Ronald Lawrence Mahka
Ronald
Lawrence Mahka passed away
on Friday
August 24,
2018 at 77 years of age in Albuquerque NM.
Ron was born
to Dorothy
(Fiedorowicz) and
Casper Mahka
on March 3, 1941
in St. Joseph, MI.
Following graduation from St. Joseph High School and Michigan State University, Ron served two terms in the Peace Corp, assigned to Tunisia. Upon returning to the states, he taught school in a variety of locations including Detroit MI, Rough Rock Demonstration School AZ, Taos NM, and San Francisco CA. Deciding to make a
career change, Ron went back to school and qualified to become an
echo cardiographer in San
Francisco.
Upon retirement Ron moved to Albuquerque NM. It was there that he became a gentleman farmer, on a ranchette in the South Valley. Over the years he shared his adobe style home with goats, sheep, dogs, geese, and chickens.
Ron's retirement years allowed him to pursue his love for wood carving, being the fourth generation of wood carvers and cabinet makers in the Mahka family. With family heritage wood- carving tools he created bas relief panels and plaques, inspired by desert lore, legends, and nature. All of his hand crafted work
was done on repurposed
discarded wood, giving it a second life.
Ron was a man with a kindred spirit, a gentle soul, and a kind heart.
He touched many lives as a master story teller, the family historian, and a
loyal friend. His family and all those who knew him are blessed with his legacy of kindness and generosity.
Ron's partner, Richard Donley, preceded him in death in 2006. Ron is
survived by his sisters Kathleen (Bob) Whalen and Suezi (David) Orlaske , his nieces and nephews Scott (Jolene) Moon, Kimberly Moon, Brian ( Angie) Moon, Chris (Jessica) Orlaske, Shawn ( Michelle) Orlaske, extended
family and a large circle of
loving, caring, and
faithful friends.
Per Ron's request, he was cremated and his ashes will be scattered along his favorite pathways in life. A private family celebration of Ron's life will be held at a future date.
To honor Ron's life, donations may be made to Animal Humane New Mexico, 615 Virginia Street SE,
Albuquerque, NM 87108, 505-255-5523
Published in Albuquerque Journal on Sept. 16, 2018
