Ronald Russell Rockvam, age 72 of Fort Collins, CO went to his heavenly home on June 14th after a year-long battle with cancer.
Ron's parents were Russell and Dorothy Rockvam, and he grew up in southern Minnesota. He graduated from Winthrop High School in 1968. In high school, he met his future wife Janice and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. They were blessed with a son Chris who married a wonderful daughter-in-law Denise and two special grandsons, Zach and Will.
Ron was the only boy in the family and had four sisters, Darlene, JoAnn, Sandy and Monie. He was a great big brother and "The Rock" of the family. His nieces and nephews held a close place in his heart as well.
During his lifetime he was always an entrepreneur. When he and Janice moved to Iowa in 1973, they opened multiple home electronics stores. Then in 1983 they moved to Colorado where they owned a Curtis Mathes franchise and one of the first movie rental locations in Fort Collins. For the next 3 decades they owned and operated several other businesses throughout northern Colorado.
Ron and Janice enjoyed many special moments in life and were able to travel to many exciting places. Ron was an avid hiker who, with Janice, climbed all the fourteeners in Colorado as well as Kilimanjaro in Africa. They traveled to many states in the US, and spent many special vacations in Akumal, Mexico along with traveling internationally to places like Costa Rica, Africa, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Ireland.
The Rockvams enjoyed spending time in their Airstream and parking it in Arizona each winter where they met many new friends. This allowed Ron the opportunity to indulge in his great love of softball that he was able to play year-round. He was known as "Lightning Ron" for his speed on the bases.
Ron was also an avid photographer of scenery and wildlife. Many of his photos grace the walls of their home and the homes of others.
Ron was a man of integrity, courage, strength, and love. He was a shining example of what a man should be, but above all, Ron was a man of faith. His faith inspired many people, and he will be missed dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at Faith Church in Fort Collins on June 28th at 1pm. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of two organizations that were special to Ron, Refugee Oasis or Christ Clinic. Please be sure checks are made out to the specific organization (not the family and not the church). Checks can be dropped off at Faith Church and will be delivered to the designated charity.