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jen
March 24, 2010
can't believe a year has gone by....
jen schaffer
July 4, 2009
thinking about Dad a lot today.....making his famous smoked salmon and wishing he were here to sit by the smoker with his dutch master cigar and watch it for me!
Frank+Diane Schaffer
March 9, 2009
Ron was a very personable man. One does not usually find "in-laws" that get along so well. Frank and I were blessed to know Ron, and to have spent time with him. Our love and prayers go out to the family.
March 9, 2009
I am sorry to hear of your loss and send my sincere condolences. May God bless and comfort you in your time of sadness.
George Kaczmarczyk (Anniston, AL)
J. schaffer
March 8, 2009
not sure how long Dads obituary will be on the newspaper website so here is a copy that can stay here
Ronald F. DeGarmo
Ronald F. DeGarmo, 81, died Feb. 20, 2009, at his home in Wasilla of natural causes.
A memorial service was Thursday at Christ First United Methodist Church at the corner of Knik Road and Fairview Loop in Wasilla.
Ron was born Sept. 28, 1927, in Macksville, Kan. He was the 14th of 15 children born to Clyde and Clara DeGarmo.
Ron enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945, right out of high school and was stationed at Point Higgins Radio Station in Ketchikan. In 1949, he went to work for the CAA (now FAA). After training in Oklahoma City, he returned to Alaska to work as an air traffic controller in Anchorage. In 1951, he transferred to Goodland, Kan., where he met and married Helen Darnell in 1953. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Sept. 13, 2008. Ron continued his career with the FAA, working in Muskegon, Mich., Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, N.J., Longmont, Colo., and back to Anchorage from 1977-1982 as the assistant manager of Anchorage Center. He transferred to the Seattle Regional Office where he retired in December 1982. In 1986 he returned to Anchorage Center to manage the contract training program for SRSA for two years and again in 1991 to manage a Russian Controller English program for SRSA.
Ron and Helen lived in Bellingham, Wash., for 13 years before moving back to Alaska in the spring of 2003 to their home in Wasilla.
"Ron was an extremely diverse person," his family recalled. "He loved to travel, fish, garden, anything to do with airplanes, and he could make anything out of wood. He was a well-known fixture at the Valley craft bazaars. He loved spending time with his family. His passion for Alaska seemed to grow with his age. A favorite summer excursion came to be the family trip to Chitina for dip netting, where even at 80 he outdipped us all. Just last summer, he finally caught that elusive king salmon, a 45-pounder, with a rod and reel! Many a winter night was spent out at the family farm, where Ron was the "burger grinder" for the road kill moose gang he was a part of. Ron was a Christian and a role model for his family his whole life. He was known lovingly as 'Grandpa Ron' to many people. His Christian example of love and generosity was felt by all who met and knew him. We can rest assured he is at home with our Lord in heaven."
Ronald F. DeGarmo is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Kevin of Minnesota; daughters, Janice (Ken) Gittlein of Wasilla and Jennifer (Dan) Schaffer of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Nicholas (Katie), Matt (Rita), Brian (Rachel), Ben and Sam Gittlein, Leah and Ronnie DeGarmo, Elise, Brad and Nicole Schaffer; great-granddaughters, Devin Gittlein and Kaydence Sommerville; brothers, Harry DeGarmo and Archie DeGarmo; and sister, Louise Kagarice.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers; and three sisters.
Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla
Grandpa loved spending time with his grandkids! he out-bowled 3 of them last month!
March 8, 2009
Dad and Mom - on the train in Wasilla last summer
March 8, 2009
Dad
March 8, 2009
Grandpa Ron and his fish
March 8, 2009
jennifer ( DeGarmo) Schaffer
March 8, 2009
Our Dad was such a gift- we were blessed to have him so healthy and active with us all these years. Most people who met him would never had guessed he was 81! His spirit is alive and well all around us in his gifts he left behind, as well as the wonderful memories. Thank you to the many friends and family who have let us know what Dad meant in their lives...he certainly touched many , many people over the years.
Kevin DeGarmo
March 7, 2009
I Loved my Dad. I would not swap places with anyone on this earth. He was one of the good guys.
LeEllen and Ed Baker
March 4, 2009
We are in Kauai and just found out today about Ron's passing. You have our deepest sympathy and our prayers. He was a wonderful man, father and grandfather. I will treasure the craft items I have that he made.
Bob, Mary Dockter
March 2, 2009
We are sorry for our loss. Our thoughts are with you all.
Delos Stapf
February 28, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all, as we share your loss. This was a Dad that many would like to have for their own. Now, he's a wonderful addition to Lord's family.
Gordy Henrikson
February 27, 2009
Dads are a precious commodity - sounds like yours was quite a man! Cherish the memories, they only get better with time. The sense of loss fades and the smiles return. Best wishes.
Jim Cooper
February 27, 2009
Deepest Sympathy
Tom & Joyce LaFond
February 25, 2009
We are so sorry for your huge loss. Wish we could be there--you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy and Bob Paxton
February 24, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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