Ronald Drathman

Ronald William Drathman, long time Homer resident, died on February 27, 2014 of natural causes. Ron was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 13, 1942 to Raymond and Mary (Mienke) Drathman. He served on the USS Intrepid. Ron graduated from Arizona State University, then attended Stetson University College of Law, obtaining his Jurist Doctorate in 1973.

In 1966, Ron married Leslie Coppins and in 1971 their son, Zachary, was born. In 1973, Ron moved to The Last Frontier and began working as a Public Defender in Anchorage. He established a thriving practice in partnership with Phillip Weidner and other notable attorneys. In 1982, Ron married Susan Bashaw and in 1984 they moved to Homer with daughter Alexandra and shortly thereafter celebrated the arrival of their youngest son Max.

Service was of up most importance to Ron and he endeavored to be a positive influence in the community. He served as a coach and president of the Homer Little League, Ron served in local government and sat on a number of boards and commission. In 1999, he became the City Manager of Homer, a job he found both challenging and rewarding.

Ron is survived by Susan Drathman; his son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Kelly Drathman; his son, Max Drathman; his daughter and son-in-law, Alex and George McGuan; his grandsons Leif, Parker, and Quinn Drathman; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Beth Drathman; his sister and brother-in law, Kathy and Chris Knoth; and our dear friend, Tim Navarre, who has been a steadfast and tremendous support to us all during Ron's lengthy illness. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sandra Wallace and Michelle Arno who provided Ron with dedicated and loving care.

There will be a memorial service on Wednesday March 5 at 4 p.m. at the Home Elks Lodge.

Peninsula Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Ron's obituary and online guestbook at www.alaskanfuneral.com