Ronald Gordon

Ronald Keith Gordon passed peacefully at the cabin after a 2-year battle with melanoma, June 1, 2014. Ron was born June 23, 1947, in Auburn, CA, to Andy and Rose Gordon. In 1960 Ron moved to Washington and graduated from Naches High School in 1965. He enlisted in the US Air Force as Airman 1st Class, just 3 days before he was to be drafted. While stationed in England, he fell in love with Elizabeth Rogers; it was love at first sight. They were married April 13, 1968, at Chelmsford Cathedral. After 2 years they moved to the US to start their family with daughter Rebecca, son Ashley, and unexpected daughter Jessica. Ron attended Perry Tech Inst. for Autobody & Paint but started his lifelong career as a farm equipment & hydraulic mechanic at Jim’s Garage in Tieton, WA. Over the years Ron also worked at Upper Valley Farm Service and Equipment Unlimited. He enjoyed getting to work early to read his paper and make a pot of coffee. In 1997 he became a grandfather, lovingly called Papa by Neriah, Christian, Makayla, Sophia, Zachary, Gavin, & Violet. Ron was an avid hunter and fisher. Hunting season was the most important time of the year, with long phone calls all year long to plan. He was always busy getting the gear ready and setting up elk camp for his son, grandson, brothers, & nephews. It was the only time of year he grew a beard. In the last 15 years he found a new joy in his beloved woods fishing, camping and hiking with his grandkids. He enjoyed everything outdoors, except yard work! Ron also was very involved with his grandkids’ soccer games, traveling to away games and helping at Yak Attack. He could grill the best burger & onions. Ron’s last 9 months were spent at his sister Leaona Irene & brother-in-law Mike’s cabin at Rimrock Lake. He loved being spoiled by Irene’s cooking and working with Mike on remodeling jobs. He made many special friends at the cabin. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother. He is survived by daughters Rebecca (Kenny) Moshood, Jessica (Fernando) Lopez, son Ashley (Crystal) Gordon, 7 grandchildren, sister Leaona Irene (Mike) Mason, brothers Donald (Peggy) Gordon, Kevin (Nancy) Gordon, sister-in-law Peg Gordon, numerous nieces and nephews, and very special great niece Paityn, great nephews Dawson, Lance, and Mason. A special thank you to North Star staff, the volunteers, and Memorial Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North Star Lodge Volunteer Services. A memorial service will be held 2 PM Friday, June 6, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church of Tieton. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima is in care of the arrangements. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Gordon, please visit our flower store.