RICHARD "RICK" RAY DRONEN
March 5, 1966 ~ March 10, 2012
Richard "Rick" Ray Dronen passed away suddenly in his Vancouver home on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Rick was born on March 5, 1966 in Anaheim, California. In 1980, he and his family moved to Washington state. He graduated from Prairie High School in 1984.
One year later, he married Denice Simpson. Together they made their beautiful home in Vancouver and raised two wonderful boys, Kevin and Jason.
Rick and Denice enjoyed entertaining their many friends and family.
Rick was a very kind, loving, sharing
and giving person to all that he knew.
He was extremely devoted to his community, and was instrumental in many programs such as Salmon Creek Soccer Club and Skyview High School football and booster clubs. He was a great leader and an inspiration to all.
He worked for Daimler (Freightliner) Trucks for 25 years and was among a selected group of employees who worked together to design and build the truck manufacturing plants in Saltillo and Santiago, Mexico.
Rick is survived by his wife of 26 years, Denice; his two sons, Kevin of Vancouver and Jason who is currently residing and attending WSU in Pullman, WA; mother and father, Carol and Sam of Brush Prairie; and brother, Steven of Vancouver; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his biological father, Juan Ortiz.
Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Thursday, March 15 at St. John Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th Street in Vancouver, Washington 98662. Graveside service will follow at 2p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1101 N.E. 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for various charities.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 8, 2019
Friend
Pat and Ed Chaparro
Remembering this wonderful husband father son and friend. Miss his visits with our family so much. Spent lots of time with him growing up in California. Wonderful memories of a child who grew into a fantastic very thoughtful person. But we know he is in Gods loving hands ❤❤❤
April 4, 2012
Rob Jolie
Rick was one of the kind DTNA employees that made a extraordinary effort to welcome me and my family to my assignment in Mexico several years ago. He showed a genuine interest in helping me learn company processes although he was under no obligation to do so, and even passed on household goods to my family when he moved back to the US. Years later after I had left DTNA, I passed him by chance walking on the street in Portland--he recognized me and remembered my name and my family. Clearly, Rick knew how to treat other people. To me, that is the highest of praise.
March 25, 2012
Sharon Hargus
Denice - We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sharon and Lynn Hargus - Simpson family
March 23, 2012
Virginia Buschmeyer
Denice, I am so sorry to hear about Rick. Had an e-mail from Helen this morning. So I looked this up. Will share with the rest of the Simpson Cousins. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
March 22, 2012
Joy Pruitt
Denise, Kevin, Jason, and family,
I was so shocked to see Rick's name in this obituary column. I can't even imagine what you guys must be going through. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Rick from our days in Soccer. He was always so good to the kids. A real role model. I pray that you will have peace, comfort, and many hands to support you all in this difficult time. Joy, Craig, Sam and Zack
March 19, 2012
Pat & Ed Chaparro
Carol & Sam & Family. All of you are in our hearts and prayers. We will miss Rick so much, but Carol as you said the good memories of time in Calif. and times we shared in North Carolina will live with us forever. We loved Rick so much and again our prayers are with all of you.
March 18, 2012
Wow, 9 pgs and 44 entries, from all over the country and its still going. Whats that say about this person we all so loved. He was awesome and lived his life like we all hope to. Making everybody feel special and doing it so easily. Meet Rick one day and feel like you had known him a lifetime. Carol and Sam you should be so proud of what a fine person you helped mold. Denice and boys you guys were his inspiration for everything he did. His laughter and that big smile will live with all of us forever. We miss you Rick and will never look at a 3 legged cockaroach and not be reminded of you! We Love you Nick and Sue
March 18, 2012
Laurie and Tom Spears
Denice, Kevin and Jason;
We are so sorry to hear about Rick. He was always so nice to all of us and made us feel welcome. I have never met anyone that was so willing to help others. He will be missed by all that knew him.
March 17, 2012
Terry & Danya Borowski
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a great person. Our hearts are with you at this heavy time.
March 16, 2012
Carl and Cami Pollack
Denice and Family~ our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rick was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. Our deepest sympathy,
March 16, 2012
Susan Oberst
Denise, I am so sorry for your loss. While I didnt know you guys to well, you were very important to my brother Steve and his wife Ena. The times we did share with you two, we enjoyed and could see what an amazing person Rick was.
God Bless....
March 16, 2012
Geri Wells
With deepest sympathy for the loss of your Son, Father and loving husband.
March 15, 2012
Billy Roylance
Richard Was a great coach and he will he dearly missed by all the coaches and the team. The high school will dearly miss him as well. My dearest and strongest condolences go out to the family of this awesome and amazing coach. Coach you will never ever be forgotten. May you rest in Peace.
