Ronald Crecelius Jr.

On June 12, 2008, Ronald St. Clair Crecelius Jr., 58, died at the Boise VA Hospital, in Boise, Idaho, from liver failure due to Hepatitis C contracted while serving in Vietnam. He and his wife, Marva, had recently moved from Haines, Alaska, where they had lived for 10 years.
He was born in Vancouver, Wash., to Ronald and Divonna (Schweitzer) Crecelius. Ron graduated from Western Christian High School in San Dimas, Calif., and attended George Fox College in Newberg, Ore., before joining the United States Army in May of 1969. Airborne Ranger qualified and a member of the Army 5th Special Forces, he served in Vietnam during 1970-1972 and was honorably discharged in 1976.
In 1988 he met Marva (Hill) Jackson and they were married in December. In 1990 they became involved with Point Man International Ministries, a Christian outreach to Vietnam Veterans and their families. In 1996 they moved to Alaska to minister to veterans, their families, and those who suffered post traumatic stress due to trauma in their lives. While in Haines, Ron coached Little League, was involved with the local museum board, the Southeast Alaska State Fair board, served as Commander of the Haines American Legion post, and he and Marva organized the "harvest party" held yearly at Halloween for the entire community. He was given the "Volunteer of the Year" award from the American Legion and they were recognized as "Volunteers of the Year" by the Haines Chamber of Commerce.
Ron is survived by his wife, Marva, of Caldwell; son, Kevin Jackson and wife, Susan, also of Caldwell; son, Kyle Jackson and wife, Renee, of Newberg, Ore.; his mother, Divonna Crecelius, Newberg; sisters, Diann (Ray) Garner, Hayden Lake and Denise Baird, Newberg; brothers, Rodney (Sandy) Crecelius, Hayden Lake and Robin (Renee) Crecelius, Juneau, Alaska; grandchildren, Brett, Lindsey and Mackenzie Jackson, of Caldwell; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald S. Crecelius Sr. Ron was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Special Forces Association, and was a member of the American Legion.
Ron was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He was always willing to go the extra mile to make life enjoyable and easier for everyone. His favorite scripture was John 15: 13, "No greater love has one than to lay down his life for his friends." His favorite motto, "For those who have fought for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know." (Source Unknown) Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Ore., at a later date.