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Ronald Billington Obituary
April 13, 1939 - July 2, 2013
Resident of Scotts Valley
Ronald Lee Billington, former longtime resident of Boulder Creek, passed away peacefully at his home in Scotts Valley, California on July 2, 2013. He was 74.
Ron was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1939. During early childhood Ron lived in Dixon and Rockford, Illinois. At the conclusion of World War II, his parents moved to Oceanside, California where his father was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. The family later moved to San Carlos, then to Atherton, California. At Menlo-Atherton High School, in their senior year, Ron met his future wife, Joan Morgan. After graduating in 1957, their romance blossomed and they married on June 20, 1959. Ron attended College of San Mateo and was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Ron worked at Hewlett-Packard Co. from 1960 to 2000. During 40+ years at H-P, he held a wide variety of positions. Ron loved working with people, and is known for his keen sense of humor and problem-solving ability. Ron's last few years before retirement in 2000 were spent as a Human Resources Management Consultant at corporate offices in Palo Alto. Upon retirement, Ron and Joan enjoyed traveling all over America in their motor home.
Ron was a loving and caring husband, father and friend. He and Joan shared a beautiful life together. Ron's love of the outdoors was shared over the years on fishing and camping trips with his family. He taught his son, Vernon, and daughter, Melissa, how to enjoy, respect, and survive in nature. He supported their school and sports activities: Boy Scout leader; soccer coach; school volunteer. Ron took great joy in raising his children. He loved spending time with them! His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were also very precious to him.
Ron had a lifelong interest in automobiles: driving; racing; building; showing. Upon retirement from H-P, Ron completed his project of building from scratch a 1932 Ford Roadster, nicknamed, "Friskee."
Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Morgan Billington; his son, Vernon E. Billington (wife, Gina) of Boulder Creek, CA; daughter, Melissa L. Billington (partner, Matt Brown) of Scotts Valley, CA. Ron is also survived by six grandchildren: Cherina Billington; Carrick, Cambria, and Cameron Biggs; Joe (wife, Summer) Carmack; Shannin (husband, Jacob) Hunter. In addition, he is survived by three great-grandchildren: Onyx Hunter; Carly Hunter; James Carmack. Ron is also survived by his wonderful little dog, Pancho the Pug. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Vernon A. Billington, in 1987, his mother, Evelyn B. Souders Billington, in 2000, and great-granddaughter, Julie Rose Carmack, in 2012.
At Ron's request, no formal services will be held. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Memorial contributions may be made to: Marine Corps League Det. 711, PO Box 2234, Salinas, CA 93902-2234. Please write on memo line: "R. Billington donation".
If you would like to send your condolences to Ronald's family, share your memories, view or post photos, or light a candle please visit www.scmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Billington
Sandra Young
August 28, 2014
I am here with his Aunt Julia Billington... She has moved to Oakland to live with her daughter, Susan. I was just looking up where you lived... So sorry to hear of your lose. Contact us if you like. Susan's email [email protected]. Cousin Sandy Young
David Asplund
August 20, 2013
Joan, received your sad news today August 20th. It's hard to believe that Ron is no longer with us. I can't tell you how many times Ron and I got together at HP to discuss life and family. He was always so positive and we became good friends. This only confirms that life passes us way to fast. The good news is that we will cherish all the good times we had with Ron. My best wishes to you and family.
Judy & Rich Schultz
July 23, 2013
As Ron's younger cousin, I remember thinking how good-looking he was when he came to visit. We didn't get to spend much time together when young but really enjoyed time with Ron & Joan when they came to visit us in IL. I regret not getting together more because I appreciated Ron's wit and stories from taking the rv on the road. It was obvious how much Ron & Joan cared for each other. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. Keeping Joan, Vern, Melissa & family in prayers for peace & healing.
Cindy Elledge
July 21, 2013
Ron was a gentle giant and I worked with him for years at HP. He was great to work with...our prays go out to the family!
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July 20, 2013
I had the pleasure to work with Ron when I started at HP. I hold fond memories of his teaching and partnership. My condolences to the Billington family.
Emmy Bolich
July 20, 2013
Joan and family. How blessed you have been to have had Ron as a loving father and husband.
Joan 54 years is amazing. May your pain ease daily. Ron may be gone but the love will always be there.
Roger Brown MA '57
Marie Bernard
July 19, 2013
Ron was a real gem. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Chris Feduniw
July 19, 2013
I worked with Ron on several HR related projects while we were both at HP. He was a great guy to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Doug O'Neal
July 19, 2013
Worked with Ron many years ago at HP. He was a great guy! My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Vern Billington
July 18, 2013
Dad you will always be my Hero, Mentor, Teacher but most of all my Best Friend. I miss you so much words can not describe the pain and loss I'm feeling, I Love you Pop, SEMPER FI
Ron & Pancho Pug watching NASCAR races
July 16, 2013
Gina Billington
July 15, 2013
You were such a special man. You touched all of us that knew you and loved you. I will miss your gentlemanly qualities, your wise knowledge, your support for all of us, and most certainly your sharp wit. It has been an honor for me to be part of your life. I will miss our conversations... And I don't think I ever thanked you for that very special gift; it is always in my heart. Until we meet again... Love to you! Love, Gina.
July 15, 2013
My heart cried a tear this afternoon when I received the news of Ron's passing. I will never forget the special memories Ron & I shared while at HP and during our motorcycle trips.
Love Larry Ligon
July 15, 2013
Hi Joan and family, It is a sad day when a dear friend leaves us. Fortunately, he gave us lots of great memories to keep.
With love, Al and Diane Barnes
Judy Morgan
July 15, 2013
Joan, Vern and Melissa,
I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I know that you are all grieving at this time but hopefully your memories will get you through the next days, months and years. Ron's memories will always be there and will live on in your hearts forever. Time has a wonderful way of healing our hearts without damaging those memories that we have made with our loved one. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ron was a wonderful husband and Papa and you should be proud to have known such a man.
Thinking of you
Love,
Judy Ann
Breakfast at Mollie's 2009
July 14, 2013
Christmas 2008
July 14, 2013
Pancho & Ron - camping at Hat Creek 2009
July 14, 2013
Ron & Pancho Pug at Scotts Valley Dog Park
July 14, 2013
Vern & Ron - July 2010
July 14, 2013
Ron & Joan - 50th Anniversary
July 14, 2013
Vern, Melissa, Ron - June 2011
July 14, 2013
Ron & Joan - June 2011
July 14, 2013
Ron's '32 Felton Remembers Parade
July 14, 2013
Laura Lopez
July 14, 2013
For you, Melissa. Knowing you, I am sure your Papa was extremely proud of his only daughter. Sending you love and prayers during this time of heartache.
Love you,
Laura
Lunch at the Crows Nest
Melissa Billington
July 14, 2013
My Daddy, loving, patient, true to his word, a sense of humor like no other, kind, patriotic, trustworthy... Not many people grow up in this world with two parents who loved each other solid for 54 years and still genuinely enjoyed the others company, I did.... I will forever be heartbroken that you aren't here with us anymore but I am so grateful for all of our families happy memories that will always remain. I love you Papa... Xoxo
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