Ronald Lloyd Middleton
November 6, 1951-April 9, 2025

Ronald ‘Ron’ Lloyd Middleton passed away after a short battle with cancer, on April 9, 2025 at the age of 73. Ronald was a long time resident of Willow Creek.

Ron was survived by his wife, Karen Middleton; daughters, Stacy Middleton, Shelly Barella, her husband, Anthony Barella, as well as his son, Joel Hollenback of Portland, Oregon; his brother Elmer (Sue) Middleton of Selma, Oregon, brother in-law Chester Carter of Oregon, and sister in-law Kim Downing, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Mattie Middleton; siblings, Laverne Carter, James (Guila), Delmar (Marge), Doyle, and Janice Riness (Tim).

Ron was born in Scotia on November 6, 1951. He attended Toddy Thomas Elementary and went on to graduate from Fortuna High School in 1970. He enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, playing softball for the church league, riding horses and playing pool.

After high school Ron moved to Willow Creek with his lifelong best friend Ed Parker. He began working for Utility Tree Company, clearing the power lines for PG&E. It was there where he discovered his love for climbing trees. He was well-known throughout the Klamath-Trinity community for his ability to climb. Even in his late 60s Ron could still be found swinging from trees. Whether it was helping his daughter in her yard or doing side jobs helping good friends Louis Walton and Mary Roberts, Ron never shied away from taking his love of tree climbing to new heights. His employment in the tree service industry lasted his entire life — from Utility Tree in 1970 to Davey Tree then eventually ending his career as a lineman for Western Environmental Consultants. Ron also spent a short period working for the Hoopa Valley Tribe where he mentored numerous locals on tree climbing techniques. Ron was extremely hard-working and his work ethic showed no matter how big or small the job was.

It was while in Willow Creek, Ron met the love of his life, Karen Middleton. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Stacy Marie, in 1980 and their youngest daughter, Shelly Annette, was born in 1982. The couple truly embraced living in the beautiful mountainous community, always taking trips to the local creeks and rivers: camping, fishing, and enjoying long motorcycle rides as far away as British Columbia. The couple began raising their family on the Downing Mountain homestead, where they built a strong foundation of love and laughter for their children. Ron loved the outdoors and living and raising his daughters in Willow Creek was nothing short of a dream for him, something that continued on when Ron became a grandpa.

In his later years, Ron become known as Papa. He was the proud grandpa to eight grandchildren: Malachi, Ava and Caleb Hammond, Rusty and Darlene Middleton, Alanis and Brendan Baldy and Cataleya Barella. Ron loved nothing more than being around his grandkids. He was truly in his element when he was playing with the grandkids. When they were babies, Papa would be on his hands and knees exerting all his energy to get them to crack a smile or a giggle. Although Ron loved all of his grandkids, he and Rusty became the best of buddies. Where Ron was, Rusty was; either roaming the hills or camping at their favorite spots. They were quite the pair, always telling each other jokes, and giving each other a hard time. Rusty knew where every logging road was and every creek in a 100-mile radius thanks to his Papa. He taught him how to run a chainsaw, swing an axe, and run a green machine.

Ron was a true mountain man. He was born to be outdoors. Any chance he got he was out exploring. His favorite spots were Horse Linto Creek Campground and Fish Lake, both of which he would take all of his grandkids. There were countless memories made of which his family hold close to their hearts.

If Ron wasn’t out exploring, he could be found at the local casinos, specifically the Lucky Bear. He enjoyed getting out and playing his favorite games and the occasional jackpot.

Although Ron was not a big man in size, his honesty, dependability and devotion to his family demonstrated huge character. He lived a meager lifestyle, with no regard to materialistic property. Ron was modest and prided himself on who you are as a person, not what you own. He was kind and generous, never backing down when someone was in need. Anyone who needed anything whether it be to dig his granddaughter out of the snow or help a stranger change a tire, he wouldn’t blink an eye.

There was never a dull moment when Ron was in your presence. He was always joking; even if it meant hearing the same joke or story one hundred times, he made sure to try and get you to crack a smile. He would follow every joke with “I’m just kiddin’ ya,” making sure we all knew he was just trying to bring joy to your day.

Just as in life, Ron wanted to keep it simple and did not care to do a big memorial service. The family will gather for a private memorial at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ron Middleton’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.