Ronald Leland Shepherd's Obituary
An Idaho Upbringing
Ron Shepherd was born in Boise, Idaho, to Wiloughby and Viola Shepherd. He was raised in Boise, a second generation logger, whose strength was naturally evident as a star high school football player and a pole vault record holder in 1964 and 1965. Much of his youth was spent outdoors enjoying hunting and fishing trips with his family.
Starting a Family
Ron met his life partner, Linda, while in Canada. Together, they moved to Garden Valley, Idaho, where they began their life as a couple. Marrying Linda was arguably Ron’s proudest moment in life. They waited patiently to start a family and were finally blessed after seven years with the arrival of their first daughter, Ronda. Within four years, they also celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Rochelle, and son, Richie. As a family, they set off to Washington in 1985, their state of residence from that point onward.
Clearing the Path
Ron was raised in a logging and mining family. Although he tinkered with mining, it was as a logger he found his true calling. A career highlight for Ron was the fact that he felled a six-foot wide tree – a proud moment for any logger. Most of his work was of a contracting nature and he was called upon to clear several large developments; namely, clearing at Northbend for Weyerhouser and clearing the Sunrise Development for Corliss. At one point, Ron left the logging industry to consider a pursuit in sales, but this was not to be, and he returned to his roots after only a few short months of absence.
Loving and Emotional
Ron’s masculine occupation and tough exterior could not mask his loving and emotional side. When Ron spoke about his family and friends, even a bystander would see the love he held for them. Ron was always telling those close to him, “I love you”; a phrase he repeated often and with great sincerity. One example of this logger’s emotional side was evident in the treatment of his grandchildren. He always told his unborn grandchildren that they were smart, beautiful and handsome; continuing to do so long after their birth. Despite being stern as a parent, Ron was always loving and could tear up at emotional moments as much as anyone.
Other Interests
Ron became an avid reader in his later years, something he wishes he’d started much earlier in life. He continued to enjoy hunting and fishing and shared this experience with his children and grandchildren. He loved spending time playing with his grandchildren, often treating them to rides on the four-wheeler. Other time was spent camping with family and friends. One activity of interest, which Ron discovered late in life, was that of Rock Hounding. Ron became an active member of the Puyallup Rock and Gem Club. His membership work also involved efforts with the Twelve Visions Party, for which Ron served as Vice President for Washington.
A Legacy of Love
Ron set the example to always be courteous and kind in everything you do. According to family, he was a true “family man”. His constant “I love you,” will be missed by his beloved wife of 40 years, Linda, his three children, Ronda (Tracy) Dillard, Rochelle (Brian) Flinchbaugh, and Richie (Lindsey) Shepherd; along with grandchildren Diana, Skyler, Zoey, Tanner, Gavin, Collin, and “soon to arrive” Zachary. Reference to Ron’s love would not be complete without mention of his constant companion and four-legged friend, LexiRay.
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