In Memory

Ron Bell

Ron Bell

Ron died on February 7, 2020. For many years, Ron struggled with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD ), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.

He passed away peacefully at home with his brother, Marc, at his side, along with our classmate Ron Rhoads. 

Ron Bell was a man who lived by the motto, “I did it my way,” which was to say that he lived in a “big way.”

 

He showed an early interest in mechanics, practicing his craft on the family’s four-door 32 Ford and working at Woody’s Texaco in Kennewick.

 

A year after high school and having spent a year in Italy, he moved to San Rafael, California where he started working for UPS. He quickly moved up the ranks into management. The company would regularly rely on his work experience and business acumen in opening and setting up new UPS centers.

 

After nearly eighteen with UPS and a short stint as a movie grip in the North Bay Area, he started working in a successful automotive repair and body shop in Santa Rosa. Eventually he became the owner. He still had a passion for cars.

 

His life-long friend, Ron Rhoads, described him as a man who was tolerant and generous. “He was very giving,” Rhoads said. “Ron was especially forgiving and understanding of people who had difficulty adapting to new surroundings.”



 
  Post Comment

03/08/20 04:04 PM #1    

Lynda Mangum (Willis)

R.I.P, Ron.  You are free now.  No more pain, hurt, harm or danger.  God's blessings of comfort and peace to your family.  

Love, Lynda Mangum Willis heart


  Post Comment