Ralph Lyford "Ron" Rawson

Ralph "Ron" Lyford Rawson

Ron died peacefully May 17, 2013 after a short battle with pneumonia. Born August 14, 1928 to Seattle pioneer physician Dr. Erroll W. Rawson and wife Leotta F. Rawson. He graduated Broadway High School and WSU, receiving his degree in Chemistry. He was very active in his Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the ROTC.

Upon graduating, Ron married Gloria Peterson and he joined the Air Force, spending two years of active duty in Morocco, Africa. He started Ron Rawson, Inc. in 1959 making some of the first fiberglass sailboats on the west coast and then later branched out to power boats and commercial fishing trawlers for Alaska waters.

In 2001 he married Ginny Lettengarver. They had a grand time touring the world, attending steamship and RV rallies, and most of all spending time at the family cabin in Skunk Bay. He had a passion for tending his garden and sharing veggies with family and friends. He also enjoyed boating, skiing, scuba diving and was a proud member of the VFW and lifetime member of Seattle Yacht Club.

Survived by his wife Virginia "Ginny" Rawson: four children (from his previous wife Gloria Rawson-Sweet), Rebecca Rawson of Kent, WA, Kari Rawson of La Connor, WA, Rolf Rawson of Temecula, CA and Karl Rawson of Wasilla, AK, sister Marion Rawson Nagashima, five grandchildren, Kameron Mengel of Manhattan, NY, Kendra Mengel of Bellevue, WA, Jessica Benton of La Connor WA, Morgan Johnston of Issaquah, WA, and Kiel Myers of Post Falls ID, Stepchildren, John, Mike and Laurie, and step grandchildren, Elle, AJ, John, Duncan and Taylor, along with many loving friends.

A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity- WSU chapter.