Ronald James Banks, 57, of Helena died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, Nov. 20, 2008, at his home in Helena.

Ron was born to Robert and Barbara (Shumate) Banks on Nov. 13, 1951, in Helena. He attended grade school in Great Falls before moving to Helena in 1966. In 1968, he went to live with Art and Shirley Hall. Ron graduated from Helena High School in 1971. He then attended three years at Western Montana College in Dillon.

Ron was a two-time undefeated heavyweight prep state wrestling champion for the Helena Bengals, and he captured two Frontier Conference mat titles at Western. He once attempted to ride a bull at a Dillon rodeo, and another time he wrestled a bear at the Carroll College PE Center.

One of the state's most powerful men, Ron gained fame throughout his life for his incredible feats of strength.

He enlisted in the United State Marine Corps on Nov. 22, 1976, and served until he was honorably discharged on Nov. 21, 1980.

Ron resided in Steamboat Springs, Colo., from 1981 to 1983, receiving the nickname "Ranger Ron." He then moved back to Helena, where he met his future wife, Marilyn Roberts, in 1990. After a period of employment for the highway department, he began working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Fort Harrison. Ron was employed at the VA at the time of his death.

Ron will be remembered as a gentle giant and a generous, compassionate man with a big heart. He was a dedicated Marine and very active in the Helena Marine Corps League. Ron was selected as the Montana's Marine of the Year for 2006-2007.

He was very instrumental in the passing of the legislative bill that prohibited the protesting of military funerals in the state of Montana. He took great honor in being present during Gov. Schweitzer's signing of this bill, and afterwards Ron presented the pen to the Baucus family at their Wolf Creek home.

Ron loved his country and was very patriotic. His favorite pastimes were power-walking the Governor's Cup marathons, volunteering with Toys for Tots, and helping out with his church.

Ron's passions included the Denver Broncos, fishing, attending local sporting events, eating large amounts of good food, and the love of his life -- Marilyn.

Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn Roberts, of Helena; his birth parents, Robert (T.J.) Banks of Townsend and Barbara Roberts of Townsend; his adoptive parents, Art and Shirley Hall of Helena; brothers, Don (Vicki) Banks of California, Glenn "Chip" (Shannon) Hall of East Helena and Deac (Laurie) Hall of Helena; sisters, Barbie Wood of Maryland, Julie (Graham) Porter of East Helena, Cynthia Berst of Billings, M.C. (Leroy) Beeby of Helena, Lisa (Wayne) MacLean of Helena, Vina (Bryan) Watson of Rudyard and Tabitha Morley of Helena; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Helena. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will be held at the Eagles Lodge #16; 801 N. Fee St., immediately following the graveside service.

Those wishing to send memorials in Ron's name may do so to one of the following: A memorial fund set up in Ron's name at the Elkhorn Federal Credit Union at Fort Harrison, MT 59636; Intermountain Children's Home, 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601; or the First Christian Church, 311 Power St., Helena, MT 59601. To offer condolences to Ron's family or to share a memory of Ron, please visit www.mem.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.