Obituary: Strack, Col.(Ret) Ronald George “Ron”
Colonel (Ret.
U.S.A.F.)
(Age 77)
Passed away on March 22rd, 2012 at home with his loving family by his side after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA).
Ron was born on May 16th, 1934 in Norwalk, Ohio to Robert and Leona Strack.
Ron grew up in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School.
After high school, he attended and graduated from Ohio State University in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Ron had been enrolled in Air Force ROTC during his last two years of college and decided to enter the Air Force upon graduation.
Ron accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in July of 1956 and promptly reported for pilot training.
While in the Air Force, Ron flew T-28s, T-33s, T-34s, F-84s, F-100s, F-105s and F-111s.
During the Vietnam War, Ron flew 100 missions as an F-105 Wild Weasel pilot with the mission of suppressing and destroying enemy surface to air missile sites.
Ron was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Silver Star for gallantry in action as a Wild Weasel pilot.
During his 23 year career in the Air Force, Ron held many important positions including squadron commander, director of operations, base commander and vice wing commander.
Ron retired in 1980 at the rank of Colonel.
Upon retirement in 1980, Ron moved the family to Spokane, Washington.
Ron worked the next 17 years in the financial services industry holding such positions as financial advisor, stock broker and eventual president of Empire Securities.
Ron retired from his second line of work in 1997.
Ron enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing and skiing.
Ron also treasured spending time with his family and friends who cherished his intelligence, wit and humor.
Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years Constance; daughter Christie and husband Brian Clapp; daughter Tracy and husband Scott Bowker; son Scott and wife Cindy; grandchildren Ryan, Brandon, Ashley and Spencer.
Ron was preceded in death by father Robert, mother Leona and brother Donald.
A memorial service will held be for Ron on May 21st, 10:30 am at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.
WA.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ron’s name to the The Shy-Drager Syndrome Support Group would be appreciated.
Envelopes for making a donation will be available at the service, or you can donate online at http://www.shy-drager.org/donate. If donating online, please designate in memoriam of Ron Strack in the special instructions section.
We would like to thank all of the staff at Holy Family Hospital, Avalon Care Center, Hospice of Spokane and especially Kay Schmarr for all of their help and support.