Ronald (Ron) was born November 13, 1930 to Glenn & Gwen Smith in Kansas City, Missouri and passed away March 24, 2014 early in the morning. He leaves behind his wife Irene (LeClaire), his son David Smith (Joy) of Kennewick/Waitsburg, and daughter Donna Kunk (Joe) of Kennewick, grandchildren; Evan Kunk, Hazen Palmer, Charly Smith, and Rick Herrmann, and four great-grandchildren; Lillian, Ashlynn, Alex and Michael, numerous nieces and nephews. He graduated from Northeast High School and attended Central Missouri State. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Mary Lou, Norma and both parents. As a 16 year old he played baseball in a league of only college baseball players. Ron was a dedicated man, serving his country in the Coast Guard on the U.S. Northeastern Coast during the Korean War where he earned the rank of a 1st Class Petty Officer. This is where he met his bride with whom he had a long lasting marriage of 61 years. Ron was dedicated to the game of chance, or as some call it, golf. Ron served as Tri-City Country Club president twice and was a member of the Thursday Gangsome. He was employed by BNSF Railroad which lead him from Kansas City, to Chicago, to Pasco, to Seattle, and finally back to Kennewick, where he retired as Vice President of Human Resources. Stories have it that he came home, for days at a time, only to shave, shower and change shirts when there was a major derailment. Ron, the father, was dedicated to his family, where no harm could come to them. He made sure the science project was complete, and the algebra knowledge earned good grades. Ron saw to it his children went to college, though he could only go a year before going in the service. He led them out of tight situations, taught them to spread their wings, and stood them on their feet. Ron also was dedicated to his church, his parish, and his community. He served on the Board of the United Way of Tri-Cities. He also served on the finance committee of his church, Parish of the Holy Spirit, in Kennewick, so it could prosper and grow. Ron loved the people, the community, and the spirit, of the Tri-Cities. Ron will be missed by all, not for his stories, humor, foresight or sometimes stubbornness but rather for his generosity, wisdom, dedication, knowledge and his way to see a positive view. We won't have him to run an idea past, or some advice that he may have. But we will have memories, and the knowledge that he got those gifts from You, Lord. Rosary will be Thursday, March 27th, 6:30pm, and Memorial Mass will be Friday, March 28 2014, 11am, at the Parish of the Holy Spirit, 7409 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Kadlec Neurological Center, 712 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352.