It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Ronald MacArthur Briggs, age 57, on 3/21/25 from esophageal cancer. Ron passed at UW Medical Center in Seattle, Washington after almost 7 months of chemotherapy. It was a blessing he could be surrounded by his loving family during his final days and had a peaceful passing. Ron is survived by his life-partner and love, Julie Delepaz; siblings: Julie Robertson, Nikky Oldham, Scott Briggs, Melanie Howell, Stacy Briggs, Susan De Le Bruere, John Briggs, Larry Briggs and many other family members and friends.

Ron was born on 7/26/1967 in Olympia WA, the youngest of 9 kids born to Vernon & Evelyn Briggs. He was named Ronald, after Ronald Reagan (who was an actor at the time) and MacArthur, after General Douglas MacArthur. Dad referred to Ron as, the general or ole’ #9. Being the youngest and smallest in the big Briggs family, Ron was very proud of the important name his parents gave him.

In 1977 Ron moved with his parents and 4 of the youngest siblings to PA where he attended Pennridge High School and graduated in 1986 as a Tech Student in the cabinet making trade. He worked at Seven Eleven until moving back to WA in 1991, the last Briggs to leave PA and return home to the west coast. He then pursued a career in home improvements, specializing in construction and vinyl siding in the Olympia and surrounding areas. He also did side work of landscaping. Anyone who knew Ron knew he put his heart into his work, had creative ideas and a passion about a job well done.

Ron loved growing up and being a part of a big family. Some of his favorite memories as a kid were camping at Ocean Shores, a trip to Disneyland, and all the fun of growing up with lots of siblings and playing outside, swimming in Wards Lake, and having the best childhood one could imagine. He even learned to square dance with the rest of the family. When he moved to PA, he had the opportunity to experience many historical places with his family including, Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York on New Year’s Eve in Time Square watching the ball drop, several trips up the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and even the Twin Towers. A very special memory was a trip to Germany as a graduation gift to visit his brother Scott, sister Susan and her husband, where he hiked and camped and visited many wonderful places. Ron was the last Briggs to move back to WA. It was hard leaving all his high school friends, but he wanted to live near his family and begin his career, which he did. It was a dream come true for his parents to have all their kids back in the great northwest again, all within a 2-hour drive, where there were many family reunions and gatherings at the Briggs family home on Wards Lake. Ron became an excellent dart thrower and competed in many tournaments, including the championship tournament in Las Vegas, which he was proud to rank in the top contenders. He loved his dogs, first Rufus, and then Rufus Jr. (RJ), both yellow labs that he took with him separately on construction job sites and in his truck to Ocean Shores or camping along the Duckabush River in the Olympic National Forest. He was also a HUGE Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Mariner’s fan! Hard to say which he loved more when it was Seattle against Philadelphia. He painted his face half of each.

These past years since our parents have passed, it has become more important than ever to have family reunions once a year. Family is scattered between Texas, Arizona, Oregon and Washington. Last August was our last reunion of all 9 kids. We did not know Ron had cancer at that time. We are so thankful for the family pictures we took, and for the wonderful visit we had. It is a reminder to us all how precious our time is, and how life can change so quickly.

Ron will be best remembered for his love of family, his positive attitude, willingness to help others, being an encourager, his big smile and fun laugh. Ron was fun to be around. He always talked about wanting to take a road trip on his motorcycle through the Grand Canyon with his brother John and a road trip back to see his high school buddies in PA. Ron was a loving brother, son, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to so many. In his final days, he expressed so much love and gratitude towards his family, friends and for the life he lived. It was very hard to say goodbye to brother Ron but knowing he would be greeted in heaven by his wonderful parents, relatives, friends and all those special to him who had passed before him, gives the family great comfort and peace. Ron was deeply loved and will be missed dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28th.

I’m honored to share Ron’s life history. He and I were very close, being the youngest in the family. I’m so blessed to be one of his siblings and will miss him more than words could ever express. From all of your family Ron, we love you and look forward to seeing you again! Lovingly, sister Julie

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