Ronald John Beaver

Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Ronald (Ron) John Beaver peacefully passed from this life January 5, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones. Ron was the first of two children born to John Junior Beaver and Geraldine (Judy) Pett in Brigham City, Cache County, Utah, on May 27, 1945.  He was preceded in death by his father, his brother, and his mother.  Ron leaves behind his devoted wife Kristine and his wonderful daughters Jenifer Harmon (Douglas) and Marnie Binette (Dean), and his amazing grandchildren: Spencer, Andrew (Kayla), Daniel, Lizzy, Dylan, Sydney and Riley.

Ron grew up in Los Angeles, California and Bountiful, Utah.  While in California his brother Richard was born, and Ronnie’s grandparents Ma and Pop owned a diner.  When they moved to Bountiful, they (Ma and Pop and Mom and Dad) opened and operated a paint store. Whether being at the lake water skiing or having a delicious meal they enjoyed family activities.  Ron graduated from Bountiful High School in 1964. After high school he lived and worked in Park City for about a year where he loved to snow ski.   

Ron joined the Army National Guard during the Vietnam war and he served for six years.  During this time Ron learned the martial art of Kenpo Karate where he earned his black belt, was trained in the art of Nunchucks, and was a karate instructor. For many years Ron could often be seen practicing his Karate forms (karate katas) almost anytime and anywhere, keeping his skills sharp. 

He then met Kristine Cunningham.  They fell in love, married, started a family, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jenifer and Marnie.  Family was the most important thing to him. We enjoyed Sunday dinners at Grandmas, family vacations, and holiday celebrations where family could gather and enjoy each other’s company. 

Ron had an interest in photography, he took some classes, and created his own dark room where he developed his photos. He loved coffee and told stories of how in the good ol’ days you could get a cup for a dime.  Dad was an avid fan of sci-fi and enjoyed a wide variety of TV and movies.  He loved electronics and was fascinated with technology.  He owned a Commodore 64, the first personal computer, and used many VCR’s and DVD’s to add to his movie collection. You could always call Dad when you needed help setting up your new DVD player, surround sound system, etc.

Ronald worked for Ace Auto, Hafers and Williamson’s Trucking in parts and supply. In 1979 he went to the 163rd Aviation Unit of the National Guard, where he earned the rank of Sergeant First Class.  Ron finished his military career in the 115th engineer group at the Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper and retired honorably in September 1998.  

After retirement Ron went to work at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center and enjoyed the 2002 Olympic events there.  He enjoyed traveling to the Canadian Rockies and cruising the Caribbean and Alaska.

Ron was diagnosed with COPD 14 years ago and struggled with its devastating symptoms until he succumbed to the disease.  Thank you to the healthcare workers at Lakeview Hospital for helping him make the journey into the next life.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Russon Mortuary located at 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010