Ronald Edward Damstra

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). These words and deep faith carried Ronald Edward Damstra from his birth in Jacksonville, Florida on May 14, 1967, until he joined his Savior and Lord on September 16, 2022, in Houston, Texas. For 55 wonderful years, Ron showered every person he encountered with gifts of optimism, compassion, hope, forgiveness, and most importantly, love. Ron always strove to truly leave the world better than he found it. Ron’s birth brought unbridled joy to his parents, Janice and Sidney Damstra. Shortly after his birth, the Damstra family was transferred to Naval Air Station New York for three years and then to Naval Air Station Alameda, CA. He would spend much of his childhood growing up in Concord, CA until enlisting in the US Navy right after graduating high school.

Ron served from 1985 to 1991 as a Machinist Mate Nuclear, Petty Officer First Class. He honorably served in Operation Desert Storm, receiving decorations and medals for rifle marksmanship, good conduct, and submarine warfare. Ron foreshadowed his future when assigned to the nuclear submarine USS Houston (SSN-713) in San Diego, earning the prestigious Submarine Dolphin Badge. Ron unselfishly served to protect the freedoms of his family and friends. This deep commitment to serving others carried forward throughout his life. After the Navy, he attended the University of Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Ron’s dedication later earned him a Master’s Degree in Project Management from The George Washington University School of Business. Ron was passionate about quenching his thirst for knowledge and constantly applying these lessons to improve the world around him. His professional career fatefully led him to Houston, Texas where he met the love of his life, Barbara Galvez, at a Catholic young adult activity. Their love continued to grow and blossom as they celebrated the sacrament of Marriage at the Houston Co-Cathedral on December 27, 1997. The two soul mates welcomed their daughter, Rachel, in 2000, and son, Daniel, in 2008. Ron and Barbara continued to fall deeper into love and taught their children that love and faith can conquer all. Ron consistently taught his family to “Be not afraid” and follow the Lord’s word to guide their thoughts and actions. He was dedicated to doing the right thing, even if it was not an easy thing. Ron found the greatest joy and satisfaction in the smiles and successes of Rachel and Daniel. He was Rachel’s number one volleyball fan and the driving force of Daniel’s Junior ROTC success. Once again, Ron found his deepest fulfillment in serving the needs of others. Ron’s shining example led his family to become active members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg and later, St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear.

Ron was a photography enthusiast. You would often find him at Rachel and Daniel’s sporting events or school activities with all his professional photography gear. He loved taking pictures and sharing the memorable moments he'd capture with parents, family, and friends. He often joked (much to Barbara’s dismay) that for retirement he was going to be a cruise ship photographer or work at Costco!

As a dedicated and supportive father, he could always be found courtside at Rachel’s volleyball matches, yet he challenged himself to find yet another way to serve others and give back. To help improve the game of volleyball for young athletes, Ron became a well-respected member of the USAV, PAVO, and TASO volleyball officiating communities. He worked hard to be accredited as an NCAA line judge, however, would quickly tell you that his greatest joy came when Daniel followed in his footsteps to become a volleyball official.

Ron approached his career with the same moral compass that guided his personal life. Ron enjoyed supporting Aggreko as Project Manager, delivering temporary power generation equipment to clients with unique and challenging needs. He could often be found on the job site with rolled up sleeves, willing to do whatever it took to support his colleagues. Where others saw roadblocks and obstacles, Ron saw opportunities to design and implement solutions to overcome any challenge. He always felt there was a successful approach, even if it was yet to be discovered. Ron would methodically evaluate the need and leverage his endless optimism to design a road to success.

Ron leaves behind a loving legacy, the family he guided, and countless friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Damstra, daughter, Rachel, and son, Daniel, to carry forward his loving spirit. He is also survived by his parents, Janice and Sidney Damstra, his parents-in-law, Carol and Tony Galvez, sisters, Cathy Damstra-Lepley and Denise Foreman, brother-in-laws Christopher Galvez, Alan Lepley, Matt Foreman, along with nieces, Alison and Jessica Lepley, Emily and Natalie Foreman, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends he always held close to his heart. His brother, Peter Damstra, precedes Ron in death.

We should all move forward, listening to Ron’s voice whispering, “Be not afraid”.

Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 29, at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MD Anderson Lymphoma/Myeloma Clinic so Dr. Malpica-Castillo and his associates can continue their research on the hardest to treat T-Cell Lymphomas.