Eric Herr
Ronald Laverne Willard, a longtime resident of Lincoln City, Oregon, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 84.
Born on September 12, 1941, in St. Helens, Oregon, to Carl Willard and Alabama Nelson, Ron was the third of four children and the only boy in his family. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he began a life defined by hard work and deep devotion to his loved ones. On October 7, 1961, Ron married the love of his life, Joy, beginning a partnership that spanned over 64 years.
Ron spent over 40 years as a steelworker at Oregon Steel Mills, where his dedication was a source of pride for his family. Beyond his professional life, he was a true outdoorsman and a committed community member. He served as Scout Master for Troop #71 in the late 1970s, was a proud member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary out of Pacific City, Oregon, and served as Head of the Church Council at Oceanlake Christian Church in Lincoln City. An avid fisherman and hunter, Ron was never happier than when he was camping and sharing the Oregon wilderness with his family.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Joy Willard; their four children: Ron Willard and his wife Dawn, David Willard and his wife Lori, Marc Willard and his wife JoAnna, and Elizabeth Willard-Herr and her husband Eric Herr; his sister, Betty; and a legacy of ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Patricia and Colleen.
He will be remembered as a steady, hardworking provider and the adventurous cornerstone of his family.
