RONALD W TRUMAN

Ron Truman was released from this world on January 7, 2020 in the most peaceful way possible.  Although it is a huge shock and so very painful to lose him this unexpectedly, what a blessing from God to be able to lay down comfortably in bed at home and wake up in heaven.

Ron was born in Eureka on July 31st, 1955.  He was the second son of Alvin (Dutch) and Betty Truman.  Ron was raised along with his six siblings in the most beautiful place on Earth: the family homestead on the West Kootenai.  Although the family had hardships to work through, they all have such hilarious stories to share of their days on Tooley Lake.  Each family member had their own special nickname that followed them throughout their lives. 

There was never a rule created that Ron couldn’t find a way to challenge; smoking in the boy’s room in high school being one of the many.  After getting caught by Noel Williams and receiving a mandatory three-day suspension Ron was given a choice by his father: behave or get a job.  Of course, since behaving was not an option, Ronnie chose work.  He was hired at a sawmill at the age of 17 and never looked back.  Ron usually worked six days a week until his crumbling back finally forced him to stop in 2009.  

Ron brought to the Truman clan Karen, Jason, and Dutch.  Later, Joan, Justin, and Arleta were also his family.  The year 2000 brought Connie, Erin, Nathan, Ana and Ava into his life, who loved him dearly.  Ava says it best: “family doesn’t end at blood.”

Ron was a gentle giant – a quiet man with a heart as big as the mountains he loved.  Although a man of few words, his perspective was always very valuable.  He always had a very funny comment to add as well, a trait he inherited from his grandpa, “Poke” Elam.  Ron was more in touch with nature than he was with people, but he cared deeply for his close circle of friends and family.  His best friend of many years, Jack Sarf, was his “go-to guy” through so many situations.  Jack’s opinion was treasured by Ron.  The Wednesday afternoon “Gentleman’s Club” was the best part of Ron’s week until they had to give it up due to health issues.  Gratefully, their friendship didn’t suffer since the disbanding of the Wednesday get togethers.  They had a bond that was so deep; they didn’t need to be in the same room to remain close.

Ron is blazing the trail in Heaven for the remainder of his tribe: his wife, Connie, his siblings: Shelley and her husband Ray Wells, Cheryl Evjene, Terry, Mike and Lyle and his wife Pam Truman, and his children: Jason (Shannon), Dutch (Amy), Nathan (Ana) and Erin, mom in law Bobbie Johnson, sisters-in-law Debbie Truman, Terri (LeRoy) Morris, Cindy (Ron) Preston, and brother-in-law Joe Johnson. His pride and joy were his grandchildren: Kelsy, Ava, Darian, Cole, and Trent.   He was unable to attend their many functions but was always fiercely proud of their accomplishments.

Ron now joins his family that led the way in Heaven before him: his parents, Dutch and Betty, his father-in-law  Joe Johnson, brother Allen, stepdaughter Arleta, and his best buddy, Jake.

To honor Ron’s request, there will not be a public service but the family will gather in the summer to raise a glass or two in loving memory of all the great memories he left us with.

Here’s to you, Ron.  We were all so happy and blessed to have had you in our lives, and we are reminded to hug ‘em while you got ‘em.   Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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