Myles Ronald "Ron" Johns

1934 - 2025

Johns, Myles Ronald "Ron" May 14, 1934 - Nov 21, 2025 Born to Myles C. Johns and Hilda (Yandell) Johns in Kalispell, Montana, Ron passed away peacefully in Spokane. His family wishes to thank his many caregivers over the last months of his life. After graduating from Flathead High School in 1952, Ron attended the University of Washington, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. Throughout his professional life, Ron remained dedicated to science, education and the public good. Upon graduating from the University of Washington, Ron moved to Idaho to conduct research at the nuclear facility near Idaho Falls. He moved to Spokane in 1963, where he worked as a teacher at North Central High School and Spokane Community College. He worked with local educators and businesses to establish Spokane Falls Community College, where he spent the majority of his career as faculty and ultimately as College President until his retirement in 2000. Ron's love of science remained steadfast throughout his life, from his enthusiasm for the Apollo moon landings to training telescopes on the Galilean moons and pouring through the many scientific books and journals that lined the shelves of his home. Ron became interested in politics in the early seventies, campaigning for then Governor of Washington State, Dan Evans, and running for the Washington State Legislature as a Republican in 1972. Although his formal participation in politics would come to an end, Ron remained committed to public causes close to his heart, including conservation and the preservation of salmon habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Ron's love of natural spaces and outdoor recreation was known to many. An avid mountaineer, hiker, horseman, skier and sailor, he led and participated in many adventures. Friends and family alike share tales of excursions that pushed them to their individual limits while at the same time engendering a deep appreciation of the natural world that he cherished. Ron was also a keen photographer and was a fan of Ansel Adams and others who trained their lenses on the great outdoors. As a member of the Spokane Mountaineers in the 1970s, Ron summited several of the volcanic peaks in the Pacific Northwest in all seasons. He did so at a time when snowshoes, skis and ice axes were made of wood, all-weather clothing was made of wool, and one's voice was the primary means of communicating in the wilderness. Although Ron made his life in Spokane, Montana was always close to his heart. Trips through the Bob Marshall National Wilderness on foot or on horseback were a cornerstone of the early family experience for his children, siblings, nieces and nephews. Having acquired a taste for boats on Flathead Lake as a young man, Ron later became an accomplished sailor, piloting craft through the Caribbean, the Whitsundays and, closer to home, all points north, west and south of Anacortes. Later in life, Ron again hewed close to his Montana roots and became a passionate horse owner. He spent many days caring and providing a home for his much-loved equestrian mates, Zann, Shelby, Lady and Lucee. His pup wallE always by his side. Ron is survived by his sister Bette [Jim] Johnson, St. Cloud, MN; his brother Doug [Vicki] Johns, Kalispell, MT; [Dan Johns of Kalispell, his youngest brother passed away September 3, 2025]; his wife and partner of nearly 45 years, Suzi Johns; her daughters Lisa and Tina; his children Alison, Mark, Kyle and Amy; and a stable full of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for proclaiming each day's dawn "Daylight in the Swamp" and to "never pitch your tent in a low spot." A Celebration of Life next spring is being planned.