Name: Ball & Dodd Funeral Home
Address: Spokane, WA

I remember when Ron and I were kids and when my folks, (His mother Joyce and my father were 1st cousins) would visit and sometimes I would get to stay for a few days with Ron on the farm.  After my father died, (I was 11 years old) I lost contact with Ron and his family. Years later when both of us were in the Air Force, we met again at Fairchild AFB, in Spokane, Washington. Once again, I got to spend time with Ron and his mother and siblings.  I was shipped overseas and lost contact with Ron once again.  Over the years I attempted to find Ron, but was unsuccessful.  Not too long before he passed away, I came in contact with Ron again through the internet.  I was fortunate to have had a wonderful conversation with him on the telephone and we talked about those old times together and brought ourselves up to date.  I was fortunate to have Ron in my life. His memories will always bring me nothing but happiness and smiles.

We met Ron and Eileen in 1972 in Simulator school at Chanute AFB. They were good friends to us and he taught me (Lester) to fly RC  model airplanes. We enjoyed knowing and keeping in touch with them. He always had that great personality that changed gloom to laughter. Great memories. Lester and Helen

To my awesome grandpa-

You will always be in my dreams and in my savored memories, that is something that you can take to the bank. I will never get over the thoughts that came to mind when i heard the news. I am really going to miss you. You were always there to see me grow. There will always be something missing in my heart, though I may not say exactly what it is I will still feel everything. Love, Your Grand Daughter Kaeli.

Shannon and Lance,
Your memories are wonderful ! They are the part of your Dad that will never die ! What a wonderful job he and your Mom did raising the two of you...
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Hugs to you all !!!!


My favorite memories….

You took me to ride the carousel on my 5th birthday

Going fishing and catching a rainbow trout "this big" -  then trying to eat the whole thing by myself

Going hunting, then stopping at A&W for ice cream - gotta get one for the dog too 

Discovering waffles and vanilla pudding

Learning to ride your Honda 90 in the alley behind our house

Heating up fried chicken over a campfire, and toasting the perfect marshmallow

Going on long drives to the country to let the dogs (and kids) run, and how I do that now with my family

Sharing your love and appreciation for animals

Seeing you smile so big I could see it from onstage at a band concert

You incredible sense of humor and how you can STILL make me laugh when I remember your facial expressions 

Watching Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood movies with you on Sundays

I always thought it was so cool you'd let me come shooting with you guys

Going flying with you when I was 8 or 9 - I love that picture. That was a really special day. 

Your wonderful laugh

How you always, always had my back

The sting of so many snowballs from out of nowhere!

Hard work, taking pride in your work, responsibility, effort - now I understand what all that weeding was for LOL!

Developing an appreciate for biscuits and gravy and eggs over-medium. That's how I like them too. Thanks for teaching me how to cook them that way. :)

That first great trip across the North Cascades with you and Lance, I think of that a lot with a big grin on my face

How I always admired your even temper and your kindness, every day, all the time. 

Looking in the mirror and seeing your smile, everyday. :)

I love you Dad, I miss you so much.

I’ll always remember Uncle Ron with a kitty on his lap and a dog at his feet. When I think about Uncle Ron the words that come to mind are genuine and sincere. Although I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him, I always felt like he really listened  when people had something to say and his patience and good nature made him easy to talk to. Although he had a mischievous side (just ask his cats) I think there is something to be said for how much people and animals alike adored him. I will miss Uncle Ron but I am very thankful that I knew him and I hope that if I ever have boys of my own they’ll grow up just like him. All my love to our family.

Wonderful memories are all we have left. But those memories will last us forever. Even though we spent much of our adult lives apart, the past few years getting to know Ron again, were such treasured times. Ron truly was a wonderful man with a fantastic sense of humor. No Harley ride will ever be the same.

Thanks Dad.

I remember you teaching me to ride a bicycle. 
I remember you tickling me so much I could hardly breathe.
I remember Mom and I listening to taped messages from you when you were in Thailand.
I remember watching Saturday morning cartoons with you.
I remember the sooty boot prints (from Santa) in front of the fireplace on Christmas morning.
I remember racing slot-cars with you in the living room.
I remember helping you build our TV.  (That thing lasted for like 20yrs!)
I remember you giving me rides on the back of your motorcycle.
I remember you making me have a crew-cut because I wasn't going to look like a hippie!
I remember when we'd go get a Slurpee as a special treat.
I remember you playing 'catch' with me.
I remember how you could throw a great knuckleball and curve.
I remember you ambushing me with snowballs after school in Illinois.
I remember when we built that model of a Curtiss "Jenny" together.
I remember taking your camera apart -- and not being able to put it back together.
I remember how you always taught me responsibility.
I remember when you taught me how to shoot.
I remember how you never yelled, and how I always strove to make you proud.
 (and how crushed I was when I didn't.)
I remember grouse hunting with you, and how we would sometimes stumble upon an  abandoned orchard and eat wormy apples.  (Bite ... Look ... then Chew.)
I remember duck hunting with you, and getting stuck in the mud.
I remember pheasant hunting with you, and how it wasn't really about pheasants, 
 but about spending time together.
I remember when you taught me how to fly a radio-controlled plane.
I remember how you took a second job to buy me my first deer rifle.
I remember you teaching me how to work on my car.
I remember how you and Mom sacrificed to pay my college tuition.
I remember how happy I was when you got your pilot's license.  (Before I did!)
I remember our motorcycle trips in the North Cascades.
I remember the biscuits & gravy we had at Three-Fingered Jack's in Winthrop last summer.

I remember how much you loved to play with your dog, Levi.

I remember your ever-present sense of humor.

I remember how much you loved us all.

I cannot remember a single moment when I wasn't proud of you.

I miss you so much.

Thanks for everything Dad.  I love you.

My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. I will miss taking care of Ron as he was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face through good and bad. He will always have a special place in my heart.-
Stefanie Beeler, RN

Our thoughts  and prayers are with all of you. Hey Lance, always remember those great motorcyle trips!  Take care, Craig and Wendy Brockett and family

Our deepest sympathy in your loss.  May your many wonderful  memories sustain you forever.  Tho we have not see any of you for years, we have thought of you often and trust that your faith in our Lord will be a comfort to all.  God's Blessings, hugs and prayers, Chuck and Anna Mae Luther, Charlanna Wavra and Tonya Genewick.

I always will remember the great BBQ feast at the Bakken home..Ron was always a pleasure to be around,always had a smile and made me feel very welcome in the home.
Judy Thomson

My brother-in-law, Ron, was always friendly, happy. and easy to get along with. A very good barbeque cook and host.

We will miss having such a great neighbor.  He always had a smile and had time to talk to us!  He will truly be missed.  Carol and Dennis Snyder

OBITUARY

Mr. Ron A. Bakken

May 10, 1939 – March 8, 2010

Ball & Dodd Funeral Home

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