Ronald James Casey

Ronald James “Drumbum” Casey, 61, passed away early Thursday morning, May 23, 2019 after he was struck by a dump truck in Mason County, WA. Ron was born September 16, 1957 to Elliott Casey and Delores (Casey) Cook and was the youngest of five children. He knew no strangers his entire life, and always had a gift for making others laugh, even at a young age. He was known for his one liners and quips. No matter what trials his day may have held, he could still walk into a room and create an uproar of laughter.

Ron joined the Army in 1976 and later was in the Oregon Army National Guard. Initially stationed in Fort Dix, NJ and then assigned to the Maintenance Platoon in HHT, 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron, and 12th Cavalry Regiment in Büdingen, Germany. He earned a national defense service medal for marksmanship and also worked with large equipment, was a tow truck operator for tractor-trailers, fuel tankers, and other large equipment. Ron was proud to have served his country and his memories of good times with many army buddies filled several photo albums.

After Ron was honorably discharged from the service, he returned to Prineville, Oregon and soon after married Bonnie Hyde. From this union, Ronald “Ronnie” James Casey II, was born in 1979 and three years later, on Ronnie’s birthday, his younger brother Marshall Blake Casey was welcomed into the family. The family moved to Port Angeles, WA to join Ron’s older siblings and has resided in Port Angeles most of his year’s since. After he and Bonnie divorced, Ron and Kim Coyier welcomed daughter Shayna Jean Coyier into the world in 1984. Ron married Christy McHone in 1989 and their son, Tavish Elliott Casey was born in 1992.

Ron was a well-known musician throughout Port Angeles and Central Oregon, developing his love for music in Central Oregon. In grade school, he attended a concert and see his Step-dad’s band open for a young Roger Miller. This event inspired him to become a drummer, and at a young age, he performed with stepdad Hi Cook, and the Sessionaires at the Pioneer and other locations in Central Oregon. He also wanted to emulate his older brothers who were also drummers. This early experience led him to a lifelong passion for music and entertaining. He was honored to have played in bands who opened for greats such as Chris Ledeoux, Bobby Bare, and Jim Ed Brown, to name a few. He played with local artists Ethan Allen King and Dean Tuftin. Ron worked with several Port Angeles Bands such as, The “Jimmy Hoffman Band”, “Road Crew,” “Snack Daddies” and “Kelly and The Boys” and was with “The Ross Rogers” band in Central Oregon.

Ron and son Tavish helped break a “Guinness World Record” in an event called “Woodstick” where they, along with 264 drummers, under one conductor, drummed in unison for over six minutes. Ron donated countless hours playing music for fund raisers in Port Angeles and to have been part of the effort to obtain band equipment for the Port Angeles Stevens Middle School. He was past Vice President of a local live music support group in Port Angeles, to create awareness of the local live music scene and hosting two or more concerts each year for the community. He was a member of the Eagles, Vets, and participated in the Port Angeles relay for life several years.

Early on, Ron was known as one of two who worked at Bob and Don’s gas station in Port Angeles, faithfully waving at every car driving by who honked at them. He worked as an auto detailer for Heckman Motors in Port Angeles, and at Dave Hamilton’s Chevrolet and Big Country RV in Redmond. He later owned and operated “Casey’s Auto Detailing” in Madras Oregon. Ron spent countless hours on the Olympic highways being employed by Schwan’s where he was known as “Casey the Food Dude, and also for Frito Lay and Olympic Springs Water. He worked for Olympic Bus Lines and drove routes to and from Seattle, later becoming the office manager. At the time of his death, he was employed by Clean Harbors Environmental as the King County Household Hazardous Waste Program Site Supervisor, working the entire King County area, he loved the work and those he worked with. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Clean Harbors recently sent a letter to family stating “Ron had an envious ability of being able to lighten any room with what seemed like little effort”.

Ron is survived by his Mother, Delores Cook of Prineville, OR., Children, Ronnie Casey of Oakland, CA., Marshall Casey of Medford, OR., Tavish Casey, of Port Angeles, WA., and Shayna Levine (Aaron), of Gig Harbor, WA. Ron is also survived by Brothers Richard (Sean) Casey of Redmond, OR., Robert Casey of Tennessee, Roger Casey (Julie) of Prineville, OR. and Sister Mary Ann Bernard, (Jerry) also of Prineville. He is also survived by his longtime companion Jan O’Leary of Tumwater, WA., his grandchildren Emria Casey and Kaden Levine, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear and special friends. He was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Father Elliott Casey, Stepfather Hi Cook, and Uncle David Clark.

Ron loved his family and music, gifting each of us with music and much laughter. Please join us in celebrating Ron’s life and legacy, sharing stories of Ron, which will help all begin to heal. Laughter, even through pain, is the best medicine.

On July 6, 2019 at 10am, a graveside service with full military honors will take place at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville, OR., with a time for sharing immediately following at the Prineville Elks Lodge. A Celebration of life will also take place in Port Angeles, WA. at The Eagles Lodge on July 8, 2019 at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron “Drumbum” Casey will be accepted and directed to the Port Angeles High School music department. Contact Ron’s sister, Mary Ann at 541-279-0744 for additional details. Cards or donations may be mailed to: The Family of Ron Casey, PO Box 865, Centralia WA 98531. There is also a GoFundMe page in Ron’s name, to assist with expenses.