Ron Espen, 73
May 25, 2022, was both a grievous day and a joyful one. Ron Espen passed from this earth and into his heavenly home on Wednesday evening; His family rejoices that he is no longer in pain, and that he is with his Jesus now. Ron knew his final destination and said from the beginning that "whether I live or die, I am the Lords" (Romans 14:8).
Ronald Edward Espen was born Dec. 27, 1948, to Edward "Ed" and Virginia (Harder) Espen. He was born the youngest of three boys in Sterling Colorado. When Ron was 8 years old, the family moved to Missouri. He grew up and graduated high school in Wellsville.
Immediately after graduation, Ron joined the Navy, as did his Father and two older brothers. The USS Montrail was his first assignment. Ron served as an electrician's mate as well as shipboard maintenance. During Ron's four-year tour, he received orders to decommission ships. One of the tasks was dismantling the asbestos wrapped boilers as well as asbestos insulated water lines, valves, turbines, etc. Ron as well as several doctors believed that this is what contributed to his lung cancer and eventually took his life.
Ron was as patriotic as they come. He served his country and loved his country. He was always grateful for the training and opportunities being in the Navy afforded him. Following his 4-year tour, he and his brother Rick headed to Alaska in June of 1971. He initially worked for the government, allowing for travel throughout that entire great state. Eventually his electrical skills took him into the private sector. Ace Electric is where many lifelong friends were made. Palmer Alaska was where he set up his residence, where his precious children were born, and he became a permanent fixture in his local church.
It was through his connections in his church and his servant's heart that his family spent time in Mexico. They helped missionaries and traveled wherever anyone was needed to build, repair or encourage people in the Lord. Helping the poorest of people and sharing Jesus was Ron's M.O.
Ron dedicated his life to working hard to support his family, his friends and even total strangers. Ron's generosity is well known by all who had the blessing to know him. He Had a gift! He could spot a need that others may have missed, and more often than not meet the need himself.
A man of dependability, loyalty, generosity and kindness; a man that exhibited so many traits of the Savior he loved and love Him he did! Ron Loved His word, His people, His church. Ron was a prayer! He and his wife spent many hours lifting their hearts to the One Who could make a difference in the lives of others.
Ron's family would appreciate your prayers, but not just for them. Please pray for the hearts that Ron touched and the lives he impacted for the Lord. Prayers that those seeds would grow and flourish. Prayers that every life he touched would love and know the Lord in a profound way. This was Ron's heart!
Ron Leaves behind his best friend, the love of his life, his wife Tina. His greatest treasures, Daughter Diana (Elie) Merhi and son David. His brother Rick (Suzanna) Espen, sister-in-law Terrie, Grandchildren Ella, Emmi, Mila and Logan Merhi. Also, the wonderful joy of added children through marriage; Tyler brown, Jenna (Joe) Stahl, Katie (Jason) Waldo, Kendra (Cassady) Usher, Selina (Mike) McArdle as well as 10 grandchildren, Tina's mom Georgia, numerous nieces and nephews and innumerable friends.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Bob.
A celebration of Ron's life will be held on June 25 at 2 p.m. at Prairie Ave Community Church: 3639 W Prairie Ave, Hayden, Idaho.
Bell Tower Funeral Home is entrusted with Ron’s care.
