Ronald Eugene Wills

Ronald Eugene Wills                                                

April 10, 1936, Portland, Oregon ~ January 26, 2026, Redmond, Washington

OBITUARY 

Ronald Eugene Wills passed away in Kirkland, Washington on January 26, 2026, at the age of 89. He was a resident of Redmond, Washington.

Ronald Eugene Wills was born to Howard Eugene and Katherine V. (Volk) Wills on April 10, 1936, in Portland, Oregon.

Ronald was brother to Katherine Wills who came before him in 1934.

Ron served as an Altar boy at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church often serving for Archbishop Howard. In his high school years, he played on Central Catholic HS State Championship Football Team in 1952. Ron also played on HS Varsity Tennis Team. He enjoyed reading math and science books and thus became a civil engineer. 

Ron continued his education and attended Seattle University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1957 (21 years old) Loved sports, football, and bowling.

Ron Married Marilyn Smith in 1960. (The two met on a blind date-believe it or not !!!)

Ron and Marilyn were blessed with three children; Stephen was born in 1961, Julie in 1962, and Michael in1963.

Family vacations were outstanding. Together they tent camped in many locations such as California Redwoods, Yellowstone, Tetons, and Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed family dinners together. The Wills family enjoyed attending baseball games together, for instance, Oakland A's. 

Ron Wills was a dedicated Roman Catholic. He volunteered throughout his years as a Catholic in various parish ministries. Additionally, he was member of Order of Elks. He was seriously involved in various community activities.

Ron Wills worked as a Civil Engineer for the US Department of Corps of Engineers. As a project manager for dam construction, Ron Wills managed and monitored the building of Green Peters Dam, Dworshak Dam. Bonneville Dam, and Warm Springs Dam. Additionally, he pursued his managerial and technical skills as a Senior Executive for US Corps of Engineers, typically assisting agency leaders to testifying in front of Congress on multiple occasions as it relates to budget and construction management.

Ron enjoyed being with his family in all activities. His hobbies include league bowling, tennis, and baseball. He enjoyed volunteering for his sons' activities, ie, Minor League Baseball, and Boy Scouts. He was a dedicated family leader and espoused his values, namely, honesty and humility. Additionally, Ron was an enthusiastic gardener who was passionately devoted to the Roses.

Ron Wills’ life should be celebrated for being a dedicated and devoted family man, and as a man who was a dedicated Catholic. His steadfast dedication to his career with over 35 years of being a senior executive in federal service combined with over 64 years of love of his life, his wife, Marilyn Wills.

Ron Wills' most cherished memory was his Retirement Party after 35 years of Federal Service as a Senior Executive, to include notable persons.

Ron Wills' commitment, determination, and absolute focus made him a world class leader and a true success.

Ron Wills' will be remembered for his quiet determination and commitment to do what is considered right despite factions around him who think otherwise. For example, Ron Wills successfully managed and monitored the construction of Warm Springs Dam despite false environmental accusations. 

One word that can be used to crystallize Ron’s essence is Focus. Focus is the key insight into understanding how Ron Wills ticked.

Ron Wills is survived by his spouse Marilyn; sons Stephen and Michael Wills; and daughter Julie Palu.

Ron Wills will be privately laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

Donations can be offered to the following charity: Central Catholic High School Portland Oregon. Remembrances may also be made to Ram Give Campaign that supports tuition assistance and ensures students have access to a Central Catholic education.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Eugene Wills, please visit our floral store.