ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Ron Rusher, 71 years old, born on January 11, 1941, and passed away on October 31, 2012. We will remember him forever.
June 2, 2013
June 2, 2013
I can see you still in 1950 or so watched you and my brother Richard, as you grew, I wasn't much older, but spoke to you a lot to say Hi, I am sure you will be remembered a long, long time.
January 12, 2013
January 12, 2013
For your birthday we will celebrate you life, and think of you, and salute to you on this day. We are sure you are looking upon us.
Love you and your family.
January 11, 2013
January 11, 2013
Hello old friend Ron in Heaven. We miss you and love you and wish you a Very Happy Birthday
Love Hans and Connie
January 11, 2013
January 11, 2013
Happy Birthday Ron 72nd I'll help you celebrate your day. Hugs & Love you.
December 11, 2012
December 11, 2012
I never met Ron, but know him through the words and laughter, the tears and the broken heart of his son Rick. Rick has delivered speeches in our Toastmasters club about the many happy days spent fishing and boating, camping and just knowing his Dad. Ron is a guy who comes along maybe once or twice in a lifetime, and knowing him--even from a distance--is a privilege I will cherish.
November 21, 2012
November 21, 2012
"Rush" was a very unique guy and always brought the party with him! He was one who always lit up the room; wherever he went everyone was soon a new found friend. He was always game for a new adventure and we were so lucky to have shared years of them with him. We love Ron & Patti deeply and treasure all the grand memories we have shared over the years. Ron & Sharon Peterson
November 19, 2012
November 19, 2012
A great brother-inlaw. Favorite time was a week fishing trip in Alaska, caught every kind of fish, saw bears, hawks, etc. Dave tells everyone what a great fisherman/guide he was. A great host on his pride and joy his boat. He will be greatly missed. He added lots to our lives. Our prayers are with the family.
November 18, 2012
November 18, 2012
In 1985 my husband Terry and I lived in Boca de Quadra. Ron would come into our dock on the Sundance, blowing the siren and hailing our 2 yr old son, Trevor, over the loud speaker, he would get so excited that Ron was coming! It was always such a treat for us when he showed up and spent the time to visit our family. Such a wonderful person...will be greatly missed.
November 18, 2012
November 18, 2012
Ron was a man full of life,laughter and fun. I knew when I would send Ryan to Alaska he was going to have adventures with Grandma and Grandpa that's for sure. There is a special place in my heart for Ron. God Bless Him
November 18, 2012
November 18, 2012
Ron was large than life, always joking and having fun. I knew when Ryan went to Alaska that he was going to have a great time with Grandma and Grampa, and he would have lots of stories to tell.There is special place in my heart for Ron.
November 17, 2012
November 17, 2012
Uncle Ron was always an uplifting site when he and aunt Pat would stop through on their way to Az or when they came done for family reunions and visiting. And listening to the stories of the good old days when my parents and him and pat were young. Rest in peace and don't stay up to late catching up with all our relatives that have passed talking about the day of bygones...
November 16, 2012
November 16, 2012
Ron was always "up"!! He was fun and funny, sweet and onery, a jokester and a friend to everybody. He built houses, ran a hardware store, and was the Captain of his boat the "Rushingone" and was a fisherman. He hunted bear, deer and elk and lived off the land in his beloved Alaska. We will always remember him with much affection and miss him forever!!   Nona and Rique
November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
I will always treasure the happy fun filled times we had in Kodiak with Ron and Pat! Fishing in Chiniak at Roslyn Beach catchin salmon, picnicking, and playing. Canning salmon and making salmonberry jelly! Helping to build your house at Woodland Acres - Ron was so full of life, lived it to the fullest.
November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012
We love and treasure our many happy times with Pat and Ron. The Alaskan fishing trips were the most wonderful thing we have experienced. So many memories of such a great fun guy. He is up there with his loved ones now and we all will miss him so much.
November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012
Ron was always happy when I would see him. He had that smile and a twinkle in his eye. It was fun to see him around the little children. They just seemed to migrate to him. He wil be greatly missed.
November 14, 2012
November 14, 2012
I only had the privilege of knowing Ron the last 6 months of his life, wish it could have been much longer. He was a very special man. I was his caregiver. At first he wasn't sure, but later he trusted me and felt safe when I was there. He would give me a bad time, and just laugh, because he was joking. I will miss the big hugs he would give me upon arriving or leaving. Thanks family.
November 13, 2012
November 13, 2012
Grandpa always had an uplifting and silly spirit. Although his playful banter with grandma on a daily basis drove everyone batty, I was the kid in the corner ALWAYS giggling at his smartypants remarks. I'm happy to know that grandpa is no longer suffering on this earth, he lived a wonderful life and created a beautiful family. He will always be in my heart forever. <3
November 13, 2012
November 13, 2012
Ron was a very special person. He always had a smile on his face and a nice greeting for everyone. I am so happy to have know him even if it was a short time. We will miss him at the pool pal gathers.
November 13, 2012
November 13, 2012
What I remember about Ron is how he was always in the middle of whatever children were around. Playing with the little ones and teasing the big ones. My grandkids immediately started calling him Grandpa without really knowing who he was, they just knew he was a playful "grandpa type" of guy and if everyone else loved him so did they. Everyone should have a Grandpa like Ron.
November 13, 2012
November 13, 2012
What a beautiful set of pictures on this site being shown to music. I am already crying here. :( One of my favorite memories is how Ron rescued my brother Barney and I by turning my parents L-shaped basement into 2 bedrooms by putting up a wall and doors. He was our hero. :) He always came into a room with enthusiasm. A larger than life character that will truly be missed.

