Ron (“Lightning,” “Ridgerunner”) Kendall passed away on Jan. 10, 2022 at the age of 72, in his home in Sublimity Oregon. His logging injuries and his battle with cancer showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile.
Despite the pain, Ron came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. As a young man Ron enjoyed spending time in the woods, camping, hunting and fishing. Ron moved to Arkansas with his mom and had his first daughter, Kristie, now a loving mother of one. Ron then met the love of his life, Marilyn.
In Arkansas, you would have known him by “Lightning” and his nickname for Marilyn was “Thunder.” After a whirlwind five months, the two of them decided to make it forever on July 16, 1977. With Ron’s love of the woods, they decided to move back to Oregon where he worked as a logger.
Three children followed: Chanda, a mother of three; Heather, mother of two; and Chet, a father of three who would be able to carry on his family name.
Ron and Marilyn continued their love story for 44 and a half years before he lost his battle to cancer.
He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Farrah, Madelyn, Takisha, Jayden, Koda, Riley, Vann, Avinley, Sylas and a great grandson, Bentley. Ron also leaves behind his mother, Jean Davidson; sister, Jacqui (Ken) Lafferty; brothers, Mark (Vickie);Davidson and Joe (Angela) Davidson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chester; brother, Donnie; sister, Brenda; and his granddaughter, Henley Hope.
At the end of his time, he enjoyed collecting and trading his treasures with friends. Ron loved his family unconditionally. He loved giving his grandchildren rides on his scooter. He will be remembered by his loved ones by his stories he told about his youth and wanting extra thick milkshakes.
Ron was honored with a Celebration of Life at Stayton Christian Church on Feb. 5. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Brighton Hospice, 2601 SE 25h St., Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302.
