Ron Dodson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Ralph "Ron" Dodson, a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Just three short months ago, Ron lost his beloved wife, Kay. He mourned her daily and most certainly he died of a broken heart.

Ron was born in Idaho on August 8, 1934, to Ralph and Genevieve (Dunning) Dodson. In 1939 his family moved to Fairbanks where is father found work in the gold dredge camps and later as a contractor on projects like finishing the final 100 miles of the Alaska highway and building infrastructure at the Clear installation. Ron had a great affection for Fairbanks as it shaped his childhood and young adulthood. He attended the Main School and Fairbanks HS. One of his earliest jobs in his youth, was working for the Daily News Miner, first as a paperboy and later assisting in the pressroom as a type setter and other related duties. He was drafted and fulfilled his service with the US Army Alaska Yukon Command. Just out of high school, and before being drafted, a buddy of his, Richard Wein, introduced him to and taught him to fly. He was forever grateful and indebted to Richard as this was the fortuitous turning point in the trajectory of his life. He loved flying and soon bought his first airplane, began flying in the bush and was eventually hired by Wien Airlines. Flying hours spent mostly in the northern-most remote arctic regions, he became a very experienced pilot and was skilled at flying many different types of planes.

In 1956, Richard along with another Fairbanksan, Nancy Witt (Norum). once again had a hand in Ron's fate. They set up Ron on a blind date with Kay Tyrrell, which soon resulted in their marriage and nearly 70 years together. Ron and Kay married in her home state of Washington and their honeymoon ended with them driving the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks (in December, no less) to begin their life together. All five of their daughters were born in Fairbanks at the old St Joseph's Hospital. By 1967, the flying world was changing, and Ron was offered a position with Western Airlines (later merging with Delta) moving the family "outside", first to Salt Lake City and later settling south of Seattle. Their last 50 years were spent in Enumclaw. At mandatory retirement age, Captain Dodson retired from Delta Airlines having stints as director of flight operations, check airman, and logging many flying hours. In retirement, Ron found joy managing his small farm, looking after his animals, and spending time with his family.

Ron was also a very early and avid Apple Macintosh user, embracing his computer to explore the brand new "World Wide Web". He also cherished his almost daily drives with Kay . Ron had a great sense of humor and was a natural storyteller. From his tales of growing up in Alaska and flying the Alaskan bush to his description of the blind date that introduced him to Kay, Ron's stories never got old.

Ron served as a great example to others in the way he lived - honest, hardworking, straightforward, generous and respectful to others. He was fiercely protective of his family, and his word was his bond. While Kay was the heart of the family, Ron was the strong, solid, protective foundation. His loss is profoundly felt by all who knew him.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Cathi Dodson, Sue Zender (Mark), Margi Dodson, Teri Judkins (Mike), and Jennifer Stowell (Brendan), his grandchildren, Daniel Zender, Kate Zender, Matthew Zender (Kristy), Nathan Judkins, Brian Judkins (Elyse), Rachel Lopez Stowell (Nico), Abigail Stowell and cousin Jim Dodson of Fairbanks.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay Tyrrell Dodson; his parents and early Fairbanksans, Gen Dodson, Ralph and Vera Dodson, Uncle and Aunt Les and Dolores Dodson and many friends and relatives.

Visitation is 1-5pm on Sep 18, 2025 (Rosary at 3:00pm) at Weeks' Enumclaw Funeral Home. A funeral mass will take place on Friday, Sept 19 2025 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a luncheon at the same venue then graveside service the same day at 1:45pm at Holy Family Krain Cemetery, Enumclaw.