Ronald Charles Claudon
June 20, 1933 – December 3, 2009
Ron Claudon was not a very good spectator in life. He always wanted to be in the game. An active leader in his community, in his business, on the boat at Hood Canal during shrimp season, on the golf course in Arizona and Meridian Valley, in his spectacular flower gardens, on his many fishing trips to Alaska, and even in the kitchen, Ron Claudon was a take charge guy with the softest heart for his family and many friends. Ron passed away at home in Auburn the early morning hours of December 3, 2009. But even during his brief but brave struggle with cancer, Ron was active, in the lead, and on the move. Putting his affairs in order, making a final trip with Donna to see their Sun City West friends, then dictating from Arizona the menu for Thanksgiving dinner at home in Auburn.Ron was born in Seattle on June 20, 1933, graduated from Auburn High School in 1951, and served in the U. S. Coast Guard where he learned how to cook very large meals for big crowds.He was married for 42-years to Beverly McLean Claudon, during which time he and his partners built a thriving automobile dealership, Valley Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Inc., and an RV dealership, Valley I-5. Beverly passed away in March of 2000, and Ron counted himself lucky to have met and married Donna Hill, with whom he traveled, played golf, and thoroughly enjoyed their active retirement. Ron was, as you might have guessed, quite active in the civic life of his community. He was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Trustees of Green River Community College where he served for ten-years. He was an active member of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association, served as its President, was named Dealer of the Year in 1989, and in 1988 was a Washington State nominee for Time Magazine’s Automobile Dealer of the Year, an award recognizing not only success in business, but also distinguished community service. Ron is survived by his wife Donna, sister Patti Stobie (Loren), children Lynn Claudon (Charles Royer), Ron Claudon (Lorianne), Lori Claudon (Jeff James), and grandchildren Jaclynn, Bryant, and Nicole Claudon, Chase, Hadley, and Campbell Gunnell, and Joey James. Also survived by Donna’s children, Chris Van Eaton, Laurel Aest (Charles), and Lisa Hogaboam (Steve), and grandchildren Anika and Will Van Eaton, Ryan, Rebecca, and Alex Hogaboam, and Cameron and Nicholas Aest. Funeral services were held on December 7, 2009, at Holy Family Church, Auburn. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Green River Community College Foundation, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn, WA 98092.
