Ronald Holman

Ronald “Ron” David Holman

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ronald “Ron” David Holman, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, at the age of 87, just one day before his 88th birthday. He leaves behind a legacy that brought people together, strengthened those around him, and made everyone feel like family.

Ron was born on April 21, 1938, in Olympia, Washington, into a lively and close-knit family of fifteen children. Family remained the heartbeat of Ron’s life from his earliest days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice, and his siblings Mary, Marlene, Judy, Dorothy, Chuck, Al, Richard, Bill, Tommy, and Don. He is survived by his sisters Minnie and Sharon, along with a wide circle of extended family who will forever remember his kindness and laughter.

Ron proudly joined the United States Marine Corps on March 27, 1956, at the age of 17, carrying a sense of dedication and strength that stayed with him throughout his life. On January 18, 1960, he married the love of his life, Cathie, after the two met cruising the Renton loop. Together they built a beautiful life over 66 years of marriage, grounded in love, commitment, and family.

Ron and Cathie raised four children: Deanna, Dianna (Kevin), Rhonda, and John. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, a great-grandfather to thirteen, and a great-great-grandfather to one. Family always came first in Ron’s life, no exceptions.

A man of many talents, Ron was known for his strong work ethic and incredible skill with his hands. There wasn’t a project he couldn’t tackle. He spent his career in asbestos abatement traveling the world remodeling and improving military bases, hospitals, and schools. He later became a general contractor, a role that perfectly suited his craftsmanship and determination. Even in retirement, Ron never truly stopped working, always finding a new project, always building, fixing, or helping someone in need.

Ron was larger than life. He had a rare gift for making people feel like family. To him, there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t met yet. His warmth, humor, and welcoming spirit brought people together and left a lasting impact on everyone who crossed his path.

Grandchildren Remember Ron Holman

“My grandfather was a man I always looked up to. A man who made me and everyone around him laugh. He had a sense of humor no one can replicate, he was always the one telling the jokes. He inspired all his children, grandchildren, cousins, second cousins, aunts, and uncles to cherish family. Let’s celebrate Ron Holman’s legacy carried by us all.” — Brandon, son of Rhonda

“He taught me to never say I can’t. He prided himself on always having a solution to every problem. That wisdom shaped the man I am today.” — Blake, son of Dianna

“He was always larger than life, bringing smiles and jokes everywhere we went. I will never forget his heart for others.” — Brittany, daughter of Dianna

“Some of my favorite memories are from the Auburn Black Diamond house. Grandpa bought all of us husky puppies, I named mine Buddy. He also brought home animals from the auction, so there were always animals to care for. As I grew older, I came to realize even more deeply his big heart and humor. We will miss him dearly.” — Ashley, daughter of Rhonda

“Grandpa Ron will be remembered as a hard worker, leader, jokester, and helping hand to anyone who needed it. But above all, he was a devoted husband, dad, brother, and the best grandpa I could’ve asked for.” — Marcus, son of Deanna

“I can’t pick just one story. I feel blessed to have had such a close relationship with him, and it carried on to his great-grandkids, who also got to look up to such an honorable man every day.” — Megan, daughter of John

The family finds comfort in knowing Ron is now in heaven, reunited with his beloved daughter Rhonda and many cherished family members who went before him.

A graveside service will be held at Odd Fellows Memorial Park on June 12 at 12:00 PM. A reception will follow on June 13, where all who knew and loved Ron are welcome to gather, share memories, and celebrate his life.

. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.