KJ1110
07-13-07, 04:16 PM
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Clan Ronald VanEnkevort died in Kennewick, Wash., on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at 90 years of age.
Ron was born in Bark River on April 30, 1917, to Raymond and Alice (Nelson) VanEnkevort who were from pioneer families in Bark River. Ron married Evelyn (Eis) VanEnkevort in 1939 in Escanaba. He lived in Escanaba from age 4 until he, Evelyn and their children, Ronald Lee and Bonnie Jean, moved to Kennewick. The Hanford Fire Department hired him immediately on the day they arrived — May 9, 1952.
Ron graduated from Escanaba High School in 1935 and attended and thoroughly enjoyed two reunions including the 50-year. He was a World War II Veteran — Easy Company, Second Battalion, First Marines — and served from 1944-1946. He fought through the campaign of Okinawa and was in China from September 1945 until early February 1946. Ron worked in the Hanford Fire Department until he retired as a captain in 1979. He and Evelyn returned to Escanaba to visit family once a year for many years.
During his 90 years, Ron lived life with a passion. He never did anything halfway. He entertained family and friends alike with his colorful stories. His family was always closest to his heart, and he thoroughly enjoyed reliving funny memories, especially of the many camping trips he and Evelyn took with their grandkids. One of his favorite things was the sound of children’s laughter, and there was always plenty of that whenever he was around.
Ron’s interests were eclectic. He was an avid reader and loved opera and country music. Writing poetry for family and friends was a favorite pastime. He followed the Mariners and never missed the chance to fish and hunt. He often walked through campgrounds making friends of total strangers within hours of arriving.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn VanEnkevort, who died in 1997. In 2004 he married Nilia Weisenberger who allowed happiness back into the last years of his life after the loss of his beloved Ev.
Ron is survived by his wife Nilia of Kennewick; sister Abigail (Joseph S.) Eis, Escanaba; two children, Ronald (Shari) VanEnkevort, Sequim, Wash., and Bonnie (Elwyn) Phillips, Pasco, Wash.; three grandchildren, Heath (Mima) Phillips, Kennewick; Holly (Bryna) VanEis, Austin, Tex.; and Paula VanEnkevort and husband John Roberts, Tacoma, Wash.; and six great grandchildren, Jovan Conn, Monique Conn, Cheyenne Phillips, Harper VanEis, Jake Roberts and Shea Roberts.
The funeral service is scheduled for Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. (PDT) in Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 South Union in Kennewick (509-783-9532) with burial immediately following in Desert Lawn Cemetery.
Ron was born in Bark River on April 30, 1917, to Raymond and Alice (Nelson) VanEnkevort who were from pioneer families in Bark River. Ron married Evelyn (Eis) VanEnkevort in 1939 in Escanaba. He lived in Escanaba from age 4 until he, Evelyn and their children, Ronald Lee and Bonnie Jean, moved to Kennewick. The Hanford Fire Department hired him immediately on the day they arrived — May 9, 1952.
Ron graduated from Escanaba High School in 1935 and attended and thoroughly enjoyed two reunions including the 50-year. He was a World War II Veteran — Easy Company, Second Battalion, First Marines — and served from 1944-1946. He fought through the campaign of Okinawa and was in China from September 1945 until early February 1946. Ron worked in the Hanford Fire Department until he retired as a captain in 1979. He and Evelyn returned to Escanaba to visit family once a year for many years.
During his 90 years, Ron lived life with a passion. He never did anything halfway. He entertained family and friends alike with his colorful stories. His family was always closest to his heart, and he thoroughly enjoyed reliving funny memories, especially of the many camping trips he and Evelyn took with their grandkids. One of his favorite things was the sound of children’s laughter, and there was always plenty of that whenever he was around.
Ron’s interests were eclectic. He was an avid reader and loved opera and country music. Writing poetry for family and friends was a favorite pastime. He followed the Mariners and never missed the chance to fish and hunt. He often walked through campgrounds making friends of total strangers within hours of arriving.
Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Evelyn VanEnkevort, who died in 1997. In 2004 he married Nilia Weisenberger who allowed happiness back into the last years of his life after the loss of his beloved Ev.
Ron is survived by his wife Nilia of Kennewick; sister Abigail (Joseph S.) Eis, Escanaba; two children, Ronald (Shari) VanEnkevort, Sequim, Wash., and Bonnie (Elwyn) Phillips, Pasco, Wash.; three grandchildren, Heath (Mima) Phillips, Kennewick; Holly (Bryna) VanEis, Austin, Tex.; and Paula VanEnkevort and husband John Roberts, Tacoma, Wash.; and six great grandchildren, Jovan Conn, Monique Conn, Cheyenne Phillips, Harper VanEis, Jake Roberts and Shea Roberts.
The funeral service is scheduled for Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. (PDT) in Mueller’s Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 South Union in Kennewick (509-783-9532) with burial immediately following in Desert Lawn Cemetery.