Ronald Oest

Ronald Oest, 78, of Valdez passed away on May 05, 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Katherine Oest. He is survived by his wife Nora Oest, children Laura and Lorraine Oest, Jade Oest, Cherie Thibodeau, Timothy and Cheyenne Oest, Grandchildren Melody, Christopher, Thomas, Gregory, William, Rachel, Stella and Great Grandchildren and Nieces. Wounded in action in the Korean War Ronald was a proud Marine Corps Veteran. He obtained his Masters Degree in English and Drama at UNM in Albuquerque. He taught English, Creative Writing and Speech at Del Norte High School. Ron and Nora built their own home in Valdez and practiced an organic back to the land way of life while actively protesting pollution of the Rio Hondo and the building of Condos. As an opinion writer for the Adobe Press Ron reveled in causing great debates about paramount topics and whose disputes proved the adage that the pen is mightier than the sword. Ron was an avid hunter and fishermen and he passed his love of the sport down to those who will continue it. As he used to say Im going to laugh till I cry and live till I die. And he did. Graveside service was held on May 10, 2010 at the family cemetery in Valdez.