Ron grew up and went to school in Covelo and Round Valley. Right after High School he enlisted in the U.S Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne division as a paratrooper, working as a radio operator. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Ron went to work on the Covelo Ranger District. In 1970, after several years of applying, Ron was accepted onto the Redding Hotshots Crew, which he felt would help him gain experience toward his goal of fire management. Ron was survived by his wife Bonnie and his 15-month-old son, Tim; as well as his father, mother, sister, brother and numerous nieces and nephews. Many people who knew and worked with him looked up to Ron. He is still regarded to this day as a diligent and energetic worker