March 15, 2012
Shellie Osentowski
To the Dronen Family
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing.Sending hugs you way. The Osentowski's
March 15, 2012
jake nunez
Denice,Kevin and Jason. I am very sorry for your loss, your husband/father was a great man. My prayers go out to all of you, love, Jake Nunez
March 15, 2012
To the Dronen Family,
The passing of your husband and father has saddened our hearts. Rick had a special presence about him that made everyone feel welcome. We respected him greatly as a volunteer within our soccer community and as a friend on the sidelines. Rick has made a positive impact on many lives. His kindness and great wisdom will carry on within all of us. The poet Yeats wrote "Count where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory is I had such friends." May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Sincerely,
Southwest Washington Youth Soccer Association (formerly CYSF)
March 15, 2012
Marty & Rick Fields
Gone too soon! A caring and giving man, our community owes so much to Rick and the Dronen's. Our hearts are very heavy and they will have our prayers.
March 15, 2012
Harry Smith
I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. He was ALWAYS such an easy and enjoyable person to work with. He helped many of us at “Freightliner” become better at our jobs… and our life….largely because of his caring, sincere personality. He will be missed but not forgotten.
March 15, 2012
Larry Newman
After working with Rick for years, all of us at Daimler respect him as a leader and friend. We will miss his friendly personality and his vast knowledge. He was always there for us, whenever we need advice, or friendly encouragement. We will miss him every day.
March 15, 2012
Lucy Claxton
Denice, Kevin, Jason, Words cannot express how we feel. "Make a friend today" was Rick's motto. We are so thankful that was us 20 years ago. Our sincere condolences also to Carol, Sam Steven and family.
With love,
Mike, Lucy, Marcus and Maria Claxton
March 15, 2012
Eva-Maria Mull
Denice and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew Rick only for a short time while working in the same department. My prayers are with you,may God Bless you during this time.
March 15, 2012
Michael Calkins
I am so sorry for your loss. You were such great friends to me and Tehani and I will never get all Rick and you did for me. I will keep you and the boys in my thoughts and prayers. I Love you!
March 15, 2012
Joleanne Ramsey
Denise,Kevin and Jason as well as Rick's parent's I'm so very sorry for your loss! Rick was the heart and soul of our class of 1984 especially during the reunions!! He will be so missed, and he is never will never be far from our thoughts, nor will you Denise and the boys. just know I love you all, and my heart goes out to you at this time. With loving friendship, Joleanne Tutasi Ramsey-Shockley
March 15, 2012
Julie Ingram
Denice, Kevin and Jason, Please know I am praying for you all and asking God to surround you with love and grace during this very difficult time. Rick was a wonderful husband; father, brother, son and friend to all who knew him. I will always miss his smile and his caring nature. God bless you and please know I am here for you should you need anything at all.
Much Love Always,
March 14, 2012
Brian Dayley
Dronen Family,
My prayers go out to you for our loss. Rick was an exceptional person who I was able to work with during my time at Daimler Trucks, and he was a vital part of the local youth soccer community. He will be greatly missed, and my prayers will be with your family during this time. Rick was always a great person you could count on and trust to be genuine.
March 14, 2012
Brenda Baldwin
Denice I was so glad you called me.I'm so sorry for your loss.Rick was a great guy he was so easy to talk to I have loved being his barber for all theses years. He always cared what was going on with me and he was always so proud of his sons. I always knew what was going on with his familey that he loved so much. I will miss are conversations and his friendship.He was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly. Kevin and Jason I'm so sorry that you have lost your wonderful dad. He loved you both dearly.
Love:Brenda Rick's barber you'll all be in my prayers
March 14, 2012
Tim & Terry Leineweber
The Leineweber family will never forget you Rick. Your loving and giving personality will always be alive for us. Denice we want to be there for you. We send our deepest sympathy,
March 14, 2012
Denice, Kevin, and Jason: I'm so sorry for your loss and the sadness you're going through. Rick was always so kind and helpful in the office and so knowledgable in all he did. And he had such a great sense of humor to go along with it.
Sam & Carolyn: You raised a wonderful son and I know you're devastated. My thoughts are with you in this hard time. May God bless you, Denice, & the boys until we see Rick again in heaven.
Jake Adams, Beaverton, Oregon
March 14, 2012
Dick Whiting
Sam, Carol and Steve -
We are so sorry for your loss. We can't begin to imagine how you must be feeling. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 14, 2012
Joe Harris
Denice, Lynne and I are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss Rick. He was a great person and always thoughtful of everyone.
March 14, 2012
Mike McHam
Rick,
I only knew you for a short period of time but you touched my life as you have so many others. You will be a cherished friend forever!
