Ronald "Ron" Francis Vanlom

Ronald John Francis Van Lom, 77, a resident of the Helvetia community died Thursday afternoon, January 3, 2013 at the Avamere Rehabilitation of Hillsboro.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at St. Edward Catholic Church, 10990 SW 313th Ave in North Plains. Rosary will precede mass at 9:30 a.m.

Rite of Christian Burial will take place at St. Edward Catholic Cemetery in North Plains immediately after the mass.

Family and friends are invited to attend a reception at the St. Edward's parish hall following the burial.

Ron was born on August 31, 1935 in Portland, OR. He was the oldest son born to Adelhaide (Nussbaumer) and Francis Van Lom. He lived with his mother and aunt above the Helvetia Tavern until his mother and stepfather built the house next door. He attended school at the Helvetia Grade School and finished his eighth grade year at St. Matthew Catholic Grade School in Hillsboro. Ron attended Hillsboro Union High School graduating with the Class of 1953. While in high school Ron was active in wrestling. Later on Ron completed his Bachelor's degrees in both Mathematics and Science at PSU.

He enlisted into the US Navy and served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

He met his future wife, Mary Crevier, while attending a Chancellor's Club function in Portland. They soon began a two year courtship and were married on November 22, 1969 at St Edward Catholic Church in North Plains. Following their marriage they made their home in Helvetia, and moved next door to their present home in 1979.

Ron had worked for Leupold & Stevens, and also for Pacific Power and Light. In 1971 Ron and his brother-in-law started Power Master Inc. which they ran together until 1993 when Ron sold his share of the business. He then started American Green LLC which he has operated until recently.

Ron enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He would also go camping and hiking with his family. He was an avid bowler and golfer and enjoyed Swiss wrestling. Ron was very handy around the house and would fix anything, and he took great pride in his imaginative fixes. He sang in the choir for the Swiss community in Helvetia. Ron ate healthy before it was popular and loved to have his family over for BBQ.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his loving wife; Mary, seven children and their spouses; Michael and Sandra Van Lom of Molalla, OR, Heidi Van Lom of Helvetia, Ronald Van Lom of Bethany, OR, David Van Lom of Richland, WA, Aaron and Irene Van Lom of Helvetia, OR, Rachel Van Lom of Hillsboro, OR, Adrian Van Lom of Helvetia, OR., two siblings and their spouses: Milton and Cynthia Van Lom of Portland, OR; Katherine and Pete Reimers of Hillsboro, OR, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests donations in Ron's name to St. Francis of Assisi Grade School in Roy, OR.

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