Rollans “Ron” B. Wilson died on February 27, 2017 at the age of 84 in Eureka. He was a loving husband, brother, dad and grandad who was an inspirational role model to all who knew him. He was a truck driver for many years as well as an avid fisherman and hunter who loved to share the tricks of the trade with his family and friends.

Ron was born in Prairie Grove, Ark. on Dec. 16, 1932 to Andrew and Grace Wilson. He was one of five children. Ron moved to California in the 1940s with his family and spent his childhood in Westwood, Calif.. He loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Ron loved hunting and fishing with his best friend and brother, Jack Wilson. He took many trips to the mountains with his brother Jack and Bob Rogers on horseback, where they hunted deer and fished in the mountain lakes. Ron had fond memories teaching his son Ronnie Joe and son-in-law Pat how to hunt and fish. He spent a lot of time fishing and boating with his children and grandchildren over the years.

Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950 and achieved the rank of sergeant. He served during the Korean War and was very proud to be a United States Marine.

Ron worked in the timber industry for many years, driving truck for Simpson Timber Company until he retired.

He had a dream of buying a piece of property in Eagle Lake, Calif. and he later made it a reality. He enjoyed his time there fishing and working around his property. He loved visiting and telling tall tales with many good friends including Bill, Phil and Gary.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Joanne. They had 52 wonderful years together. They enjoyed traveling together and spending time in their RV; they both loved beautiful Eagle Lake and all the memories created there. They enjoyed spending time with their children and watching their grandchildren grow into adults.

After Ron lost Joanne he met and married Betty. They had 14 happy years together. Some people only find one love of their life and Ron found two! They went on a cruise, enjoyed traveling and shared many irreplaceable memories together. When Ron’s health started to deteriorate, Betty was always by his side taking care of his every need.

Ron is survived by his wife Betty; children Rollans “Ron” Wilson (Darlene) and Suzi Masterson (Pat); grandchildren Lisa DeSilva (Brian), Tami Evans (Mark), Johnathan Masterson (Ernie), Rollans W Wilson “little Ron” (Shannon); great-grandchildren Kody Wilson, Charlie, Ryan, and Nathan Evans, Isabella “Bella” Wilson and Jase DeSilva; and his bonus family, which include all of Betty’s children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister Sue Lohman of Tulsa, Okla. and many other nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Grace Wilson; wife Joanne Wilson; brother Jack Wilson; and sisters Elma Jean Carrington and Katherine Miller.

Ron will be remembered by his friends and family as an inspiration, a gentleman, a true friend, an all-around genuine and honest man.

Visitation will be Friday, March 3, at Paul’s Chapel from 2 to 5 p.m. Graveside services will be Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata. There will be a reception after the graveside services at Fiesta Café — 3525 Janes Road in Arcata — at 11 a.m.

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The obituary above was submitted by Ron Wilson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.