Ronald T. (Ron) Johnston, 62, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls.
Ron was born on June 22, 1946, in Hillsboro, Ore., to Deward and Delores Johnston. The oldest of three children, Ron moved with his family in 1956 to Rupert, Idaho, where he graduated from Minico High School in 1964.
After graduation, he entered the Army and served three years in Germany. Upon his discharge, Ron married Shari Vick on Oct. 5, 1968, in Spokane, Wash. Ron and Shari later returned to Rupert for a short time, then moved to Hailey where they lived for 22 years. In 1997 they moved to Twin Falls and finally Kimberly where Ron and Shari resided at the time of his passing.
Ron worked for Sentinal Security in Ketchum for 17 years. After leaving there he and his business partner, Frank Key, formed Safeguard Fire and Security.
Ron was very involved in his community during his life. He was a member of the volunteer fire department in Hailey for 17 years and the National Guard for 12.
Motorcycles were his passion. He was a member of the Idaho Motorcycle Club, GWRRA and CMA. He enjoyed riding with Shari and the many friends with whom they had become acquainted over the years. Ron logged over 500,000 miles on his bike, traveling through 43 states, Mexico and Canada. When he wasn't working at his business or riding, he loved being with his grandchildren, traveling, fishing and camping. Ron was an exceptional camp cook and an avid NASCAR fan.
Ron is survived by his wife, Shari; his mother, Delores Johnston of Rupert; his daughter, Pam Johnston of Hailey and her children, Greg and Jordyn; his son, Kevin (Melissa) Johnston of Shoshone and their children, Ilynn and Zariah; his sisters, Diane (Gary) Langlitz of Summerville, Ore., and Renee (Richard) Schafer of Rupert.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Deward Johnston.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls.
Contributions in Ron's honor can be made at CampRainbow c/o ACS, 2676 Vista Ave., Boise, ID 83705 and QRU, c/o Snake Harley, 2404 Addison Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID 83301.
