Ronald Raymond Rust

Ronald Raymond Rust

March 31, 1947 - Oct. 14,2024 

He spent his younger years living in Fairbanks. Where his grandparents Jesse and Clara Rust helped settle Fairbanks in the early years. ("The story of Clara Rust Alaska pioneer THIS OLD HOUSE" by Joanne Wold) is a written account of the Rust's hand in settling Alaska. ) He spent his life between Fairbanks, Kenai, Alaska and Cathlamet Washington and Astoria Oregon.

Ron and his wife Kathy moved their family to Kenai in 1981, where he lived until his passing on October 14, 2024 with his son Daniel at his side.
Ron was a decorated Vietnam Veteran with an E-5 ranking in the Army. Ron was a gunner on a landing craft saving multiple lives. He was decorated for heroism. He was awarded many medals of honor including a Bronze star and a Purple Heart.

Ron was a commercial fisherman in the Cook Inlet for 59 years. His boys grew up fishing with him on his boat the "FV TIGER". Ron also drove a school bus for over 10 years, while doing so he participated in many bus rodeos where he took championship awards for several of those years. He was an avid dart thrower. He was 7th in the world and 2nd in the United States at the height of his career.

Ron also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing,snow machining, he also loved to travel.

Rons greatest pleasure in his last years was to drive to the canneries and visit with his fisherman friends. and share pictures and generally sharing stories about the past with them.

He always had bubble gum for the kids and dog biscuits for the dogs.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents George and Helene. He is survived by his brother Don and his wife Kelly, his children Richard of Texas, Roni Sue of Washington Ron Jr, David (Lauren), Michael, Daniel (Jonah), and Chelaine, all of Alaska, 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life is planned for the Summer of 2025 during fishing season in Kenai, Alaska.