Ronald Evert Engbretson of Hermiston passed away peacefully the morning of March 31, 2026 in Hermiston at the age of 95. He leaves behind a legacy of a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for time spent together.
He was born on May 27, 1930 in Portland to Roy and Dorothy Engbretson. Their family later grew with the birth of his sister, Carol. He spent his early years in Astoria before graduating from Clatskanie High School in 1948.
During his youth, Ron met Sue, who would become the love of his life. Their relationship began during her freshman year of high school. It grew over time as they dated on and off while Ron attended Oregon State University. The two were married on June 14, 1952 and made their home in Clatskanie, where they began building their family.
Ron and Sue welcomed three sons, Rollin (April 22, 1953), Craig (July 23, 1955), and Dean (Nov. 25, 1956). In 1962, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho and later to Payette in 1967. Though Ron was known for his strong work ethic and high expectations, his sons fondly remember that at 5:00 each day, work stopped and family time began—often spent together boating and water skiing on the Snake River.
In 1972, Ron moved his family to Toppenish, Wash. where he managed the Union Collier Fertilizer Plant. By 1979 he relocated his family to Paterson, Wash., where they farmed for nearly a decade, developing three irrigation circles near their home. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he purchased Thunder Ridge in 1989 and later established Paterson Onion in 1993.
Ron and Sue spent their winters in Arizona and traveled extensively across the United States in their RV. Some of their most treasured trips included adventures with their grandchildren to places such as Crater Lake, Yellowstone, and the Owyhee region. Retirement never suited Ron; he remained active, continuing to work alongside local farmers with whom he had built lasting friendships.
Ron took great pride in his family, especially his sons. He often spoke proudly of his son Rollin’s service in the United States Navy beginning in 1971.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his sons, Rollin, Craig, and Dean; his grandchildren, Katie, Cassi, Curtis, Kelli, and Corry; and his great-grandchildren, Haylie, Connor, Maggie, Luke, Hannah, Winnie, Edith, Nate, Charlie, Graham, Esther, Abbie, Gracelynn, and Lainey.
Ron will be remembered for his determination, leadership, and the deep love he had for his family—both in the work he demanded and the memories he made.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
Please share memories of Ron with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
