RON KRIEKENBECK
Retired Boeing Engineer
Aged: 89. Born in Manila of a Dutch father, Ron graduated valedictorian of his high school class, earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, and completed Advanced ROTC, for which he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Army.
Hired by Shell Oil, he advanced from Operations Engineer to Installation Manager. In 1957 he married Gloria Quinn Rivera, a childhood friend.
The next year, he came to the United States to work for the Boeing Airplane Company, bringing his wife and infant son. He was initially involved in testing jet engines. In a 35-year career he worked as Lead Engineer for a team that designed, built, and wrote computer programs for instrumentation systems. These were used in testing components of propulsion systems in engine test stands, wind tunnels, and in calibrating airplane fuel tanks. The information gathered by these systems was used in the development of every type of commercial airplane from the 707 to the 767, plus the KC-135 tanker and the unmanned Condor.
He and Gloria raised a family of three sons. Scouting, skiing, hiking, camping, and visiting national parks were activities he shared with them during their formative years. In retirement he and Gloria traveled across the country, to most of Canada, and to many parts of Asia and Europe. He was a faithful blood donor, exercised punctually at Boeing Health & Fitness, did the crossword puzzles, and read omnivorously about his favorite subject: World War II.
In addition to Gloria, his wife of 60 years, survivors include his sons Roger, Kenneth & Glen (Quentin). He is also survived by siblings Father Fred (a Catholic priest), Yvonne, Elvira, Shirley, Ivan, Bill (Lourdes), Robert (Doris), Rex (Maria), Clifford (Rose), Albert (Ever), and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary at 10:30AM, funeral Mass at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 30, at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 10001 57th Ave. S, Seattle. Reception to follow at the parish hall.
Our condolences to Tita Nena and cousins on the passing of Tito Ronald.
May God comfort you and your loved ones.
God rest his soul.
There are too many wonderful words to describe Ron. He was so dear, sweet, and caring and opened his heart to everyone. I so enjoyed my time with him and will forever remember his laugh and kind spirit. He treated me like a daughter which meant the world to me. He is forever loved!
Dear tita, with great sadness when we heard of the passing of tito ronald. Our deepest condolences.
We are thinking of you and the boys in this difficult time. Tito Ronald was so kind to us and his stories about Daddy and him visiting the Rivera sisters was appreciated. The memories of last year is still fresh in our minds. Please take care of yourself Tita Nena. We love you.
I do not really know Mr. Kriekenbeck personally, I have not met him but I know he was a very good person and friend of my father. My dad would always talk about him and all the things and adventures they did together during their college days. My father also did mechanical and electrical engineering in Mapua and I believe Mr. Kriekenbeck was the friend he always mentioned to us even before he passed away. Condolence to the Kriekenbeck family.