Ronald Bert Johanson passed away Oct. 27, 2015. He was 69.

Ron was born on Oct. 17, 1946 in Seattle to Bertell and Florence Johanson. He was raised on Bainbridge Island, spending his younger years in Eagledale before moving to Winslow in 1955.

After graduating from Bainbridge Island High School in 1965, Ron proudly served in the Army from 1965 to 1967 and was stationed in Vietnam as a radio operator.

When he returned to Bainbridge after an honorable discharge, he resumed working for Baxter Wycoff Company, known as “Creosote.” In the late 1960s, he began working as a carpenter on Bainbridge Island; he often recalled fond memories of working alongside his uncle Art — as well as other Island homebuilders — who taught him the trade. When work slowed down in the mid-1970s, Ron turned to Halverson Towing for a year, working as a deck hand on a tug boat and hauling supplies between Seattle and Southeast Alaska.

It was during this time that Ron fell in love with the “Last Frontier.” He worked in the construction industry in Alaska from the late 1970s through the 1980s, most notably in the towns of Anchorage, Atqasuk, Bethel and Point Barrow.

Ron moved from Bainbridge to Suquamish in 1988. A stroke in 1992 forced him into early retirement. He moved to Republic in 2003, where he lived for 11 years. In 2014, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and moved to Seabeck to live with his brother, Keith while receiving treatment at the Seattle VA Hospital.

Ron courageously fought his illness for nearly two years before passing away peacefully at the Washington Veterans Home Retsil in Port Orchard.

Ron was a warm and easygoing guy who lived a wonderful legacy and told many colorful stories. As an avid outdoorsman, Ron had a love for hunting, fishing, softball, bowling, RVing and traveling.

He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion.

Ron leaves many friends who will surely miss him.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Edward Johanson, and survived by his older brothers Dennis (Shirley) and Keith (Edna); nephews Raymond (Janice) and Matthew Johanson; 13 great nephews and nieces; and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life in Ron’s honor was held Friday, Nov. 6 at the American Legion on NE Bucklin Hill Road.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 172, Disabled American Veterans or the Cancer Society.