Ronald McMahan

1932 - 2016

Ronald Samuel Anselmo McMahan, 84, of Fairbanks, passed away Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. He was born Jan. 4, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to father Sam Anselmo and mother Zelpha Harrison.
Ronnie arrived in Fairbanks on July 25, 1946, at 14 with his mother, stepfather, M.T. McMahan, and sisters Diann and Patty. His first home on Turner Street was lovingly called "the shack" and had no running water or inside toilet. Ron's sisters would have a Saturday bath in a washtub with water heated on the wood stove while the rest of the family showered across the street at Main School. After a bitter, cold winter using an outhouse and having water delivered by Pop Wehner, the family moved to the "big house'' on Cushman where many family memories were created. 
Ron had a successful high school basketball career, playing for the Malemutes. He was a five-year man; he stayed in high school an extra year not because he needed the credits but to play ball with the team. He knew he would not be able to attend college, so he decided to get as much education as possible. In fact, he took all the subjects offered except chemistry. Ron had his own chemistry: he loved people, he loved life.
Ron worked after school as a fireman, shoveling coal and doing boiler maintenance at Northern Commercial Company on First Avenue where Key Bank stands today. When he was 16, he worked construction at Ladd Field, pouring concrete for the utilidors. While in the Army, 1950-53, he attained the post of company clerk for Ladd.
Ronnie worked as the manager and mechanic at Fairlanes Bowl and Alaska Lanes. His bowling highlights include second place in the World's Invitational in Saint Louis. And he was inducted into the state of Alaska Bowler's Hall of Fame in 1987.
Ron also worked up north as a dragline and crane operator building gravel pads and setting up barracks to help build the Arctic Slope DEW Line, a defense early warning system. Afterwards, he helped build Lake View as a dragline operator and bailed gravel out of the ponds near the airport parking lot to extend or make the runways.
Ron and Valda Josephine Cammack first exchanged vows on May 15, 1956, then renewed their vows Jan. 2, 1958.
In 1963, Ron became a Chevron Dealer. During the 1967 flood, Ronnie rescued more than 16 stranded people from Island Homes with his wrecker, and set a lot of sled dogs loose so they would not drown. Several families stayed in his house until the waters receded. There are many stories all over town about how "Big R" helped. Ron, a statuesque man at 6'5", had an even larger heart.
He spent many nights at brutal temperatures, offering heat starts at 40- and 50-below as the owner of Ron's Chevron and Towing. He worked the night and weekend shift instead of having his employees out there.
He and his wife, Valda, started American Tire Warehouse, Inc., the first full-service tire and automotive center in 1973.
Ron believed in second changes and that all people could succeed with a good foundation. Ronald and Judd with a few more key people started the Alano Club in 1978.
Ron, Herb, Angie and Little Ron raced stock cars at North Pole Speedway. The "388 Rat Patrol" battled for first place for years.
He continued his bowling career in the winter, built his business, raced stock cars and camped and fished in the summer while raising five children and taking care of the train at Alaskaland.
His generosity knew no bounds, always opening his house to host Goldpanner players at big barbecues in the early '70s. This tradition has continued with employees and friends from American Tire in the past 40 years.
Golfing friends remember Ron McMahan as a team member and great golfer. He served a president of the Fairbanks Golfing Association.
His hobbies after golfing included gardening and photography; he loved flowers. He took amazing photos of sunsets and flowers too. He won many ribbons at the Tanana Valley State Fair, including Grand Champion place with a ball dahlia. He kept his businesses beautiful with gorgeous flowers for the city of Fairbanks.
He is remembered for always having a pocket of butterscotch candies for kids. He loved his dogs, and his children benefited from pets throughout their young and teen years.
Ron became a born-again Christian at Freedom in Christ in North Pole. He discovered his inner strength and the ability to rely on what he referred to as his "higher power." He was very supportive of the church. His sister, Patty, says Ronnie was her example; he brought her to the knowledge and "trust in our Father in Heaven because he, Ronnie, had been like a father to me in many ways."
Ron McMahan was kind, loving and giving. He supported the community and anyone he knew that needed help. Ron was a true Alaska pioneer.
He is survived by his wife, Valda Josephine; their five children: James Michael, Rawn Marie, Mark Cammack, Bryan Davis, Valda Janene, and his sister, Patty Creagh.
Ron McMahan's funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 915 Second Avenue, with a celebration of life immediately following.
Arrangements are entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.
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