Ronald Baclig

Ronald (Ron) Baclig Oct 14, 1942 – June 7, 2023 Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle & Friend passed away peacefully in his sleep. Ron attended school in Wapato. He was a Sharp Shooter in the US Army and was honorably discharged due to a medical condition. Ron was a man of many traits; he worked in the Alaskan fish industry, orchards & fields, operated the Texaco service station in Wapato; along with his bros established Baclig Bros Vineyards and worked many years as a Supervisor for Tree Top/Ross plant before he decided to retire. After retirement he still continued his role as ‘supervisor’ in whatever he chose to do. He was a self-taught mechanic; his hobbies included collecting and working on cars (his corvettes & Lincoln Continental were his favorites); hunting & fishing, annual “guy” trips to Reno with his brothers, friends & eventually the entire family, gambling at Legends and Wildhorse Casinos, and collecting Buddhas. His home was always open for holiday gatherings and special occasions allowing the entire family and friends to stay in one place. The kids enjoyed playing Pac-Man, pin ball and pool in his recreational room and sneaking up and down the spiral staircase. He enjoyed cooking delicious meals for the gatherings and made the best spaghetti that was always a favorite. He was a Member of the Yakima Valley Filipino Community and previously volunteered during weekly take-out days before he could no longer do so. He was a private man who enjoyed his freedom to do what he wanted and when he wanted to do it. Ron had a great since of humor and a huge heart. He provided support and encouragement. He was willing to give of himself, share from his heart and acknowledge the worth of another. He was under his grandmother’s wings and he had fond moments with a caring grandmother. When it became necessary he cared for his grandma, mom, aunt and sister. He is survived by his Sisters: Nancy (Don) Ventura, Kathe (Dan) Briggs and Gloria Olney. Nephews/Nieces: Rodney (Jody) Ventura, Lori (Chuck) Kellum, Daniel (Summer) Briggs, Jodi Olney & Willie Olney III. Great Nephews/Nieces Raven (Ryan) Hopkins, Dayton Olney, Riley Kellum, Joseph Ventura, Crulan Olney, Cuevelle Olney, His Bros, Greg Sotelo, John Pascua, Daniel Seelatsee, numerous cousins & extended family members. His pets Mac and Ninja, (rescue animals), had a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard & Margaret, brothers Gene & Ben ‘Boo’, sister Ranae, nephew Devin Briggs, Grams (Grandma Grape) and Grandfather. Viewing will be Sunday June 11th 2Pm - 4Pm at Valley Hills in Wapato. Honoring his wishes, graveside services with military honors will be 10 Am Monday June 12th at Wapato Reservation Cemetery. May his spirit soar in knowing that throughout his journey on earth God was near him. Dinner will follow at the Wapato Filipino Community Hall. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Multi Care Memorial & the compassionate staff at Cottage in the Meadow. A shout-out and special love and recognition to Jodi Kai (Cakese) for her unconditional love for being her uncle’s care provider, making sure his business was taken care of and being with him through his health struggles. Appreciation to Willie III for taking care of his technology, mechanical and maintenance problems, (of course with Ron’s supervision); them being his only niece & nephew in the immediate area. He cherished and loved all of this family…PEACE Losing the roots in your family tree just hits differently I will miss his ever present mischief, that twinkle in his eyes, the way he laughed; his face was a tool of pure comedic genius. I will miss his kindness. The way he included people. The way his empathy lived in the world. I will miss gathering around the table and hearing the same stories from the past being retold over and over with fresh laughter. I will miss being teased and turning red and then him coming up to me later and putting an arm around me. I will miss all the ways he rooted the family I married into. He stepped up as the center and leader of the family. He was opened minded, curious, compassionate and lucky. And we were all lucky to get to know him and love him. I will hold close the memory of him dancing with me at my wedding. I will continue to see some of the best parts of him in my husband who has that same ability to make people laugh. I will hold close the last time we all gathered together, laughing, as he bossed everyone about to give him just the right shave, as we crowded into a room to show up and tell him just how important, loved and cherished he was by laughing, sitting close and being together. Holding my family close as they navigate the loss of so much light and such deep roots. We weren’t ready to say goodbye Uncle. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Baclig, please visit our flower store.