Ronald Marion Van Noy

Ronald M. Van Noy (age 87)

March 7,1934 – November 3, 2021

His oldest son Mark said it best, “The man I admired most, who taught me many lessons of life, passed away. Dad, you ran a tough race and had to jump over many hurdles, but your opponent was too strong. I say to you like you told me numerous times in my life ‘I’m proud of you.’ You fought a fierce battle and gave it your best. Dad, now it’s time to rest.”

Ron was born to Marion and Helen Van Noy and raised in Tacoma with his brother Jerry and sister Sandy. He graduated from Lincoln High School (1952) and the University of Washington (1957). His career trajectory included working as a mailman and a smokejumper the summers during college and a “house-boy” at Wesley House at UW, where he met Mariel Jenkins. They married in 1957 in Seattle. Ron had a two-year stint in the US Army where he played a role in seismic and electrical resistivity research in the ice caps in Greenland. It was during that time that they welcomed their son Mark and a year later, son Terry. Their daughter, Linda, arrived two years later after they moved to Spokane. Ron was a true competitor and a perfectionist, and the federal government was a recipient of his exceptional work ethic. He began his career as a geologist with the US Bureau of Mines in 1956, primarily in mineral land assessment.

Ron was very athletic and took his competitive spirit to the golf course, softball field as well as handball, racquetball, volleyball, and tennis courts, forging many friendships along the way. He enjoyed the outdoors and was proud of summiting Mt. Rainer twice while in college. He retired from the Bureau of Mines in 1985, but he wasn’t done yet, bestowing his gift of woodworking to many projects for Covenant United Methodist Church and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity - Spokane. Ron and Mariel enjoyed being snowbirds with their second home and friends in Sun City Grand, AZ. Ron is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry (Bev Proctor). He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mariel, sons Mark (Tari), Terry (Teri), and daughter Linda Anderson (Chuck/CK), and grandchildren Adam, Alyssa, Haley, Hannah, Yannick, Isaac, and his sister Sandy (Jerry) Rogerson. We all deeply miss him and the love and pride he had for his family and his witty, punny personality. Whether in tears or laughter, we remember his favorite saying, “Everything in moderation, including moderation”.

A Celebration of Life is planned on August 12, 2022, at Covenant United Methodist Church in Spokane, WA.

Donations in his memory can be directed to any of the organizations he cared deeply about: United Methodist Committee on Relief (“UMCOR”), Covenant United Methodist Church, League of Women Voters, Planned Parenthood, Habitat for Humanity - Spokane, and Operation Smile.

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