Ronald John Boer

Ronald John Boer born August 9, 1948, son of Marinus and Angeline (Diepen) Boer found peace with the Lord on May 11, 2017 at the age of 68 following a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was born in Shelby, Michigan, the second of three children and grew up in the town of New Era, MI on his family’s farm. Ron attended school in a one room school house with a total of 28 students through the 8th grade, he then attended 9-11th grades in the neighboring town of Montague, MI. In 1965 the family sold the family farm and relocated to the Seattle area when his father was offered a position at the Boeing Company. Ron did his senior year of school at Highline High School in Burien with approximately 300 other students, ultimately receiving his Diploma from Montague High School. One can only imagine what a big adjustment this was for him. After graduation in 1966, Ron went to work for The Boeing Company in Renton, WA as a painter. In the summer of 1967 Ron traveled back to Montague, Michigan to propose to the love of his life, his wife, Kathleen (VanGeison) Boer. Ron and Kathy were married September 23, 1967 and purchased a starter home in the Burien/SeaTac area. Ron also was employed by Smith’s Mobile Wash, where a chance encounter earned him a job at Inland Transportation hauling hazardous chemicals. Inland was later bought out by Arrow Transportation and Ron worked there until such time as they turned owner operator. Ron then learned to drive dump truck for City Transportation Inc. Ron had the opportunity to work on the beginning stages of high rise buildings downtown Seattle, Seattle Tacoma International Airport’s third runway project, Sound Transit Light Rail Projects, and various other projects prior to his retirement in 2010. While working his full time job spending many hours each day on the road, Ron was also a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Burien Fire District No. 2, attaining the rank of Captain. Ron served the public for 27 years before retiring. Ron missed out on many dinners and lots of sleep over the years. When the call came in that someone needed help, he never questioned it. He simply went to help. Ron enjoyed time with his family, off-roading with his Jeep, camping, hunting and helping others. Ron was preceded in death by his father Marinus and mother Angeline (Diepen) Boer, Grandmother Lena (Bardolf) Boer, Grandfather John Boer, Uncles Paul & Louie, Aunts Jennie, Marie, Dena, Lena and Nancy. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathleen his daughter Ann (Boer) Wornstaff, Son Scott Boer, sisters Betty (Mel) Ullom, Linda (George) Rackleff; Grandchildren Patricia (Matt) Wornstaff, Sean Wornstaff and Wyatt Boer, His Nieces/Nephews Sandara (David) Walde, Dan (Stephanie) Bristol, Mike (Jennifer) Ullom, Debbra (Edward) Acker and several great Nieces and Nephews. He is also survived by his Aunts Ella Groman, Marge Boer and many cousins. A celebration of life will be held for Ron on Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 at 1:00pm at Des Moines United Methodist Church; 22225 9th Avenue South; Des Moines, WA 98198 with Pastor Gloria Kymn presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Kline Galland Hospice 5950 6th Avenue South, Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98108-3317