Obituary of Ronald L Goethals

Devoted father and loving husband, Ron Goethals, age 65, died surrounded by family on November 3, 2021 in Seattle, WA. Ron was born August 13, 1956 in Everett, WA to loving parents, Gilbert and Nancy Goethals. Ron grew up in a tight-knit family, alongside his two brothers and three sisters in Federal Way, WA. Early in his life Ron fostered his love of working with anything mechanical. His passion for sports lead him to the varsity basketball team at Decatur High School, where he and his brother became known as the sundown kids. Ron was an apprentice in his father’s bakery and went on to become a master baker for 25 years. He was also a master of his craft in the sheet metal industry making flanges and helped create breakthrough machinery. Ron had a heart of gold. He served as a deacon in the church and a dedicated water ski instructor at youth summer camp for decades. Ron had a gift for patiently teaching youth, and making lifelong friendships. He also loved fishing, camping, off roading and being a big kid at heart. Ron was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy, and survived by his father and stepmother, Gilbert and Leta Rae Goethals, loving wife, Cristine Goethals, children, Justin Goethals, Danielle (Chris) Stratton, Rachelle (Angelica) Goethals, Jeremy Goethals, Megan (Ian) Stewart, Alexes (Gabriel) Bornstein, and 8 active and beautiful grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the United Youth Camp NW Camp fund in honor of Ron’s memory. Checks may be mailed to: P.O. Box 2806,Clackamas, OR 97015.