Ronald Lee Switzer

Ronald L. Switzer 1937-2007 Ronald Lee Switzer, distinguished veteran, loving husband and father, left this life for another on December 16, 2007, at home and surrounded by family. Ron was born October 12, 1937, in West Hollywood, California, to parents Wilbur and Dorothy Switzer. He spent his younger years growing up in Navy Housing while his father fought in WWII. Patriotism, hard work, integrity and family comprised the cornerstones of his life. He enlisted in the US Air Force at age 19 and was eventually stationed at Great Falls, Montana, where he met the love of his life – Kathleen Elaine Henderson. He proposed after five days and they soon married. Together for 48 years, they raised a strong, loving and devoted family that embodied the principles he held so dear. Ron’s major military assignments took him to Spotted Island, Labrador; Ankara, Turkey; Ubon, Thailand; and from coast to coast, border to border within the Continental United States. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1976, proud of his unparalleled service to our Nation during the Vietnam and Cold Wars. Following military retirement Ron moved his family to Bozeman, Montana, long considered home for a traveling Air Force family. He combined his passions for people and travel as owner and sales representative of a fabric business. When his children were raised and had “left the nest” Ron and Kathleen relocated to Bountiful, Utah. They established a warm and happy neighborhood of friends and acquaintances that added to their lives. Ron, always Kathleen’s number one supporter, “held down the fort” while she pursued her life long goal of attending and graduating from law school. He also delighted in Kathleen’s military career, actively participating in her military experiences. After thriving in his own specialty – logistics and supply – he enthusiastically embraced two other lifelong desires: long distance truck driving coupled with collecting and dealing in vintage guns and tools. Ever the story-teller, he regaled family and friends with tales of faraway places and the adventures he encountered. He became a gun history expert and a virtual walking encyclopedia on old tools. As always, he thoroughly enjoyed mentoring young people and was the Federal test administrator for military recruiting. Unfailingly committed to family, Ron spent unmeasured time with each child and grandchild. Camping trips with his two sons and grandsons became legendary family hallmarks. Surviving is his devoted wife, Kathleen; and cherished family members: daughter, Sherry (Kimball) Rowe; sons, Kendall (Lisa) Switzer and Doug (Rene) Switzer; brother Wilbur James “Jim” (Kathleen) Switzer; grandchildren Kendra, Travis and Heidi Switzer, John Rowe, and Calvin Switzer. Predeceased were his parents and a baby granddaughter, Josephine Elaine Switzer. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. where friends may call from 9:00 to 10:45 AM prior to services. Cremation under the direction of Lindquist Crematory. Luncheon following at the Woodland Hills 8th Ward, 640 S. 750 E. Bountiful, Utah. The family extends their heart felt gratitude to: Homewatch Caregivers, 1st Choice Hospice, Huntsman Cancer Institute and all Ron’s friends and neighbors who were part of his bigger family. Donations may be sent to Huntsman Cancer Institute Pain and Palliative Care Service and the Disabled Veterans Association. On-line guest book at www.lindquistmortuary.com