Obituary of Ronald Ray Freed

RONALD FREED Ronald Ray Freed passed away on February 24, 2013 at his home in Camas, WA, at the age of 81. Ron was born on October 22, 1931 in Superior, NE. He moved to Camas as a young boy, and graduated from Camas High School in 1950. After high school, Ron joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA. While there, he met the love of his life, and married his beautiful bride Norma Dean Shaw on May 3, 1953. Ron left the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in 1955, and began attending Sacramento State College. He attended college on the GI Bill, and supported his growing family by working on the railroad as a brakeman. He graduated from "Sac State" with his bachelor's degree in accounting. Ron, Norma, and their family returned to Camas in 1962. Ron worked for the Tidland Corporation for more than 30 years, until his retirement in 1996. Ron was an active Camas community member. He served on the Camas City Council from 1971-1989, and received the City of Camas Citizenship Award for Outstanding Civic Service. He was a member of the city Planning Commission and the Community Chest. He was a member of Kiwanis and the Moose Lodge. He was involved in local Little League in various roles, including Player Agent. He was also a Freemason for more than 60 years. Ron enjoyed collecting antiques, Santa Claus and Christmas decorations, and stamps. Every item in his antique collection has an entertaining story about its acquisition. Many of the thousands of Santa Claus items do as well. His stamp collection is comprehensive, spanning his lifetime. He enjoyed vacations to Hood Canal, stopping at local garage and estate sales on weekends, completing the daily crossword puzzle, playing cards, and meals with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was always quick with a smile. Ron is survived by his wife, Norma; son Ron Sally of Washougal; daughter Sherry Wayne Ruiter of Pasco, WA; son Mark of Camas; grandchildren Kira, Ryne, Brandon and Kalee; sister Gwen Will Edgerley of Camas; special niece Hisako "Pinky" Bennett of Vancouver; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured close friends. He was preceded in death by his father Edwin C. Freed; mother Leona M. Andersen; and stepfather Alfred "Nick" Andersen. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of arrangements. No public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ron's name to the Camas Fire Department EMS Fund, 616 NE 4th Avenue, Suite 1, Camas, WA 98607. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.