Ronald Smith

Ronald Gordon Smith 77, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on January 24th after a long illness with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born on March 31, 1945 to Julia and Earle Smith in McCook, NE. Earle was killed in a WWII training accident fifteen days after Ron’s birth.  Afterwards  his mother remarried Kenneth Martin and they moved to Denver, CO and later to Illinois. After graduating high school in 1963, Ron began working for United Airlines, and shortly after he chose to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force.

He served 4 years stationed in California at Hamilton Air Force Base where he worked as an aircraft electrician for the air rescue squadron.  After completing his service time, Ron went back to work for United Airlines for 38 years, retiring in 2002.

In 1966, Ron met Gail Kublank and they wed in 1968, going on to have two children, Matthew and Timothy. Ron was predeceased by his parents, his step-father and Ken Keslin (nephew).

He is survived by his wife Gail; his sister Mary Keslin Huff; his two children Matthew (Kerry), Timothy (Aimee); and his five grandchildren, Isis, Osiris, Savannah, Kannon and Jacob.

Ron thoroughly enjoyed Colorado outdoors through fishing, camping, boating and photography. He took great joy in music, often playing guitar, banjo and bass.

His skills in Silversmithing and jewelry creation were admired. Ron was loyal to his friends and enjoyed spending time with them, often telling really bad, but funny jokes and groan producing puns.

Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org

Service details can be found below. Please RSVP by March 24th by calling 303-349-7948.