Ronald Leroy Baasch, lovingly called “Sugar Bear,” “Bear,” “Pops,” “Pop Pop,” “Phil” along with sooooo many more nicknames throughout the years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 at his home in Snoqualmie, WA while listening to Johnny Cash on his front porch. He was born to Edward “Red” and Frances Kathleen Baasch on June 2nd, 1954 in Ellensburg, WA. He was brother to Katherine “Ky” Peterson, Richard Baasch, and Terry Schmitt (deceased).
October 11th, 1973 he enlisted in the United States Army and trained in Aircraft Maintenance focusing on helicopter repair. He received the National Defense Service Medal while enlisted and was stationed in Germany after completing his training at Fort Hood, TX. Ron left the military in 1979 and quickly began his career at the Boeing Co
He began working at the Boeing Corporation as a Mechanic in 1980. Throughout his 35 years at Boeing Co., he received many achievement awards and was able to explore and expand in many different departments. In 2015, he ultimately retired as a Quality Assurance Investigator- which is SO FITTING since Ron loved following the rules and making sure that everyone around him knew the expectations too.
Ron held on tight to many of his friends from Boeing after retirement and he always spoke fondly and candidly of any time spend together during his time with the company. On September 22nd, 1984, he wed his beautiful wife, Linda Lee (Smith) in Portland, OR. They met through a mutual friend when she was residing in Portland, OR and worked as a successful Dental Assistant.
Ron courted Linda and was proud to say that he flew her to Washington to share the sights of Leavenworth, and invited her to meet the Baasch family. Some of the most special moments traveling for Ron and Linda were: Victoria BC (anniversaries), THE Oregon coast, Las Vegas (daughter’s wedding), Florida (son’s wedding), and multiple road trips across the country. In October 1985 and September 1987 Ron became the PROUD father to Krysten Cathleen and Ryan Matthew.
Nothing made him more happy than being a DAD and being able to guide his children through life. He was always an active parent and even though he worked a full time job (plus all the Over Time) he made sure to be his kids #1 supporter. Growing up he was an active parent at Camp Fire, Snoqulamie Valley sports teams, Chief Kanim sports, and Mount Si High School sports.
After Ryan (Perry Institute-Instrumentation and Automation Technology) and Krysten (International Academdy of Design and Techonology-Fashion Design) graduated, he was always the first person to arrive to their college graduations to celebrate them! No matter what passions Ron’s kids shared, he was always the first on board to ask “What is the plan? ” all the while applauding and rooting them on.
Ron spent his free time working with his brother Richard at their gold mine on Blewett Pass. He enjoyed his retirement being the best “Pop Pop” around to Rivers and Reese Rouse, and he couldn’t wait to celebrate his upcoming grand child from Ryan and Laura. Ron’s fondest memories in life were spent in the great outdoors.
He is survived by his wife Linda, his son Ryan (Laura Ingram), his daughter Krysten (Arthur Rouse), his grandchildren Rivers and Reese Rouse, his brother Richard (Kathy) Baasch, his sister Katherine “Ky” (Randy) Peterson, his brother in law Bill Schmitt and Tessa (Kenny) Kerns, and Kadee (Kyle) Gray.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
