Ronald Stokes

Ronald A. Stokes, 77, of Marlborough died unexpectedly Saturday morning Sept. 6 after being stricken ill at home on Friday. He was the husband of Jayne (Mitchell) Stokes to whom he was married for 28 years. He was born in Marlborough the son of the late Albert K. and Lauretta (Lapierre) Stokes Cook and lived here all of his life. Ron was a graduate of Marlborough High School class of 1955 and served in the Army National Guard before going to work as a salesman for many different companies in the snow skiing industry. He owned and operated the former Country Ski Shop in Marlborough for many years. Ron had a zest for life, loved sailing, skiing and motorcycling. He was a former member of the Jericho ski club and the Fort Meadow ski club, served as a lake commissioner and ran a water ski school in the 1970s. Ron also had a great passion for his community. He served on many different boards and organizations in the city including the former Marlborough JC's, 22 years on the board of directors of the Marlborough Boys Club, 12 years as a trustee for Hillside School, 48 years as a member of the Rotary Club, 4 years as a member of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and 6 years as chairman of the Marlborough Board of Health. Ron's greatest love though was his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and was devoted to the love of his life Jayne. He made friends wherever he went and was often described as "larger than life." Besides his wife he is survived by four sons; Albert Stokes and his wife Irene of Marlborough, Anthony Stokes and his wife Lisa of Hubbardston, Troy Gipps and his wife Monique of Grafton and Steve Gipps of W. Harwich, one daughter Sarah Anderson and her husband Steve of Hubbardston, twelve grandchildren; Lori Meiners, Jennifer Eagan, Andrea Stokes, Alisha Stokes, Julia Stokes, Lindsay Carey, Ryan Stokes, Shaye Stokes, Derek Anderson, Rachel Anderson, Silas Gipps and Hollis Gipps, one great grandchild Ryder Eagan, a sister in law Susan Stokes, two nephews Michael and Richard Stokes, one niece Kim Brogna and many friends. He was predeceased by a brother Carl Stokes. Services have been held from William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) of Marlborough.