Ronald C. Holmquist Sr., 90

Ronald C. Holmquist Sr., 90, of Spokane Valley, Wash., passed away March 28, 2016, in Spokane.

Ron was born on March 12, 1926, in McCloud, Calif., to Carl and Leona Holmquist. There he grew up with his two cousins, Jerry and Denny Holmquist. They were inseparable and everyone knew them as the “Three Swedes.”

Ron climbed Mt. Shasta twice and was able to write his name at the top in the mountain journal. At 18 years old, he joined the Navy and was the radio operator on the ships Wild Wave and S.S. Aberdeen Victory. After his service, Ron moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and attended North Idaho Junior College. He met the love of his life, Ardelle Jones, and they married July 23, 1950. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Rhonda, Ron Jr. and Karen.

Ron worked at Atlas Tie Sawmill, Georgia Pacific and became part owner of Plywood Dist. Later he and his son, Ron Jr., started the family business Door Dist. of Spokane. Ron was an inspirational leader that was loved and respected by his employees. In earlier years, he played the violin and was proficient on the clarinet. He loved to listen and dance to the big band music. He golfed and exercised regularly — his lifeline to living to be 90. For the past year and a half, he was a resident of the Evergreen Fountain community. He met many new friends and enjoyed his time there. He was chosen to be a part of the honor flight program and was thrilled to see the memorials in Washington, D.C.

Our father is the finest example of a good man, strong, loving, forgiving and fun. What a great man with a great smile! You’ll be missed and forever in our heats. Thumbs up for celebrating life!

Ron is survived by his children, and their spouses, Rhonda and John Esco, Ron and Barbara Holmquist, Karen and Ed Groce; five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 10 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in life by his wife, Ardelle; parents Leona and Carl Holmquist; and granddaughter Tami Holmquist.

Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ron’s memory may be made to Hospice of Spokane or Inland Northwest Honor Flight.

You may visit Ron’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.