Ron McLain

Ron McLain, 80, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at his home in Ronald. His graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Roslyn Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Cle Elum Senior Center.

Ron was born on March 5, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Willie and Alida (Koenig) McLain. He grew up in Ohio where his family spent many hours boating - a hobby that he enjoyed throughout his life. Ron graduated from Norwood High School in 1962, with his last two years being completed at a technical school where he specialized in Electrical Engineering.

In September 1963, Ron enlisted in the United States Navy and served for two years before his honorable discharge in August of 1965. Subsequently he was elected a member of the American Society of Naval Engineers. After his discharge from the Navy, Ron began working as an electrician before finding his niche in the machine tool industry. During these years he was blessed with two daughters, Traci and Laura.

Ron worked for a number of companies over the years, primarily in sales and management, before retiring in 2007. During this time he also worked hard to obtain his MBA from the University of Washington, preparing him to become CEO and partial owner of AeroGo, Inc. At AeroGo he traveled world-wide and coordinated large business projects overseas where he was especially adept with the business nuances of foreign cultures. From 2013-2023 he served on the board of trueNorth Wealth Advisors. He worked post-retirement as an Adjunct Strategy Professor at Central Washington University where he taught Statistics and Strategic Management. 

Ron also believed strongly in the importance of technical-school education for those who wanted to advance their career but maybe didn’t fit the four-year college mold. He encouraged many students to pursue this educational path and also was a mentor to many of them over the years.

Ron met Sandra (Christiansen) Lopinto while they were working together at Flow International. They were married on November 4, 1989 and Ron became a loving step-father to Sandra's son, Aaron. In 1996, they bought property in Ronald and built a weekend home where they spent much time until Sandra also retired and they made Ronald their full-time home in 2015. Ron was a man of faith and together they attended Roslyn Presbyterian Church for many years.

Ron enjoyed snowmobiling and coordinating annual Magruder trail rides in Idaho and other ATV adventures with local enthusiasts. He and Sandra also spent time traveling the country in their RV with memorable destinations such as Yellowstone, Glacier, and time spent visiting family in the midwest and the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Ron was also a HAM radio enthusiast and was a member of the Kittitas County Amateur Radio Club. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and being an amazing grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sandra; children Traci (Mike) Gornick; Laura McLain, and Aaron (Julie) Voigt; grandchildren Jeff (Brooke) Little, Shawn Little (Gigi), Kyle McLain, Josh Voigt and Madeline Voigt; 12 great-grandchildren; brother Douglas (Christine) McLain and sister Kathy (Kip) Phelps and 3 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his infant sister, Donna Jean.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s honor are suggested to KVH Hospice, 1506 E. Radio Road, Ellensburg. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of KVH Hospice for their love, care and support these last few months of Ron’s life.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com