Ronald Ray Wilson

Ronald Ray Wilson, 61, died from heart failure surrounded by his family on Feb. 7, 2012, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

He was born April 5, 1950, in Oregon to Albert Walter and Anna Allois (Bunch) Wilson.

A memorial service in honor of Ron is at 2 p.m., Feb. 11 at Wasilla Christian Church, 2201 S. Knik-Goose Bay Road, with Pastor Doug Ferrett officiating. Ron’s request was for his ashes to be scattered at Susitna Landing and will take place at a later date.

Ron — as he was known by his family and friends — proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Ron worked for Haliburton until 1992 when he decided to work as a fishing guide. He owned and operated Ron’s Riverboat Service until a stroke forced him to retire in 2008. He was able to enjoy spending time with his family and friends. He really enjoyed fishing and snowmachining with his family and friends, where he would always have a joke ready to share. He also enjoyed just asking those who would pass by his deck to come and visit and share stories with them and a favorite joke. His family said Ron never met a stranger and always made everyone feel welcome wherever he was — on a lake or wherever he met people, you knew after a while that those he met would never leave without that special welcome he shared with all he met along his life’s journey. His family will truly miss the warm smile and love he shared with his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law Kelly Coulombe and Boyd Inabinette; and grandson, Jace Coulombe, all of Wasilla; sister, Joetta Barker of Lapine, Ore.; brother, Larry Wilson of Midland, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Albert and Lois Wilson; and his daughter, Ronna Kay.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to assist with funeral expenses be sent to P.O. Box 870374, Wasilla, AK 99687 or at any Matanuska Federal Credit Union C/O the family of Ronald Wilson.

Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory in Wasilla cared for the family.