Ron Shoemaker died peacefully January 13, 2006.

Ron was born in Seattle on May 3, 1944, and was a long-time resident of West Seattle. He graduated from Santa Ana High School in Orange County, California, and later attended Highline Community College and the University of Washington.

Ron was a Lieutenant in the Seattle Fire Department and served 15 years until his retirement in 1986. He also worked at Holland America Cruise Line in Inside Sales and recently worked part-time at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Tools and Hardware.

Ron loved to travel, and spend time with friends and his extended family at his summer home on Hood Canal. He also enjoyed photography, collecting trains, visits to museums of flight featuring World War II airplanes and working away in his workshop at home.

Ron is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Marilyn, son Christopher and daughter Keri. Other surviving relatives include his mother-in-law LaVerne Thorneycroft of West Seattle and sister and brother-law Leta and Tom Fox of Belfair.

A celebration of his life was held January 20 at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac. His memorial was planned by his children and his extended family with an Honor Guard from The Seattle Fire Department.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Medic One, The University Washington Burn Center at Harborview or the Union Gospel Mission.

The family extends gratitude to friends for their love, support and faithfulness in prayer.