Ronald William Whittom, 80 years old passed away on April 3, 2023 while under Hospice Care at his home in Newport, Washington. Ron spent his childhood in California, Idaho and Texas. He graduated from High School in Yreka, California in 1960. Ron was in the Air Force from 1960-1965 and worked as an Aircraft Mechanic at Travis Airforce Base in Fairfield, California. While in the Air Force Ron obtained his pilot’s license.
In 1971, he and his family moved to Alaska. While in Alaska, he worked as a commercial pilot for over thirty years with various companies such as Chugiak Aviation, Mark Air Express, Sea Airmotive, Yukon Aviation, Great Northern Air, FS Air, and Herman’s Air.
During his flying career he was instrumental in installing generators in Western Alaska through AVEC and telephones through Alascom and later GCI. During his time as a pilot Ron flew Super Cubs, Cessna 172, 177, 185, 206, and 207, Beavers, Otters, Lear Jets, Navajos, Apaches, Aztecs, to name a few. He logged more than 27,000 hours as a bush pilot.
Later he worked as a City of Bethel Police Officer for two years and then worked for five years as an Alaska State Trooper Constable also in Bethel. He continued his career in Law Enforcement as a State of Alaska Prison Guard for another six years at Spring Creek in Seward, AK and at Palmer Correctional Center at Mile 51 before retiring to Northern California.
Ron lived his life according to his principles and never compromised on what he believed was right. When he said he was going to do something, like be a pilot in Alaska, buy a boat and be a fish tender, or be an Officer of the Law, he followed through. He was truly tenacious in the pursuit of his dreams. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Ron is survived by his previous wives Judith Posey and Susie Whittom and was pre-deceased by his wife Sue Whittom in 2022.
Ron is also survived by his children Ron Whittom Jr. (Deborah) of Alaska; Janet Jechura (John) of Colorado; Joann Pierce (Gregg) of Idaho; Joe Whittom (Kaylynn) of Alaska; Don Whittom (Melinda) of Texas; His half-brother Tommy Wilson (Katrin) of Texas; and half-sister Melissa (Missy) Haggerty (Troy) of Texas; and his grandchildren Kambree, Makala, Joe, Megan, and Taylor of Alaska; and Sydnee and Cameron of Texas.
Ron’s interment was in Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pawsitive Outreach (Advocates for Animal Protection and Welfare) P.O. Box 1241, Newport, WA 99156.
