Ronald Reece

Ronald Dean Reece, age 49, valiantly kept his second estate and peacefully passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father at his home on Monday, 28 January, 2013, after a 30 year battle with cancer, and the after effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.


Ron was born on May 7, 1963 in Pocatello, Idaho to Norman Grant and Mona Alexander Reece, being the third of six children. He entered this world at 8 pounds 15 ounces. Ron was tall, husky, and solid. In school, he loved learning and was proud of the fact that he never missed a day of school; a work ethic that Ron maintained throughout his entire life.

As a teenager, Ron could always find work whether it was yard care, a paper route, or working at Mister Ed's as he "affectionately" called Roberts TBA. He was frugal with his money, making certain that he received in good measure what he paid for. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout and several palms. Ron also earned his Duty to God.

Ron enjoyed trips in the family trailer especially where there was water to swim or float. Cherry Hill was a childhood favorite camping site. On these family vacations, he had his favorite place to sit in the Pontiac, the Suburban, and where he slept in the trailer. These places were and still are Ron's Places.

At 19, Ron was called to serve a mission in Fukuoka, Japan. After a few short weeks in the mission field, he returned home with Hodgkins Disease, stage 4. Ron battled and beat his disease in 30 months, returning to the mission field where he served two years in Los Angeles, California. A few years later, the cancer returned, but Ron would not let cancer beat him even though the hard fought battle and the severe treatments of chemotherapy and radiation took their toll on his body. His physical struggles increasingly worsened, but Ron was undeterred and obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Idaho State University. Ron was employed as a school teacher for Pocatello/Chubbuck School District for the past 19 years.

Most recently, Ron worked at Franklin Middle School where he challenged his students everyday to learn, to become more; to be better. Ron expected the best from his students because he wanted the best for them in their lives. He was known to be tough but fair. Though very ill, Ron was determined to teach even up to the day prior to his death. His work ethic as a child always shined through.

For Ron, family was the most important thing in his life. He loved his mother and father. He cherished family gatherings where he was always seen with a camera or camcorder, or chasing his nieces and nephews. They were his "Tinys," and to them, Ron was a second father. He loved and deeply adored his four legged family members too.

Ron was a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as a youth leader, mission leader, High Priests Quorum instructor and many other positions. He was always fiercely loyal to his Savior, his family, friends and his city.

Ron was preceded in death by his grandparents who welcome him with loving arms into his eternal home. He is survived by his parents, Norman and Mona Reece, his siblings Norman Jr. (Joy) Reece, Kalyn (Terry) Burton, Keith (Tonna) Reece, William (Chrystal) Reece, and Curtis Reece, and his "Tiny's" who are now grown; and his special buddy Copper aka Taz and You You.

Ron fought the good fight. He is an example of love, of selflessness, and determination. He is loved by many, and will be missed by us all. We love you, son, we love you brother; until we are together again.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Bannock Humane Society in Ron's behalf.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.

Service information is posted under the "Service Schedule" tab.

Please take a moment to share your condolences with the Reece family.