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BORN
1936
DIED
2017
Ron Ho Obituary
November 1, 1936 - September 7, 2017
Ronald Tau Wo Ho died peacefully in his Seattle home after a battle with prostate cancer. He was a world-renowned jewelry artist and celebrated teacher whose work has been shown and collected by major museums nationally and internationally. He will be missed by his family and large circle of friends.
Ron grew up in a loving family in Hawaii and received his undergraduate degree in art education from Pacific Lutheran University and Masters of Art Education from the University of Washington. He began his illustrious teaching career in Hoquiam, but taught most of his career in the Bellevue School District. His awards included Asian Artist of the Year from the Wing Luke Asian Museum in 1988, Pacific Regional Art Educator of the Year by the Washington Art Ed. Assn. in 1990 and Distinguished Alumnus from Pacific Lutheran University in 2004. The Bellevue Arts Commission recognized him with their Outstanding Achievement in the Arts in 1990. Northwest Designer Craftsmen named him a Lifetime Award Member in 2006 and in 2007 he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Seattle Metals Guild. In 2010 Ron was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Craft Council. The Bellevue Arts Museum mounted a retrospective of his work in 2006 and produced a catalogue to celebrate his life and art.
Ron had a great love of travel, in part inspired by his lifelong friend, teacher and mentor Ramona Solberg, who led groups to study the arts and crafts of different cultures. Ramona incorporated found objects in her work and her gift of an old bone domino set him on his way of discovering how to use found treasures in his jewelry. Their travels together always included the search for unique items. Ron continued leading groups to far flung places, primarily to the countries of SE Asia.
Ron is survived by his sister Nathalie Hee (Mel), brother Tim Ho (Laura), his sister-in-law Caroline Ho, nieces and nephews, and his partner Peter Olsen. He was preceded in death by his brother Ray Ho. Ron had extended family in Hawaii and numerous life-long friends in the NW, the US and worldwide.
A memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Northwest Designer Craftsmen Living Treasures Fund. NWDC is producing a film about Ron Ho. The link to the NWDC website is:www.nwdesignercraftsmen.org/donate-living-treasures
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Memories and Condolences
for Ron Ho
Sponsored by The Family.
Sandra MacLean
September 11, 2023
May Ron's memory be eternal....a gentle soul.
Berlinda G Dunbar-Nye
April 23, 2023
Mr. Ron Ho was my art teacher/instructor/mentor during my highschool years at Newport in the late 70's. He was such a lovely man. I never produced anything while in his classes worth even looking at. But, he taught me the how's and whys working with materials and design. He was so kind and patient, putting up with a group of young people who were more interested in plans for the weekend than drawing decorative Kale. He did help me with my portfolio for Cornish. Admonished me for using photos as my inspiration. I did take life drawing classes at Cornish and later on. ;-) He was right. C'est la vie. While my breast plate isn't anything near his skill or style.......He's the lovely man who gave me inspiration to find my own niche. Mr. Ho, you were a great inspiration as an artist and a person. Thank you so very much.
Pamela Roberts
February 20, 2020
Ron taught art at Lochburn Junior High School in Tacoma, Washington - it was around 1968. He was already an established artist and we were so honored to have him teaching in our school. I was 12 years old then. His presence in the school was very special. Ron was energetic, enthusiastic and consistently positive. His creativity as a teacher was endless. I will never forget when he presented the school with a life-sized metal sculpture of a lion - our school mascot. It was mounted on a platform with wheels so we could roll it in to the gym for basketball games. It really instilled pride in the students. When Ron announced that he was leaving the school to pursue his art we all cried. He made a positive impact on many, many children. I became a professional cellist and Ron's artistic commitment helped create a supportive environment for kids like me to develop their talents. I will forever be grateful to him.
Becci (Smith) Merritt
March 25, 2018
I was lucky enough to have Ron Ho as my art teacher at Highland Junior High. He took us to Pike Place Market and the Fremont Bridge to sketch. At his encouragement I testified to the Seattle City Council on behalf of keeping Pike Place Market intact. He recognized me as a person, and was my favorite teacher of my entire education. It is my true sorrow that Mr. Ho's dear little dog Wilbur jumped through my screened window on a 94 degree day and escaped, never to be seen again. Mr. Ho was in Bhutan then and I had been entrusted to care for little Wilbur, who had accompanied Mr. Ho to many art classes. It was such a big loss for him. I sincerely hope that they are reunited now. Mr. Ho taught me to see the beauty of found objects. He also encouraged self expression in art and interior design, jewelry and artworks. The world was made richer and more beautiful by his presence.
Lissa Herschleb
November 5, 2017
An interesting thing just happened. I was reading Alice Walkers profound poetic words reflecting her experience of the recent fire storms that gobbled so many Earthly memories here in the San Francisco north bay. If you go to her website you too can read in words what many experienced here....
After reading her piece, out-of-the-blue!!...a photo of one of Ron's pieces came up on my phone. I wondered why on Earth it happened, so I looked him up and saw he has passed!
