Ronald Arthur Coleman, 82

Ron Coleman, age 82, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2020, at North Idaho Hospice House, after a brief illness. Ron was like a kid's meal with a SUPERSIZED personality! He was born Aug. 28, 1938, to Arthur Red Coleman and Dorothy Coleman in Danville, Ill. At 5'3,'' with his broad shoulders and chest, he was known to his California friends as “Mr. Moose.” Ron was in the Quartermaster Corps in the Army, so he always had the best and flashiest uniform. That's where he developed a knack for enjoying the best clothes throughout his life.

Ronny met the love of his life, Sandy Kane, in 1972 while taking a year off work to be a beach bum in Newport Beach, Calif. Sandy couldn't resist his larger-than-life personality and they married in 1974. Ron developed a very strong bond with his stepson, Larry, that lasts to this day. ALWAYS the life of the party, he loved to tell a joke but often he could barely get it out because he was laughing so hard.

He worked in sales for Xerox for eight years, where he won every award available. He continued in sales as an estimator for a construction company in Southern California for 16 years and finished his career days as a loan-rep in savings and loan.

Retirement meant that he and Sandy could enjoy their boating days on their Sea Ray in Dana Point. Ron ate, slept and dreamed of boating and fishing. He and Sandy belonged to the Coast Guard Auxiliary and they patrolled Big Bear Lake. If there were fish, Ron was there, enjoying deep sea fishing or fly fishing the streams and rivers along the California Coast, from Mexico to Canada. He enjoyed working with handicapped children, taking them fishing in California.

Ron and Sandy moved to beautiful Coeur d'Alene in 2003, where he fished and boated on Lakes Coeur d’Alene and Pend Oreille. He and his fishing buddy fished for big rainbows and would often catch invasive species that Fish and Game would pay them for. "Fishing = Beer Money!"

He volunteered for Ironman CDA in his pontoon boat as a rescue boat for three years. He also volunteered delivering Meals On Wheels. Once, while fishing a local lake, Ron almost met his demise when he tipped over in his inflatable pontoon and his waders filled with water, a result of being vertically challenged!

Ronny loved to travel — and travel they did — to Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean, as well as taking countless cruises.

After his stroke in 2008, words were few, but he was always able to say, "I'll have a Martini." He always smiled and laughed and waved from his wheelchair to everyone. Sandy loved, cared for and cheered him on through his toughest days after his stroke for the next 12 years. Ron loved his country, a parade, Mexican Food, Jazz and the theater.

“Ronny, we will all miss you old friend, but look forward to hearing your new jokes when we join you someday … but please work on getting the punch line out without laughing!”

Survived by Sandy, the most amazing wife of 46 years; twin sons Blake and Regis; daughter, Lisa and stepson, Larry; as well as countless "Best Friends."

A celebration of Ron's life will be held in 2021.