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Ron passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2017, from complications of Amyloidosis with his wife, Janet, brother Jerry, sister Carey and daughter Jennifer by his side.
Ron was born in West Seattle Hospital to Elizabeth Bren and Francis Vandenberg, the second of five children. Raised in the Riverside neighborhood in West Seattle, he attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1961. He served in the US Army (Americal Division) 1967-1969, and was a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Ron lived for many years in White Center, then Federal Way and finally Kent. Ron and Janet have a home in Sun City, Arizona, where they hoped to retire. They vacationed there, enjoying sun, family, friends and Ron could golf to his heart’s content.
A valued Concrete Superintendent for Peter Kiewit Construction 1961 – 1994, Ron worked on I-5 from the Ship Canal Bridge to Spokane Street; I-520 at the Northup Exchange; I-90 Mt. Baker Tunnel – Issaquah – Snoqualmie. Hwy 518; the Lucille Street and Yesler Street Bridges; The SeaTac Parking Garage; FAA Building. You cannot drive to or from Seattle, or fly out of SeaTac without feeling connected to Ron. He also worked for Barclay Dean Construction on various builds, including Costco Warehouses.
An active member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Federal Way, and the Knights of Columbus, Council 7908, he came to be known as “the Bread Man” in Federal Way, collecting and distributing bread for the St. Theresa Sandwich program, and various shelters and food banks in Pierce and King Counties. He was a VA Volunteer at American Lake where he would play cards, cribbage, and chat with the veterans or assist in taking groups out to activities such as movies or the Puyallup Fair. He volunteered many hours with Senior Services Transportation, taking people to medical appointments from as far away as Enumclaw. Other volunteer projects include Camp Prime Time, building the Riverside Memorial, building Beyond Walls – teaching building skills to those with little experience, building and repair projects for family, friends and the community, March of Dimes and Walk America Events
Ron and Janet researched and located other Army veterans, all who shared the experience of Vietnam. Some were men with whom he served, while others became new friends. Janet and Ron traveled the country to meet with the men and their families, including an annual reunion in St. Louis. He developed a remarkable camaraderie with his fellow veterans of Charlie Company.
Throughout his life, Ron enjoyed reading, politics, football, traveling, waterfalls, golf, helping others and meeting with family and friends. Ron loved to take sand, cement and lumber to create amazing things for everyone. He did so with such talent and little effort that it seemed as if his mind, body and innate being knew exactly what to do. Every family member, extended family and many friends and acquaintances knew they could count on Ron for assistance with building their home, additions, remodels, ramps, porches, windows, etc. He was always eager to help and was an admired craftsman.
Ron was a ‘Gentle Giant’ who brought people together through building projects or volunteering.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Duane.
Survived by his wife, Janet Ewing Vandenberg, children Tara, Jennifer (Chris Horyn) and Mark (Shelby). stepchildren, Steven, Andrew and Caitlin Kolas. Grandchildren, Jacob Gjerstad, Madison and Emma Vandenberg. Brother Jerry (Marsha), sister Carolyn ‘Carey’ (Kenny Gannaw) sister Judith (Lynne Black). Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family.
Donations can be made to: Operation Homefront or the Sumner Food Bank
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