Ronald Kenneth Opitz

Ronald Kenneth Opitz

A Catholic Funeral Mass for Ronald K. Opitz, 62, of Coos Bay, will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Saint Monica Catholic Church, 357 South 6th Street in Coos Bay with Father Peter O'Brien presiding. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. A Private family Graveside Committal will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Coos Bay. A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Coos Bay Chapel, 7th & Anderson. Visitation will be followed by an evening Prayer Vigil beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Ron was born on December 23, 1946 in Portland, Oregon to Kenneth Joseph Opitz and Margaret Mary ( Hamilton ) Hoffman.

He passed away at his home on February 25, 2009 with his wife at his side, after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Ron was 62 years old.

A lifelong Oregonian, Ron joined the U.S. Air Force out of high school, trained in jet aircraft mechanical engineering, and served as a jet aircraft mechanic, work that he loved. He was honorably discharged at age 19 following the death of his father, when he returned home to support his mother and four siblings. Shortly after his discharge, in 1966, Ron joined Northwest Natural Gas Company as a mail clerk, launching what was to become an illustrious and nearly 35 year career with the company.

In 1969 Ron married Katy Elliott, and they settled in the home he built in St. Paul, Oregon. They raised two daughters, Kristie and Nanette.

At Northwest Natural Gas, Ron moved up from mail clerk to meter reader, then chose a brief detour to attend the University of Oregon, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Business. Ron then rejoined Northwest Natural Gas as a Sales Representative in Eugene. Over the years, he advanced progressively into management, new business acquisition, risk and land management, and district operations, working with politicians and industry leaders across the state. A major contributor to community activities and in high demand for his business development skills, Ron was ultimately named Manager of District Business Development, a position he held until his retirement in 2002. Shortly after, he was hired as a consultant to Northwest Natural Gas, to assist bringing the natural gas pipeline to Coos County.

In 2002, Ron met and married Donna Stolle, and the two made a home in Coos Bay with family nearby. They enjoyed community activities as well as golfing and socializing at Coos Country Club. In 2003, Ron was named Executive Director of the South Coast Development Council, championing local economic development projects. He also volunteered with the Coos Bay School District, was a member of the Rotary Club, the board of directors of Southwestern Oregon Community College, and numerous civic organizations.

Ron is survived by his wife Donna, of Coos Bay; Daughter Kristie and her husband Mike Storm and their children Manny, Chaz and Eve, of Dallas, Oregon; Daughter Nanette and her husband Damien Gilbert and their children Sophia and Ian, of Eugene, Oregon; Sister Joyce and her husband Terrence Kirk of St. Paul, Oregon; Brother Tom Opitz and his wife Shirley, of Hillsboro, Oregon; Brother Ed Opitz and his wife Debbie, of Dundee, Oregon; Brother Jim Opitz and his wife Debbie, of Silverton, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Joseph Opitz and Margaret Mary ( Hamilton ) Hoffman.

The family appreciates that memorial contributions in Ron's name be made to South Coast Hospice, 1620 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420. Arrangements are under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel, 267-3131.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy