Ron Caldwell
1 COR 13:13
Ron Caldwell entered into eternal rest on Oct. 29, 2008.
He was born on Jan. 25, 1943, and reared in a small town outside Pittsburgh. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University, where he taught and coached after earning a degree in physical therapy at the Mayo Clinic.
Ron specialized in sports medicine and received advanced certifications at Northwestern University. After several years in private and hospital practice, he entered Notre Dame, where he received a master’s degree in business administration.
Ron worked in hospital and health care administration in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Tennessee and Montana; he took a five-year hiatus from healthcare in the 1980s to own and operate a metal finishing business with his wife, Jill, in Colorado. Ron’s strongest career interest involved the disabled, particularly the developmentally disabled. He settled in Montana in 1989, when he accepted the position of CEO/president at WestMont. He regarded those last 17 years as his happiest professional years.
After he retired in 2005, he eagerly accepted a position on the WestMont board so he might continue to offer support to the organization in any way possible. We know he is meeting many of his WestMont friends in heaven.
Ron married the love of his life, Jill, in October 1985, and they shared a full life together, finishing each others’ sentences and always able to communicate a message with a smile or nod.
Ron’s proudest moment was when his son, Creede, was born in 1990. He gave Creede his gentle, loving spirit and a role model of a true Christian man. Creede in return brought out the playfulness in Ron, and Ron loved to spend time with Creede and his friends.
To say he was a devoted husband and father is an understatement; Ron lived an honorable, quiet, compassionate life, always putting the needs of others first. He left Creede and Jill with bountiful memories of laughter and love.
Ron was Jill’s favorite “contractor,” constantly remodeling, repairing and building for their home and for anyone else who asked.
His life was devoted to service to others; he especially enjoyed helping at St. Andrew School while Creede attended and after Creede graduated. He loved the school’s mission and the support and love they gave his family.
Ron focused his charitable giving on WestMont, St. Andrew School and the Cathedral of St. Helena.
A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15, and a memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon on Dec. 16. Both will be held at the Cathedral of St. Helena.
We will miss Ron, but we rejoice in knowing he is in a better place. God bless Ron and God bless all who had the good fortune of knowing him.
1 stars with 1 rating.
Click here to register
Reader Comments:
Barb Swehla wrote on Nov 17, 2008 11:37 AM:
" Dear Jill and Creede, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Ron was highly respected by many for his generosity, kindness, and faithfulness. He has lived an admirable life, albeit way too short. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I am confident that he will look after you and guide you in his special way. "
Margaret wrote on Nov 16, 2008 3:00 PM:
" My dear Jill and Creede,
I am so glad I was able to know you. Jill and Ron were like horse and carriage. Where one went, so went the other without missing a step. He will be missed but Creede will carry his spirit and beautiful face. take care. "
I am so glad I was able to know you. Jill and Ron were like horse and carriage. Where one went, so went the other without missing a step. He will be missed but Creede will carry his spirit and beautiful face. take care. "
Father Norm wrote on Nov 15, 2008 4:29 PM:
" God Bless you Jill and Creede. Ron was an exceptional example of a Christian man, and I hope you take comfort in knowing he is home with His Heavenly Father. "
Becky Voigt wrote on Nov 15, 2008 10:52 AM:
" Dear Jill,
Our family was your next door neighbors when you and Ron first moved to Helena. We had some nice driveway visits and from the beginning Ron struck me as a kind, gentle man who was devoted to his family. As years went by, whenever I would see him, he would ask about the kids and happily talk of you and Creede. The world has lost a fine example of a godly man. We all look forward to seeing him again. Bless you and your son. "
Our family was your next door neighbors when you and Ron first moved to Helena. We had some nice driveway visits and from the beginning Ron struck me as a kind, gentle man who was devoted to his family. As years went by, whenever I would see him, he would ask about the kids and happily talk of you and Creede. The world has lost a fine example of a godly man. We all look forward to seeing him again. Bless you and your son. "
The Ramirez Family wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:31 PM:
" Jill and Creede-
Our hearts go out to you. We know what a wonderful example Ron was to you because we see his gentle spirit shining through both of you. We will continue to keep in our prayers.
-John, Kathy, Mariah, Elyse, Alex, Jacob, Rosie, and Izaak "
Our hearts go out to you. We know what a wonderful example Ron was to you because we see his gentle spirit shining through both of you. We will continue to keep in our prayers.