Denice, Kevin, Jason,
I hope you will somehow find peach in knowing he loved you dearly and talked about you often. I will be thinking about your family on Thursday as you say your final goodbyes. Please say one for me.
March 14, 2012
Bruce Potts
To the Dronen family:
I never had the chance to work with Rick, but his reputation preceded him. May God comfort you as only He can.
March 14, 2012
Craig Walley
Denice,
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Sending thoughts of strength, patience and peace for you and your family.
Pres. Rick - Peace be with you, my friend. We shall meet again, and between now and then please watch over us, and guide us, with your brilliant smile.
Respectfully,
March 14, 2012
Paul & Michelle Aspon
I can't even express our sadness with this loss. We are so blessed to have known Rick and his family for so many years. Rick was a very kind, thoughtful and generous man. Rick and Denice were always more than happy to open their home to their many Family & friends and I am just thankful we had the opportunity to be a part. Rick, you will be greatly missed.
March 14, 2012
Angela Plaxton
I simply cannot think of any words that express how sad I am that this wonderful person is gone. Rick, you will be missed tremendously.
March 14, 2012
Chuck Waterman
Sitting next to Rick (when we both were actually in the office), or traveling throughout Mexico together will be greatly missed. His kindness and wisdom lives on within all of us.
March 14, 2012
Josie Anderson
Dear Carolyn, I am thinking of you and your family and sending you my sincere sympathy for the unexpected loss of Rick. In the coming days may you find comfort in the many memories you have of Rick. These will be precious and comforting. Sincerely with love, Josie
March 14, 2012
Dedra Rangel
My husband, Manuel, and I were privileged to get to spend some time with Rick when we were visiting his parents in 2007. We had heard such good things about him. I can only imagine the tremendous loss this is to his family and friends. He was very nice to us and generous with spending time and sharing his home. You will be missed. Love, LynDee and Manuel
March 14, 2012
Barbara Ritner
I am so sad that Rick is no longer with us. Rick was always so kind to me. I loved his sense of humor. I would often spend my Birthdays with Denice and Rick if I was visiting in Vancouver. Denice I want you to know that I will be praying for you and your boys. Rick, I will see you in Heaven.
March 14, 2012
Mel Holmer
Rick,
So sorry I can't be there to say good-bye thursday. I hope you know that your family means the world to me and you were one of the greatest men I have ever known. You helped me in more ways than one and could always always put a smile on my face. You were an amazing dad and husband and you will be missed more than words can describe. Look after us up there, i know you will. You are forever in my heart.
March 14, 2012
Paul Sinkus
Very sad. I am grateful for Rick's knack for making the team feel comfortable when working in Mexico. Thoughts and prayers go out to you.
March 14, 2012
Roberta MacDonald
My days in the office will never be the same again, as a huge part of our department is now missing. Rick, you were a wonderful person, and I am so blessed to have known you, if only for a few years. Denice, I can't begin to express my admiration for your strength in this most difficult time in your life. You have a wonderful support system in your family and your work "family" as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 14, 2012
Rhonda Manoff
Denise and family,
I am so, so sad to hear about Rick's passing, please except our deepest sympathies. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
March 14, 2012
eva marchel
Denice,
I'm in utter shock ,I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling...My love and thoughts go out to you and your family..He was a wonderful man and always made us laugh...He will be be missed forever...
March 14, 2012
Paul &Arlene Claxton
There aren't words for me to express how we enjoyed any time we spent with Rick and Denice. A joyful couple who spread their smiles with all. Our heartfelt wishes for the future to Denice, Kevin and Jason.
March 14, 2012
Mark & Kim Chaparro
Please know we're sending you all our love and prayers from North Carolina. We loved the time we got to spend with Ricky over the last few years and only wish there had been more. He was a wonderful man and never ceased to make us laugh. He will be sorely missed by so many. And you all are constantly in our thoughts.
March 14, 2012
Deb Dusenberry
I am so sad to hear of Rick's passing. He was a great asset to the Skyview community. My prayers are with you, God Bless you all.
March 14, 2012
Loran Mate
My prayers are with the family on the passing of this fine man. He was very special. My heart goes out to you.
March 14, 2012
Jim Bittner
Denice, our thoughts are with you and your boys. I am grateful for the years spent working with Rick on soccer-related issues, he was a tremendous mentor and partner. He will be missed.
March 14, 2012
Keith Walther
I pray that God will bless you and the family in this time of sadness.
March 14, 2012
Misty Fehrenbacher
Mike and I just wanted you to know how sorry we are for the passing of your son Rick. Our thoughts and prayers are with.
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