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Recent Tributes
June 2, 2013
June 2, 2013
I can see you still in 1950 or so watched you and my brother Richard, as you grew, I wasn't much older, but spoke to you a lot to say Hi, I am sure you will be remembered a long, long time.
January 12, 2013
January 12, 2013
For your birthday we will celebrate you life, and think of you, and salute to you on this day. We are sure you are looking upon us.
Love you and your family.
January 11, 2013
January 11, 2013
Hello old friend Ron in Heaven. We miss you and love you and wish you a Very Happy Birthday
Love Hans and Connie
Recent stories

Rick's Story for his Dad!

November 22, 2012

Today we remember the life of Ron Rusher, “Dad” to me.

He was a giant of a man, with a giant heart, who lived a giant Life. I remember a time when I got a Father’s Day card for him, it said: “Happy Dads Day!—any man can be a Father — but it takes someone special to be a Dad.”

He was special and I am thankful I had a dad like him. Not many kids can say they have done the things I got to do with my dad.

He always treated me like a man not a kid. He’d make me feel like I could do anything. From sitting on his lap and steering the truck when I was only five, going commercial fishing when I was eight, clearing property, to gathering fire wood, he always would say you work like a man so I will treat you like a man. And he believed that you should work hard and play even harder.

Dad was more than a dad to me. He was also my mentor, teacher, coworker, boss, hunting partner, and fishing partner, just to name a few. But mostly dad was my hero and my best friend. Always encouraging, he’d let me try something if he thought it could be done. He never said, “Oh don’t do that you might get hurt.” or “You might not be able to.” No he’d say “give it a try but be safe.”

Mom could never keep us in the house. Dad had given us the love of the outdoors and my brothers and I would stay outside until the last minute. Thinking back on how we’d play “Cowboys and Indians” in the woods, which, now is so politically incorrect that parents don’t let their kids play it. Instead they buy them video games that they can play from the couch. Oh how times change. I am so glad dad instilled in us the great outdoors and all the opportunities it brings. He made sure to include us in all his outdoor adventures, from taking us hiking into lakes to trout fish, or taking us moose hunting, deer hunting, sport fishing, crabbing and even trapping.

These opportunities taught me so much. He even taught me how to cook on the boat. — yeah! He could cook up a mean can of “Dinty Moore Beef Stew” J. Really mom was the cook of the family.

He also taught me so many life lessons, from how to survive being stranded if the weather got too bad, to how to build, or repair things without giving up, and even when I placed my first bet.

I Remember! We were at Rosie’s Café in Pelican. Dad and I went up from the harbor to have a meal (not out of a can!). We were sitting with a good fishing buddy of dads, Skip. I had ordered a hamburger with all the fixings, fries, and a chocolate shake from Rosie. About half way through savoring my meal, Skip spoke up “Rick I bet you two bits you cannot eat all those French fries.” I looked down at the half eaten pile of fries and I knew it would be easy to eat the rest. I looked at my dad, he looked at me; “Don’t make a bet you are not sure you can win.” he said with a grin. Again I looked down and just knew I could eat what was on my plate, so out went my hand to meet Skip’s outreached palm, “Two bits it is”. I started eating the rest of my meal and suddenly Skip reached over, took a fry off my plate, held it up, ate it and said “Rick you did not eat them all, I ate one. Two bits please.” Wow! I had just lost my first bet and that was one of those life lessons that has stuck with me. Now I don’t gamble unless I have weighed the odds a little better; dad tried to warn me but he also let me learn.

 

Boating with my family is one of my fondest memories. It all started shortly after moving to Haines, where dad built a cabin on Chilkat Lake. We used to get to the lake by riverboat or airboat going up the Chilkat River. I recall dad building airboats in our shop at the back of the store and then taking me out to the river to test them out. What a blast, the noise of the airplane engine screamed so loudly we had to wear earmuffs. It felt like we were actually flying over the water, winding our way up the river, swerving from one bank to the next to avoid gravel bars. Zooming around a bend and surprising a huge Bull Moose standing at the edge of the river, causing the moose to startle and crash its way back into the brush. Being only five years old then, the excitement I felt was so exhilarating and intense, being there with dad made me feel like I was the master of the river.

