He could spout every fact,
SHARP as a tack
From the day of his birth
Until his last breath on earth

Are there words to capture this great legend?
A husband, a dad, a papa, dear friend
A jack of all trades, a meticulous guy
Never took shortcuts-his standards so high!

A high school graduate from Billings in early sixties
After 1 year of college, found his place in the Navy
He directed naval aircraft from flight decks at sea
VP Patrol 47-(1962-1964), army reserve an add’l three.

For 30 years, he adjusted all sorts of insurance claims
Deciphering whose lying, who not, who’s to blame.

Dearly valued Elk member for 46 years
Exalted ruler twice, district deputy, past Elk of the year
Treasurer, secretary, 1 of 3 Honorary Lifetime Members
Wore so many hats, it is so hard to remember!
Perhaps you have seen him as the Elk Hoop Shoot Clown
His heart for young kids, shooting hoops and rebounds.

He retired, not really, depended on the day
With great precision and detail people would say
The houses he enhanced are too many to mention
We are surrounded by his craft-it captures attention

As he worked and he toiled, the golf course would call
"pasture pool' as he called it-chasing white golf balls
Nothing would stop "Shogie" from his Friday golf game
Not seeing his t-bird parked out there-it won't be the same

As he endured this last battle with such persistence
It all boils down to “Did I make a huge difference”?
His true earthly treasures- Nancy, his wife
19 years of marriage, the love of his life.
To his children-Rick, Rory, Stacey and Renee
He loves you. He’s proud of you in every way.

To his 14 grandchildren-each one of you own
A piece of his spirit-his memory lives on
Joe and Q-your birthdays this year are big ones indeed
He’ll be eating ice cream with you-huckleberry pain-free

Anna-keep dancing, for it brings him great pleasure
Andrew-keep building, like Papa, you’ll create such treasures
Rachel, your hugs are priceless and so is your chatter
Paige don’t forget to all your cousins, you matter.

Cooper-your wit outdoes Papa-putting smiles on his face
Skylar – you’re a giver of such care and grace
Olivia- keep chasing your love for the 4-legged kind
Shelby-keep cooking-there’s baking secrets still to find

Landon-Papa loves you like honey to Winnie the Pooh
Garrett-keep believing in all kids-it’s what you are made to do
Hunter-your love for cars-it comes from your Papa-he is always near
Mikaela-he’s constantly beside you as you chase antelope and deer

Ron, even though your time here on earth has come to an end
You’ve made that huge difference as a husband, dad, papa and friend.

Ron leaves behind his wife, Nancy; sister Carol McCracken of Billings, MT; children Stacey Anderson (Gary) of Casper; Rory (Cassie) Shogren of Casper; Rick Portz of Casper ; Renee (Paul) Boucher of Graham, TX; step-daughters Ronda (Doyle) Meyer of Torrington, Teresa (Bart) Stricklin of Casper; Janet (John) Hoyt of Casper.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ron to Elks Habitat Fund, Mimi's House or a charity of your choice.

Services for Ron will be held at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 1:30 pm. Face masks will be required for those in attendance at the service. A reception will follow the service at the Elks Lodge at 108 East 7th Street.


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