Ronald Jay Brender, beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 26,2023, in Marysville, Washington. Ron was born on April 12, 1944, in Wenatchee, Washington, and grew up in Cashmere at the Brender family homestead in Brender Canyon.
After graduating from Cashmere High School in 1963, Ron pursued a two-year degree in Civil Engineering at Wenatchee Valley College. He was drafted in 1966 into the Marines and bravely served his country in Vietnam. Ron often quipped, “we were winning when I left,” showcasing his resilience and sense of humor in the face of adversity.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin “Bud” Brender and Esther Brender, and his brother Richard “Dick” Brender. He is survived by his brother Jeff Brender, two loving daughters: Ronda Dexter and her husband Alex, who reside in Lake Stevens, WA, and Dena Grisham and her husband Kris, who live in Stanwood, WA. Additionally he leaves behind two grandsons and their wives, Tyler and Ondrea, and Carson and Amirah, as well as three cherished great-grandchildren, Everly, Theo, and Nora.
While Ron’s trade was carpentry, it was more than just a profession to him– it was a lifelong passion. He had an incredible workshop, meticulously organized and equipped with an impressive array of tools. Ron took pride in his craftsmanship and willingly shared his expertise with others. Over the years, he guided his daughters through countless home projects and imparted valuable construction knowledge to his sons-in-law.
Beyond his woodworking skills, Ron was known for his captivating storytelling and quick wit. He always had a joke ready to bring a smile to people’s faces, and he never missed an opportunity to mention his precise height of “5’11 and 3/8”. His charismatic personality and desire to make others laugh endeared him to all who knew him.
Ron had a profound impact on the lives of those around him, be it friends or family. He possessed a generous spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ron’s dedication to assisting others extended far beyond his immediate circle, as he gladly offered his skills to anyone in need of his expertise.
Ron enjoyed golf and experienced the thrill of scoring his one and only hole in one on September 21, 1989 on the 6th hole at Kenwanda. When not engrossed in his workshop and golf, he could be found cheering on the Mariners and Seahawks on TV or indulging in classic shows like Gunsmoke. He also cherished his walks with his faithful companion, Bella, around the neighborhood.
A memorial service to honor Ron’s life will be held at a later date, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and loved ones to gather, reminisce, and celebrate the memories they shared with him.
Ronald Jay Brender will be remembered for his skilled craftsmanship, his infectious laughter, and his unwavering devotion to his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and his absence will be deeply felt. May he rest in peace, forever cherished and fondly remembered.
Condolence(1)-
Dave Dugwyler says
July 11, 2023 at 9:17 pmI remember Ron in HS in Cashmere, although he was a couple years older, I really enjoyed watching him in sports. He ran like a deer, fastest on the team. Great guy and fantastic family. His family is in my prayers.