Ronald K. Spade
Ronald K. Spade was born on March 6, 1926, in Elm Creek, Buffalo County, Neb., to parents Walter E. Spade and Elsie "Fern" (Poulson) Spade the youngest of five children and passed away on Feb. 18, 2007.
Ron moved as a young child with his family to North Idaho, where he grew up hunting, fishing, and logging.
He married Lois Bosch October 3, 1944 in Pasco, Wash., and together they had five children: Michael, Martin, Claudia, Ronald John and David. Ron and Lois later divorced. Ron married Karen Brown and they had a daughter, Teresa. That marriage ended in divorce and Ron moved to Montana.
He later married June Schliep and lived in the Ronan and Pablo areas of Montana and worked as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, among other things. Ron loved life, and loved to fish.
After his wife June passed away, he retired to one of his favorite fishing spots, Seeley Lake. Ron spent the last of his years fulfilling his dream — building a cabin in the woods by a lake and spending every minute he could at his favorite fishing hole. Ron and his faithful companion, his dog Moose, were often seen around town preparing for the next fishing trip. He had many other fishing buddies, and was fondly referred to as "Uncle Ron" by the townsfolk of Seeley Lake.
Ronald Spade was preceded in death by his son Martin; a sister, Wanda; and his wife, June.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Theresa) of Arlee, Mont., Claudia (David) Sterling of Anchorage, Alaska, John (Judi) and David (Kathy) of Snohomish, Wash., and Teresa Spade-Rohrwasser of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; and by siblings Pascal Spade, Marco Spade and Ila Jean Spade.
Ron is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Ron will be missed by many, but wanted to make sure there were no tears shed for him. Just go down to the coffee shop with a friend, take a buddy fishing, hug your grandkids or take your old dog for a ride. Share a few laughs on him, and swap some good fishing stories.
A private family gathering will be held later this summer.
Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.