Ronald James Queen, 72
Ronald James Queen “entered the gates of heaven” on June 1, 2014, at 8:35 a.m., in Mesa, Ariz.
Ronald was born Feb. 10, 1942, to Ernest and Thelma Queen in Clyde Park, Mont.
Ronald lived a life of good and bad but in the end made something out of himself. He was a great example for his sons, demonstrating no matter how low you go, you can still get back on top. He did that, even though he still lived with a lot of regrets, but was able to move on and lead a good life.
Ron lived a pretty rowdy lifestyle growing up in Clyde Park living on the ranch.
Ron moved his family from Livingston to Whitefish in 1971. He became the Whitefish Babe Ruth president. Ron’s passion was baseball. Besides being president, Ron was an excellent umpire with a bellowing “Steeeerrrikke” call. Ron took the initiative of having Whitefish Babe Ruth host the regional tournament with his guest speaker and acquaintance Vida Blue.
After chasing himself out of Whitefish, Ron then moved to Havre where he still worked on the railroad. Following the railroad, Ron started driving truck moving mobile homes across Montana and the Dakotas. Ron hit his low life then sobered up and bought the “Grease Pit” Cafe in Havre and the Havre Taxi Service.
In 1987, Ron kept plugging away and started a new chapter in his life and moved to Mesa, Ariz. He married his wife, Kay Lawrence. Together they made a good life for themselves as Ron worked the swap meets in Mesa. He sold jewelry cleaner, car polishes, refurbished golf carts, golf balls and golf accessories. Ron played golf almost seven days a week before his health slipped away.
Ron was a big fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he and Kay shared season tickets with other friends for many seasons.
Ronald was a great grandfather. He was very excited as his granddaughter Carly has enrolled at Grand Canyon University this fall in Phoenix. He told Ray that Andrew, his youngest grandchild, is going to be someone very special in this world. He also took great pride watching his grandsons play baseball. He was always willing to invest into baseball for Reese, Chad and Andrew. Ronald was very excited watching two of his grandsons take private lessons in Arizona. He knew it was a great investment for their future. He traveled from Arizona numerous times, enjoying watching his grandsons play in Montana. He also made special trips to watch his granddaughter Carly play softball and other activities.
As Ron’s health continued to get worse, he decided to have most of his family come to visit for his last Christmas. He and Kay rented a huge house with a pool and invited everyone for a great time with his brother, sons, grandchildren and niece. He went out in style, enjoying his last year cutting no corners as he went on a cruise with his wife Kay, niece Bobbi-Jo and husband Shaun.
Ron will be missed dearly.
He was preceded in death by his mother Thelma, father Ernest Queen, and his brother Howard.
He is survived by his wife, Kay; sons, Bob and Lianne Queen, and Ray and Kris Queen; his grandchildren, Carly, Reese, Chad, Andrew, Morgan, Lauren, Cooper, Kaylah and Amayah; his brother, Bob, and Nancy Queen; sister, Judy Anderson; and aunt, Rosie.
“No matter what people say Dad, you made something out of yourself and you should be proud of that. I know I am.”