RONALD B. FAULKNER
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Ron Faulkner of San Diego passed away peacefully at his home in San Diego, California, on October 17, 2014 at the age of 75.
Ron was born on July 17, 1939 in the village of Sherburne, New York, where he spent his childhood. He was the fourth of seven children born to Fay & Hilda Faulkner.
Ron graduated from Sherburne High School in 1957. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960 as a radio operator, with service primarily in San Diego and Japan. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Sherburne where he received a degree from SUNY Morrisville in 1962.
On September 21, 1962, Ron married Judy Bierce at the Sherburne Episcopal Church. Over the next few years, sons Blaine, Jon & Christopher were born.
Ron worked in the family printing business, Faulkner Printing Co., with his parents and his brother Frank. He served on the Sherburne Village Board from 1969 to 1975 during the construction of the village’s sewer system.
In 1977, Ron and his family moved to San Diego. He worked as the printing supervisor for various school districts over the next 23 years. He retired from his position as Printing Manager for the Grossmont Union High School District in 2000.
Ron became interested in ham radio in the 6th grade. He was first licensed as K2IQH in 1954. In San Diego, he became W6TUR and was very active through all the years until his death. He talked to people in almost every country and had friendships through ham radio with many other operators around the world. In his later years, he became interested in collecting and restoring vintage communications radios.
Another interest of Ron’s was collecting presidential campaign buttons and other political memorabilia. He acquired a substantial collection with pieces dating back as far as 175 years. He was particularly interested in Harry S Truman and read extensively about his life and career.
Ron was a runner for over twenty years, participating in many 10Ks and other runs. He also played tennis and enjoyed hiking Cowles Mountain. He and his wife Judy owned a motorhome and enjoyed camping. A particularly fond memory of Ron’s was the summer of 2003, which he and Judy spent in Sherburne, enjoying the small town life again. Sadly, Judy passed away on June 24, 2005.
Ron owned three pugs throughout the last 20 years of his life. Prudence, Patience and Penelope gave him a great deal of love and companionship. Ron was also an avid sports fan, particularly of San Diego State basketball. He attended numerous SDSU games over the years.
Ron attended his 50th high school reunion in 2007, where he renewed his friendship with fellow graduate Lennie Abbott. Ron and Lennie began dating in the following months and Lennie subsequently moved from Cincinnati to San Diego. On February 17, 2012, Ron and Lennie were married. They enjoyed watching sports together, walking the lake near their home, and Lennie encouraged Ron to try new restaurants and ethnic foods.
Ron was very saddened at the passing of his son Christopher earlier this year on April 22, 2014. In addition to wife Judy and son Christopher, he is also predeceased by father Fay, granddaughter Loah, and sisters Shelly & Sara.
Ron is survived by his wife Lennie; sons Blaine & Jon; daughters-in-law Danielle, Yvonne & Nancy; grandchildren Chloe, Noah, Guy & Candace; and great-grandson Owen. He is also survived by his mother Hilda; brothers Frank, Jim & Fay; and sister Lana. In addition, he is survived by three stepchildren, five step-grandchildren and one special step-great-granddaughter.
Ron was known for his kind heart, his generosity, and his dry sense of humor. He was proud of his three sons, the excellent choices they made in marriage, and very much enjoyed their happiness and success.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1. For information on the service, please contact the family at faulkner@san.rr.com. For anyone wishing to make a donation in Ron’s name, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society or Pug Rescue.