Ronald John Banta

Ronald John Banta, a resident of Fort Collins, CO, passed away the evening of Monday January 18, 2021 at the age of 72 from a heart attack. Ronald was born to John and Lenetta Banta. He was born in Pearl River, NY and grew up in Montvale, NJ along with sisters Nancy and Shirley. He shared memories of family vacations to a cabin in Jefferson, NY. Nancy remembers them pulling up to the cabin and Ron immediately jumping out of the car, racing down the dock, and jumping into the lake. He had an exuberance throughout his life. He talked about backpacking trips in Bear Mountain and sleeping out under the stars. After high school he considered becoming a priest, but with the Vietnam war unfolding he decided to join the Navy, becoming a nuclear submariner. He was known as Ron “Bam-Bam” Banta. One of his shipmates shared that Ron taught him to be a helmsman, a sub-driver. “Imagine two 20-year-olds driving a nuclear submarine. He was as good a shipmate as one could have.” Another shipmate shared “We were a motley group of submariners that bonded deep beneath the sea, that bond is forever as are the memories." And another shared “Ron was a hard working, quiet and nice guy. He was one of my Submarine brothers. He was one of the nicest people I've known.” Upon leaving the Navy, Ron couldn’t leave the water, and became a part-time lobsterman. Ron and a partner had a lobster business out of Rye, NY. He was delivering lobsters to Charles and Isabel when he met their daughter, Gail. On May 29, 1976 he married the love of his life, Gail. Gail says “Ron was always there for me, no one will spoil me the way he did. He was always there to help and sometimes helped too much. His first thoughts were of others never himself, he was generous to a fault, sincere and loving. He bought me flowers often for no reason at all. If I asked for the stars he would have attempted to get them for me. Above all he was kind to everyone, gave of himself and was devoted to his family.” Together they raised their two children, Darlene and Philip, in Park Ridge, NJ. While there are so many good memories two things stand out. Ron quickly learned the game of soccer and coached 4 teams every season. Through this, he had an impact on so many others outside of his two children. Every summer required a weekly trip down the Jersey Shore to Wildwood Crest, NJ. Much like his childhood, the first thing Ron would do (well once everyone else’s needs were met) would be to take off his shirt, run into the water, and then dry off in the sun (and turn into a lobster by the end of the day - every single year). Together Ron and Gail moved to Fort Collins, CO in 2013 to be close to their children, and if we are being honest, the true motivation was to watch their grandchildren grow up. Myles and Ada, his grandchildren, remember him most for his jokes and breakfast pancakes. Even Darlene and Philip remember Ron’s pancakes, every Saturday morning growing up. Ron’s pancakes are just another example of him taking care of those around him. Ronald is survived by his wife Gail, children Darlene and Philip, son-in-law Daniel, and grandchildren Myles and Ada of Fort Collins. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Young of Clifton, NJ, nephews Gerald, (daughter Julia), Brian (wife Judy) and Gary (wife Erica) also of NJ, and Sharon Degg (children Saffie and Zach) of England. Ronald is also survived by nephew Kyle Walker, (wife Diane, children Rachel and Kyle Jr.) of Massachusetts and niece Dawn Walker of Stony Point, NY. Always an animal person, he is survived by two Australian Shepherds, Remy and Tito and a flock of chickens. Remy continues to get up in the middle of the night and look for Ronald. Ron is predeceased by his parents, in-laws and sister Shirley Walker. A small service for immediate family is planned for Thursday January 21 at Goes Funeral Care in Fort Collins, CO. A Celebration of Life is being planned for the summer of 2021. If you feel inclined to donate in honor of Ronald, the family requests donations be made to https://freedomservicedogs.org/ Ron is most remembered for his generosity, kindness and caring. Saying that he was a good man seems to minimize his monumental impact on those around him, but that truly is the best phrase to describe him. He was self-effacing and always had time to listen. Ron provided amazing memories and opportunities in his family’s life and there was never a second one could doubt his love for them. He would drop everything just to help one of us. He instilled the values of hard work, respect and love that we will carry throughout our lives. Even now you will be gently (hopefully) guiding us for the rest of our lives. Sailor, rest your oar, we have the watch. John 3:16