Ronald Crippen
Ronald Crippen

Obituary of Ronald Wayne Crippen

Ron died peacefully in his sleep on July 11, losing his 13 year battle with leukemia. Ron turned 60 November 12, 2006. He was born in his family's farmhouse in Garden City, MO. After living briefly in several places, the family finally settled in Spanaway when Ron was 6 years old. Ron lived with his parents in a tiny house with his three brothers and a sister off of 224th. As a young teenager, he held several jobs, all construction related. He learned early on the value of hard work and held those principles close to his heart his entire life. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1965. Ron joined, (oops-drafted!), the Army in September of 1966, and served an extended tour of duty in Viet Nam. Fortunately for him, the Army recognized his knowledge of the construction industry and utilized and expanded his abilities by assigning him to a construction unit. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and returned home to work for Paul Putnam. He continued to work for Paul until the Spring of 1970, when he chose to establish his own company, Crippen Construction. Nancy entered his life just as he started his own business. They met at Crystal Mountain, a chance encounter while they were both skiing. It was an almost storybook beginning as they became quickly inseparable. Even before they were married, she became his bookkeeper and right hand "women". Together, they built their home on Spanaway Lake. They broke ground in October of 1971 and were married in June of 1972, moving straight into their very "unfinished" house. Nancy claims to this day, it has never been "finished". We all know the cobbler's children have no shoes! Time BS (Before Sean!), they built their business, traveled as much as possible, and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company. They decided in the summer of 1976, that it was time to start a family. Wasting no time, Sean was born the following May. He was followed by his brother, Cameron, in February of 1980. The brothers were joined by a little sister, Kendra, in September 1981. Their family complete, they concentrated on family and business. Ron taught the boys the same values and work ethics his parents taught him. The family business, now named Edgewater Development, will continue under the direction of Sean. Ron spent what little free time he allowed himself, to learn to pilot a private plane (he owned two, a Cessna 182 and a Cessna P 210), scuba dive, snow and water ski, fish and hunt. His favorite weekend get away was to Las Vegas with Nancy. They even managed a memorable trip to Australia in December of 1996. That was quickly followed by a trip to San Diego in January, 1997, where they attended Sean's graduation from Marine Corps boot camp. It was one of Ron's proudest moments in life. The last six years of his life have been filled with the absolute joy of five grandchildren. Sean has a daughter, Angelina, 6 and a son, Austin, 3 1/2 . Cameron has a daughter, Mykayla, who will be six in August and a son, Caellon, 4. Kendra has a daughter, Dakota, 4 1/2. They all dearly love their grandpa. He always had time to play and hug. Ron and Nancy were optimistic to the end that he was going to recover from this latest round of illnesses. He was to begin therapy on Wednesday and was looking forward to feeling better. His death took everyone, including his doctors, by surprise. We all know he is in a better place and is finally free of all pain. He will be desperately missed by Nancy and all who knew him, family and friends alike. They will miss his friendly smile, quick wit, witty sense of humor and willingness to help. But everyone will remember that, first and foremost, he was the hardest working man any of us will ever know. Rest peacefully, Ron. You've earned it!! We will always love you and never forget you.
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