 

Other times at our Cabin, dad would tie the rowboat off to a tree on the beach with a 100 foot line, so I could practice my rowing without the wind blowing me down the lake, or getting too far from the beach. I’d row the best I could all the way out to the end of the line. I’d take my little brother, Randall, with me who was 2 years my junior. As far out from the beach as we could get, we’d trout fish. We were the family fishermen, bringing in the supper for the family, again, feeling at five years old, like we had now mastered the lake.

 

Commercial salmon trolling in Southeast with my dad, fishing the rugged coastal area of Alaska offered some of the most spectacular sights one could imagine. Sometimes there were ocean swells so big that if you were fishing with another boat close by, it would go completely out of sight in the bottom of the swell. Trolling along and seeing a giant Sea Lion follow your gear as you are hauling in a forty pound king, taking one big bite only feet before you can get the Salmon in the boat. All you had left was the head of the king. The rest was lunch for the Sea Lion.

 

Many of my memories of Kodiak are of spending time on the ocean, working on the Tug with dad, or running around in the 17-foot Boston Whaler we had.

 

Recalling one time, when I was 16, living in Kodiak, I’d gone out to Danger Bay Camp on Afognak Island to pick up my friend, Kim, to spend the weekend in town. On our way to town the weather was absolutely fantastic. We had made it about halfway when we saw dad in the Cygnet heading to camp. We pulled up next to him as he came to an idle. We drifted together visiting for a minute before dad disappeared into the wheelhouse. He emerged a few seconds later with this big, probably 2-liter brown bottle. It was a Sapporo (Japanese Beer), that he had been given a case of from the Japanese log ship Captain. He handed it to Kim and looked me in the eyes and said, “Don’t tell your mom.” Here I was, with this fantastic gal and a nice cold beer to split between us.  My dad was the coolest!

 

My time spent on the water during those early years is still etched in my memory like it was yesterday. I sometimes ask myself, how did I get so lucky for the opportunities that so few get? The answer, because of dad! These types of experiences were typical of our youth, and I cannot be thankful enough to our dad and mom who allowed us the opportunities to explore and challenge our abilities, pulling on the reins every once in a while to keep us alive, but without being overbearing and overprotective of us. I was extremely adventurous and it is a wonder that I lived through some of my wild expeditions.

 

Dad was not only a great dad but he was a guy who’d give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help. He knew more people and had more friends than anyone I know.

 

Dad showed me how to make both a living, and a life. He showed me how to add life to years not years to life, and he showed me how important it is to cross the street to meet a new neighbor.

 

Thank you dad for giving me so much, I cherish every moment spent with you.

 

 

 

I Love you Dad and I know you will always look after me

 

Love Rick

 

 

 

Great words from George Carlin:

 

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Harry's Revenge

November 20, 2012

     The evening of Harry Orr’s memorial gathering the remaining 6 or so of us gathered by the campfire below the house. We sat around swapping “Harry stories”. It was comforting to remember the funny things that had happened along the way, but it was also during this gathering that we collected the “Ron story”.
     As we sat by the campfire Ron, sitting in a chair under the big maple tree, was telling a hilarious story involving Harry. Just as he was finishing – plop – a great big dollop of owl poop landed...right on his head!
     I wish I’d had a camera with me. Ron’s eyes were even bigger than the owl’s as he sat there in total shock with the white goo oozing down the side of his face. We just whooped. Harry got even with Ron!

 Ever since then the maple has been known as “Harry’s Tree”.

The first time I met Ron Rusher.

November 16, 2012

35 years ago I was in the Anchorage, AK. airport waiting to board a plane to Kodiak.  Our young daughter, Natalie was visiting her Dad in Kodiak for the summer.  I had flown up to bring her back home to San Pedro, CA.  I kept  glancing over to a woman in line who looked familiar.  I said her name at the same time she said mine.  It was Aunt Patti.  We were both shocked to run into each other in Anchorage.

This happened to be my first time flying.  The flight into Kodiak was terrifiying for me.  Patti and I visited and I ended up staying with her and Ron for a week because of a blizzard.  What a beautiful place, but certainly not my cup of tea.

Ron & Patti were very gracious hosts to the three of us for that week.  She was a marvel at making the most wonderful meals.

I don't remember seeing much of Ron then,other than at dinner time.

Several years later I ran into Ron & Patti again.  This time it was at Costco, in Bellingham, where I now live with my husband Ron.  Little did I know then  I would see Ron & Patti frequently over the last couple of years.

Uncle Ron had a sly way of "getting your goat". It wook me awhile to figure out when he was serious and when he was teasing.  His humor was genuine and I enjoyed the time I spent getting to know him.

My Ron & I will miss visiting with him around his outdoor fire.  We enjoyed his many stories about boating, fishing and travel to the desert. 

So long Uncle Ron, you are missed.

Love,
Ron & Nancy Erickson 

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