Ronald Carl McVay

Ronald Carl McVay, or as many of you knew him, Ron.
Ron was born on April 23, 1934, and peacefully passed away just two days after his 91st birthday on April 25, 2025. Ronald was a man of immense character and boundless generosity, who taught us that life, at its core, is about hard work, resilience, love and a little bit of laughter.
First and foremost, Ron was a family man. He wedded the love of his life, Barbara Havilina, in 1957, sharing 68 wonderful years together. They raised three children: Mike, Matt, and Jeff. Ron was the glue that held us together, the gentle force that kept us grounded, and the one who taught us all what it truly means to love and respect one another. He was fiercely proud of his family and all of our accomplishments, always encouraging us to pursue our dreams and fight for what is right.
Ron's contributions to the community were numerous. As a farmer, he worked tirelessly across Klamath, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties, and was actively involved in promoting agriculture through his roles as president of the National Farmers Organization, a board member of the Production Credit Association, and a founding member of the Malin Potato CoOp. He also served his county as an MP in the Army, was a director for the Shasta View Irrigation District and was a proud member of the Malin Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to service, dedication to his work and community was unmatched, but he always found time for his family.
One of my favorite stories about Ron is how he would often run his lathe in his pajamas during harvest to help out a neighbor. It didn't matter who you were or what you needed-if Ron could help, he would. He was always happy to lend a hand, and even the animals seemed to know it. I'll never forget the story about the family cat "Kago". One day she placed one of her kittens that didn't make it on Ron's workbench, as if asking if he could "fix" it. That's the kind of man he was-someone who was always there to help, no matter what.
As a family man, Ron was extremely devoted. He taught us life's most important lessons: to be fair, to work smarter not harder, and to always keep our word. He showed us how to drive stick in his little white Dodge Dakota, let us cause a ruckus on the radios during harvest, and took us on unforgettable trips to the coast and on the train. Some of the things we will miss most about him is how his face would light up whenever he saw us, as if he hadn't seen us in years. how he'd wave goodbye from his chair, the smell of morning coffee with Fox news playing in the background.
He had this way of making you feel truly special and loved without ever having to say it out loud. Ron was also a man of wisdom and practical advice. He taught us life lessons that we carry with us every day. From reminding us to always return borrowed items in better condition, the importance of taking the worst tasks for yourself, not to sweat the small stuff. He had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world. And let's not forget his quirky wisdom, like never getting off a moving tractor or his unique take on negotiations.
Ron would often say,"I'm up for all day," it was like his own personal anthem of unwavering optimism and resilience. His life was a testament to this philosophy. Whether it was fixing something, spending time with family, or supporting his community, He faced adversity with courage and ingenuity, never letting challenges define him. Whether it was the government turning off the water to the family homestead or finding a new home and career later in life, Ron always found a way to push through.
He once said moving to Klamath was like starting a honeymoon. It was his way of reminding us that each day is a new beginning, filled with possibilities and hope.
Ron's legacy lives on in the values he instilled in us. He taught us to cherish each moment, to have optimism in the face of adversity, to do the right thing. Today, we honor him not just for what he achieved but for who he was-a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
So as we say goodbye, let's remember the joy he brought into our lives. As someone once wisely said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Thank you, Ron, for the lessons, the love, and the laughter. We'll carry your spirit with us, always striving to make you proud. Rest easy, knowing that your legacy will live on in each of us.
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