Ronald Lee VanHorn

1945 - 2024

Ronald Lee Van Horn, 79, passed peacefully in his sleep October 26th, 2024. He was born May 23rd, 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. An exceptionally well traveled man and avid historian, Ron explored over 30 countries and nearly all 50 states. This Love of travel and western films was given to him by his loving parents, Letha (Farr) & Ellis Van Horn, veteran and former vice president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees & Motion Picture Operators, of Grand Rapids, MI, now long passed. Ron graduated from Creston High School in 1963 in Grand Rapids, MI and later acquired numerous degrees from various universities, reaching Specialist Levels. He used that Love of education and learning to become an instrumental psychologist in the creation of a ground breaking social behavioral school now known as Cross Creek, a Broward County Public School in Pompano Beach, FL. Throughout his life, Ron's gift with the power of communication helped countless families & impacted the lives of everyone he knew. Ron Met the Love of his life, Deborah "Debbie" Nora Shefner at a mutual friends wedding in 1980 & remained together for nearly 45 years. Their Love & lifelong commitment exemplified the true meaning of "Through sickness & in health". From their Love came 1st daughter, Sarah Ashley Van Horn, of Hollywood, FL & Red Lodge, Montana, who inherited Ron's Love for traveling, hunting, & sarcasm. Believing Sarah needed a companion, 2nd daughter, Rebecca Van Horn, of Red Lodge, MT & Hollywood, FL, was brought into the world an hour after Ron's Birthday. The birthday buddies remained close throughout his life & she inherited Ron's Love for history & learning, as well as his sense of humor. The family all participated together in the operation of two consecutive Bed & Breakfasts: The Victorian Inn, Salina, UT & and the Inn on the Beartooth, Red Lodge, MT, which remains in the family to this day. Their over 40 years of travel & adventure together as a family will be remembered and deeply missed. The family will have celebrations in the places that Ron Loved best, at the family home in Hollywood, FL, his boyhood hometown of Grand Rapids, MI, & in Red Lodge, MT at the family Inn. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carbon County Historical Society & Museum in Red Lodge, MT, to honor his Love of history & education. We all grieve the loss of this Great Man who Loved traveling the world & His Family.