I write this not as a close friend, but as an artist having been touched by this lovely man. This message is more for my benefit of connecting in words and saying good-bye and hello to spirit who just briefly touched my phone.
Ron saw my paintings at the Bellevue Art Festival quite a few years ago. He asked if I would bring a painting that he connected with, to his (cool) house. He showed me around and I was deeply moved by his collection, his person and his work. He was lovely, kind and I remember feeling very full of life when I left...My painting was hung and pondered as we talked. He tried to find placement but ultimately we both agreed it didn't fit in.
I have since, periodically, looked him up to make sure he was OK. A visit to the show a few years after our meeting found him sad after loosing his partner to illness.
As one who looks for indications from the other side, I took his unprompted popping up on my phone screen to say goodbye and hello.
November 5, 2017
It was with much sadness I learnt of Ron's death. Ron had kindly shared one of his works to be included in a book that I stated two years ago and which has just been released. Myself and all my fellow makers wish to send our condolences to Ron's family. yours sincerely Mark Fenn
Dock Brown
November 3, 2017
I was an 8th grade student of Mr. Ho at Highland Junior High. On November 22, 1963 he took us on a field trip to the Seattle Art Museum. What I remember from that day was his leadership and courage. While we were at the museum, the rumor began circulating that President Kennedy had been shot. We were all scared and crying.
He got us all calmed down by telling us that we would be okay and he would make sure we all got safely back to the school. He was not only a great teacher but a wonderful inspirational figure in our lives.
Carie Collver
November 1, 2017
Sweet, sweet Ron, it was such a blessing to have known and been inspired by you. You were always so willing and generous when I would want to borrow artwork from your amazing collection for all of our multi-cultural exhibits for kids at the Schack Art Center. You would welcome me into your fabulous home, and let me take anything I wanted. And I have such wonderful memories of getting to hang out with you, Ramona, Hazel, and Maryalice all together. You were truly joyful! I will miss even the thought of you not being around anymore. Your smile (and jewelry) will live on in my heart. Much love to you and everyone that loved you. xox, Carie Collver
November 1, 2017
Ron was always happy to see us, and we will miss his smile and his beautiful being. Gail and Claudia
October 13, 2017
We love you more than we can say, RIP.Ron!
Flavours of Indochina
October 13, 2017
In memory of Ron Ho, an artful travel specialist to Vietnam and beyond.
RIP, Ron!
Flavours of Indochina
Sandra MacLean
October 12, 2017
Memory Eternal Ron. I taught with Ron at Newport High School and so admired his genius, gentle spirit and friendship.
Sandy MacLean
J Born
October 11, 2017
I remember Mr. Ho from elementary school. I still remember to this day the Japanese ink blowing and tiger painting. I ended up going to art school. Rest In Peace Mr. Ho.
Troy May
September 21, 2017
I am truly sad to hear of his passing and extend my sympathies to his family and friends. I loved having Mr. Ho as my 9th grade art teacher (1968-1969). He was such and encouragement to this then young art student and I was always amazed at his patience with all of us goofy kids.
September 20, 2017
My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Ron Ho. I taught with Ron 1970-75 at Newport High School. We had a ball in the summer of 1973 when we shared a room in Brussels while I was biking and he was buying antiques. He was always a gentle, creative, supportive person. He always asked about Sarah, and we couldn't believe that we were getting old. Aloha toujours..Joel Seidel
FC
September 20, 2017
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
September 19, 2017
Mr. Hon was an outstanding art teacher at Sherwood Forest Elementary. Every Fall he would decorate the gym with the children's art for Open House. He loved teaching art and will be greatly missed. Darlean Hanner K-1 teacher, Sherwood Forest Elementary
Jill Koyama
September 19, 2017
Ron was a kind, creative, and exuberant soul. I am fortunate to have lived in the apartment attached to his Seattle home, where he cooked and entertained with brilliance and love. Jill Koyama
Ione Raubacher
September 18, 2017
I had Mr.Ho for art studio at Newport high school in Bellevue my senior year in 1976. I will remember his love for jewelry and pushing his students beyond what they thought they could do. Rest in Peace Mr. Ho
Ione Raubacher
NHS class of 1976
Weilyn Ho
September 18, 2017
RIP... Aloha.
Elaine Holmquist
September 18, 2017
Ron Ho was a teacher at Newport High School for both my sister and daughter. His kindness extended to her when he accepted her in his class even though she was a freshman and he only accepted seniors. It was his last year of teaching before retiring. Heart felt sympathies to his family. He will not be forgotten.
September 18, 2017
Ron Ho was both my sister and daughter's teacher at Newport High School. His kindness extended to my daughter when she entered as a freshman and was accepted into his class in which he only accepted seniors. It was his last year there before retiring. My heartfelt sympathies go to his family. He will not be forgotten.
Nancy Huffman
September 17, 2017
He was wonderfull, kind, enthusiastic, funny and extremely talented. I was so very sad to hear of his passing,
Dick Takaki
September 17, 2017
Ron: It has been a great experience knowing you and being part of your life thru the years. Mahalo nui loa. Dick Takaki
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