Ronald R. Davis

Published 8:26 am Thursday, July 26, 2018

March 31, 1938 – July 19, 2018

Retired Air Force Colonel Ronald R. Davis, aged 80, passed away at his Tumalo ranch on Thursday, July 19, 2018, surrounded by his family after a fearless fight with cancer. Ron was born March 31, 1938 in Spokane, Washington, to Esther and Jack Davis. Ron was the middle of three children. Growing up in Hardin, Montana, with his sisters, his passion for the outdoors and the rodeo life flourished as a member of the rodeo team and as a bareback rider. Ron graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.

After graduation, Ron briefly moved to Bend, Oregon to serve as a Range and Wildlife Conservationist for the Deschutes National Forest before joining the United States Air Force in 1960. He then spent the next 21 years serving in the Air Force as a highly decorated and well respected fighter pilot, flight instructor and Commander. His Air Force career included 300 combat missions in Vietnam, operational and command assignments across the US, Asia, and Europe as well as an assignment to the US Embassy in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution. Ron retired in the rank of Colonel after earning numerous awards including 15 Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Top Gun. After leaving the service, Ron managed an aircraft services operation in Saudi Arabia for 5 years before returning to Bend in 1986. Ron then bought a 20 acre ranch in Tumalo where he raised and showed Quarter Horses and settled into a successful real estate career. There, Ron discovered the world of Cutting Horse competitions and in true form of his entire life went on to excel in the sport winning an array of competitions including the world championship in 2007 with his prized horse, RD Bud Light. Ron continued to compete and won his final first place Cutting award on his 80th birthday.

Ron has been preceded in death by his mother, Esther Owens, and sister, Charlene Collins. Ron is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Davis, sister, Susan Sedar, daughters, Laura Davis, Leslie Premus, Lisa Urbach, and Cari Hahn. Ron had 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will remember his enduring integrity, superior work ethic and exemplary morals. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the community.

Funeral services will be held at Deschutes Memorial Garden Thursday, July 26 at 10 am. The family will then welcome friends to Ron and Liz’s ranch to celebrate and honor Ron’s life.