-John, Kathy, Mariah, Elyse, Alex, Jacob, Rosie, and Izaak "
The Ramirez Family wrote on Nov 14, 2008 11:05 PM:
" Jill and Creede-
Our hearts go out to you. We know what a wonderful example Ron was to you because we see his gentle spirit shining through both of you. We will continue to keep in our prayers.
-John, Kathy, Mariah, Elyse, Alex, Jacob, Rosie, and Izaak "
Our hearts go out to you. We know what a wonderful example Ron was to you because we see his gentle spirit shining through both of you. We will continue to keep in our prayers.
-John, Kathy, Mariah, Elyse, Alex, Jacob, Rosie, and Izaak "
Robin Larson wrote on Nov 14, 2008 9:26 PM:
" I am shocked to see this news. I was Ron's secretary at West Mont just shortly after he arrived there to work. I personally experienced seeing the the joy in Ron's face when Creede arrived in 1990. I met Jill only once I think, but got to experience her fine fresh baked goods that Ron so proudly brought to work on special occasions. Jill and Creede, may God comfort you in your knowing what a good man Ron was...a caring, spiritual and charitable man, a loving family man, a really good boss and leader. God bless you always. "
Christopher R. Nelson wrote on Nov 14, 2008 6:23 PM:
" Creede and Jill, the other day at the memorial mass at St. Andrew School, I was admiring the large crucifix that Ron made for the St. Andrew community. It hangs as a living testament, which reminds our students daily of what it takes to serve one another and walk humbly with God. Ron was truly "a man for others." "
Laurie McCauley wrote on Nov 14, 2008 12:05 AM:
" Jill and Creede,
My sincerest condolensces. May God be with you and your family, and may the love of both the Lord and Ron watch over you both.
Prayers and Love,
Laurie "
My sincerest condolensces. May God be with you and your family, and may the love of both the Lord and Ron watch over you both.
Prayers and Love,
Laurie "
James V Hohn Jr wrote on Nov 13, 2008 10:16 PM:
" Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Our deepest sympathy. May the Blessed Mother give you and yours peace.
James "Vince" Hohn, Jr
Evergreen Healthcare, LLC "
James "Vince" Hohn, Jr
Evergreen Healthcare, LLC "
Dave Joni Brooks wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:59 PM:
" Jill and Creede,
We are shocked and saddened upon hearing of the loss of Ron. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. You are in our prayers. "
We are shocked and saddened upon hearing of the loss of Ron. May God hold you in the palm of his hand. You are in our prayers. "
Jerry Smyle wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:59 PM:
" Jill,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope God gives you peace and understanding during this healing process. May your pain be lessened by the thought that your husband is at rest with his Lord.
Jerry Smyle
Lantis Enterprises, Inc. "
So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope God gives you peace and understanding during this healing process. May your pain be lessened by the thought that your husband is at rest with his Lord.
Jerry Smyle
Lantis Enterprises, Inc. "
Kerry Ashment wrote on Nov 13, 2008 12:31 PM:
" Jill,
My sincerest condolensces. Ron sounds like a wonderful man! May God bless you and your son with a little peace right now.
Kerry "
My sincerest condolensces. Ron sounds like a wonderful man! May God bless you and your son with a little peace right now.
Kerry "
Connie Beckman wrote on Nov 13, 2008 11:50 AM:
" Jill and Creede,
You have in my prayers daily. Cherish your memories of your husband and your father and hold them close in your heart. Ron is watching over you now with the tenderness and love He shared throughtout his life with you.
Love & Prayers,
Connie "
You have in my prayers daily. Cherish your memories of your husband and your father and hold them close in your heart. Ron is watching over you now with the tenderness and love He shared throughtout his life with you.
Love & Prayers,
Connie "
Sherri Staats wrote on Nov 13, 2008 9:50 AM:
" Jill & Creed
I never had the joy of knowing Ron but I do know from many people what a wonderful man he was. How blessed we are to know he is with Christ and smiling down on the both of you. You are both in my daily prayers and Rosary dedications. May the love of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ be with the both of you. "
I never had the joy of knowing Ron but I do know from many people what a wonderful man he was. How blessed we are to know he is with Christ and smiling down on the both of you. You are both in my daily prayers and Rosary dedications. May the love of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ be with the both of you. "
Share Article
MT_Susan wrote on Nov 29, 2008 5:24 PM:
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories and may those ease the pain in the days ahead. Certainly, you are a beautiful family -full of love and joy. Take care of each other until you meet again.
Molly, Susan and Dan "