Ronald "Ron" E Engbretson

Ronald Evert Engbretson passed away peacefully the morning of March 31, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for time spent together.

Ron was born in Portland, Oregon to Dorothy and Roy 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, Oregon, where they began building their family.

Ron and Sue welcomed three sons: Rollin (April 22, 1953), Craig (July 23, 1955), and Dean (November 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, Washington, where he managed the Union Collier Fertilizer Plant and his son Craig met Teresa Jones from Zillah, Washington and they later married. By 1979, he relocated his family to Paterson, Washington, 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 (Teresa), 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 1:00 P.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, Oregon.

Please share memories of Ron with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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