Ronald Rundell Solstad

Ron departed this world on March 13, 2022 to return to his Lord and family members waiting above. He died of natural causes but had struggled heroically for 45 years with pain and limitations resulting from an accident when he was 20. Between quarters at the University of Utah, Ron was studying at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX. While walking to help a friend, he was hit by a speeding car. Listed as DOA on arrival at Parkland Hospital, he was revived but spent 5 weeks in ICU in a medically induced coma suffering from severe head, pelvic, and leg injuries. Once able, he returned to SLC and spent months in LDS Hospital and then recuperated at home while also doing physical therapy. While still recovering he returned to the U of U, pledged a fraternity, and completed both a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. Later, he earned certification as a L.C.S.W. He pursued this path because of the many people who had assisted in his recovery and his realization of the need for caring compassion in life. Though left with life-long disabilities he rarely complained, preferring to appear completely normal and live a full life.

Ron was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on Dec. 14, 1956 to parents Walter Leonard and Ruth (Rundell) Solstad. Through his career he worked for several different companies in a variety of roles involving mental health. He was skilled in crisis intervention and was especially proud of playing a part in preventing several suicides. He was a former Adjunct Chaplain at Primary Children’s Medical Center, a member and past president of the Salt Lake Exchange Club, past chairperson for the Salt Lake Branch of N.A.S.W., past member of the Board of Directors for the Utah Parent Center, and a past member of the Salt Lake Valley Mental Health Speaker’s Bureau. He sang as a chorus member in several operas with the Utah Opera Company. He was active in his church and, in recent years, especially enjoyed participating in the choir at Christ United Methodist Church.

Ron married Heidi Hafen in 1987 and they had two sons. They divorced in 1998, but Ron remained devoted to his sons and loved spending time with them. In 2005 he married Darlene May and they were together until 2010 when they divorced.

Ron is survived by his sons Peter E. and Mitchell G. Solstad, his sister LuDon (Jim) Lahey and niece Cherie (Phalen) Lahey, as well as a number of cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Ron had a huge heart and would do anything in his power to help another. He loved people, and enjoyed learning new things. He always seemed to have an interesting bit of trivia to add to a conversation. He enjoyed his new friends at Highland Cove Lane, and treasured all his older friendships. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial will be held on June 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Christ United Methodist Church

2375 E. 3300 So.

Salt Lake City, UT 84109

Burial at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery