Ronald James Herin

Ronald James Herin, 76, passed away November 18, 2025. He was born November 24, 1948, to James Henry Herin and Ethel Violet (Potter) Herin.

Everyone loved Ron. He carried a big personality and an even bigger heart, one that he shared freely with anyone in need. He was the type of man who offered odd jobs to kids who needed to earn a little money, teaching them practical skills along the way. Ron was quick-witted and always ready with a joke or a fascinating random fact. His smile and laugh were infectious. He was loving and forgiving to a fault, constantly seeking to lift up those around him.

His life was full of adventure long before he settled down. He worked in the Arctic Circle and other remote locations as an X-ray technician and in various roles as a military contractor. A graduate of Kent City High School, he later attended a technical institute in Indianapolis. His love of learning continued throughout his life, earning credentials as a master mechanic, EMT, teacher, and more. Ron was also a proud pilot and at one time owned a Cessna 150 fastback airplane. Flying brought him immense joy, and Teresa even flew with him as a baby, strapped in her car seat, until the day he had to part with his beloved plane.

Ron served for many years as a paraprofessional at the Newaygo County Career Tech Center, following in his father's footsteps becoming a teacher. During his time, he taught Small Engines, Automotive, and Heavy Equipment, his passion for shaping and encouraging young minds was unmatched. Before entering education, he spent many years as a USPS carrier in Hesperia, all while running his business, Ron's Cycle Sales & Service. There he repaired small engines, sold parts, and even operated a scrap yard. People came from all over just to have Ron work on their motorcycles, dirt-bikes, three-wheelers, quads, snowmobiles, and dune buggies; because they trusted both his skill and his character.

He loved riding his motorcycles, gold panning with his wife, reading poetry and literature, especially Edgar Allan Poe and Rudyard Kipling. He enjoyed the music of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller, and Phantom of the Opera and delighted in fishing, hunting, and sharing quiet moments with his grandchildren. You could often find him at the Hesperia House, working on crosswords with his granddaughter. He also cherished his time attending Inspire Church with Teresa and family, always dressed sharp in a three-piece suit.

But above all else, Ron adored his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. When they came running for hugs, his whole face lit up; he would wrap them in his big arms, hold them close, and tell them how precious and deeply loved they were.

Throughout his life he graciously "adopted" many others into that circle of love. He joyfully called them his brothers and sisters in Christ, and he cherished Teresa's friends as if they were his own flesh and blood.

If you were blessed to be part of Ron's extended family, you are surely familiar with the phrase he loved to share, and a part of the legacy he leaves behind: "Non Illegitimi Carborundum."

Ron is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Nethaniel) Christensen, along with their children, Errika, Izzabella, Gabriel & Trystyn; Ex Son in Law, Joseph (Samantha) Balcom; siblings, LeRoy (Rea) Herin, Jerry (Julie) Herin, Marilyn Foley and Shirley McManus; stepchildren, Margaret (Lance) Hollars along with their children and grandchildren, and Robert Thompson; daughter-in-law, Angelia Rayment; granddaughter, Tiffani (Thompson) Witte and her sister, Sabrina Thompson.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, James & Ethel Herin; wife, Brenda Carol Herin; and many other beloved cousins and family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to assist with the cost of funeral expenses.

A Celebration of Life will be held after cremation at Ron's home church, Inspire Church, 918 Garden Ave, Fremont, MI 49412. Date and time to be determined, please check back for updates.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.