Ronald "Ron" Hendrickson

  Ronald “Ron” Hendrickson, age 83, of New Plymouth, ID. passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Friday, August 23, 2024, with his wife, Charlene, by his side. Ron leaves a permanent vacant space in the hearts of those that knew him but we are comforted by the fact that he is smiling down on us, reunited with so many family members and friends.

 Ronald D. Hendrickson was born on June 3, 1941, to Roy Melvin “Mel” and Isabel Hendrickson of Pasco, Washington. He was the second youngest of four brothers; Melvin, Robert “Bunky,” Ron, and Russell. He spent his entire childhood and school years in Pasco where the four brothers loved riding horses and enjoying the benefits of country living. Ron still has many friends from the Class of 1959 of Pasco High School and attended their 65 year reunion this summer. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Washington State University. He was married at that time and had three children, Melinda, Michael, and Martin. He worked as a farm appraiser for Prudential in the 1970s and early 1980s in the Tri-Cities, Washington area. But he knew he was destined for another type of work, and another type of life. After a divorce, Ron struck out on his own to ranch and farm. He met Charlene Garner in Ontario, Oregon, and they were married in 1987. She quit her successful career as a hair stylist and joined him in the ranch life. She also had one son, Dan, from a previous marriage. From the time they were married, Ron and Char were never apart, working hard and enjoying each day together. They moved to New Plymouth and purchased the ranch and farm on Bluf Road in 1988. Together they created the life they wanted there, raising cattle and prize-winning Quarter Horses. They enjoyed many cattle gathering horse rides, brandings, horse shows, poker games, and the everyday ranch and farm work that they loved so dearly. They particularly enjoyed visits every spring from their extended family and friends in Spokane; riding, shooting, playing cards, and telling stories. 

  Ron had many exceptional qualities: integrity, fierce loyalty to his family and friends, a kind heart, a sense of humor that was second to none, a smile that would light up any room he entered, and deepest love for his wife of nearly 40 years. He was a cowboy’s cowboy, a rancher’s rancher, rarely seen without his trademark cowboy hat and western clothing, and Char by his side.

   Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin and Bunky, and daughter Melinda. He is survived by his brother Russell, sons Michael, Dan Garner, and Martin, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.