I worked at the Bon Marche at the same time as him on the night Maintenance crew. Not only was he great working in men’s suits but I remember him stopping and catching many shoplifters. He was a great man. He will be missed.
Anji belamide macatangay bantegui
Granpa Ron, you will aleays be in my prayers as with all the Family on your side. Distance is not a hindrance to love for family. We hope to see your loved ones in Seattle.
Rest and enjoy your garden in heaven.
Condolences on your loss and may the passage of time bring you peace and healing.
I remember Mr. Tedrow would pile his kids into their car , then he would notice me around playing and he would say Mark come here and get in the car. Then he would takes us all to Baskin-Robbins or Dicks drive in on Broadway for a Treat and on the way back drive thru the ravine in the dark and tell spooky stories, it used to scare the crap out of me , then he would just shoot you that Big Smile of his and laugh and you knew everything was going to be ok.
God Bless You Mr. Tedrow. Rest in Peace.