Ronald P. Newgard, 60

Ronald P. Newgard, 60, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Northwest Healthcare in Kalispell. He was born May 3, 1949, in Kalispell, to Walfred and Mildred (Koski) Newgard. Ron lived and worked his entire life in the Flathead Valley, enjoying everything outdoors and in. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1967. On Jan. 2, 1968, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Susan Huso. Over their 40 years of marriage they took several cruises with their son Brad, Pearl and friends. Ronnie was an avid skier both on Flathead Lake and Big Mountain. Flipping burgers, and driving his little red Shriner mobile in parades across the state and fundraising efforts were so important to him. He did them with pride and always a smile and a Thank you. Ron was the only one on the Search and Rescue who had to be rescued, but if anyone needed anything it was Ronnie to the Rescue. Ron was a hard worker and excellent provider. In May 2003, Ron achieved his goal (with the help of Sid Young), and became the proud owner of his wooden boat, The Cherry Bond. Thanks for the Joy Ride, Ron, Full throttle ahead! Ron is survived by a son, Bradley Newgard, of Bigfork; his mother, Mildred Newgard, and a brother, B.J. Newgard, both of Kalispell; also his mother-in-law, Pearl S. Huso. A memorial service for Ron will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 26, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210; or Bigfork Q.R.U., 810 Grand Drive, Bigfork, MT 59911 Attn.: Cindy Norved. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ron s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ron s tribute wall.