Ronald J. Bliss    

            Ron Bliss, 70, of Kennewick, was surrounded by family when he passed away at his home on January 19, 2016. Ron was born in Seattle on August 23, 1945. His family soon moved to Montana. It was in Montana that Ron learned to love the great outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and any time spent in the beauty of "God's country." 

            At the age of 17, Ron received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967 before attending Naval Postgraduate School. The Naval Academy would have a profound impact on the person Ron would become and the friendships formed there would last a lifetime. Ron spent his active duty career in the nuclear submarine program where he split his time between the USS Kamehameha (SSBN 642) and the nuclear prototype in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

            When he left active duty, Ron joined Westinghouse in the nuclear business and was with them for the next 23 years. During that time he rose to senior management positions in Richland, Washington and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Following his retirement from Westinghouse, Ron was a consultant in the nuclear field for the next 10 years.

            Nothing in life was more important to Ron than his family and his faith. He married the love of his life, Veronica, on November 2, 1968 in Butte, Montana. Together they raised three children and enjoyed the love and laughter of five grandchildren. Nothing brought Ron more joy than being Papa to his grandkids and "breaking ribs" with his hugs. After retiring, Ron and Vonnie spent their winters in Surprise, Arizona enjoying the warm weather and playing golf with friends and family.

            Ron was a true man of faith and led by example. He gave of his time and talents in so many different ways to the charitable and community organizations that he held close to his heart. He worked with St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Family and Child Services, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Unbound, Food For The Poor, and many others.

            Ron is survived by Vonnie, his wife of 47 years; his children Stacey James (PJ), Nicole Liebert (Jared), Joseph Bliss; his grandchildren, Alexis Haas, Megan James, Logan, Luke, and Hunter Liebert; his brothers Chuck Bliss (Jill), John Bliss (Cathi); his step-sisters Sue Sayers (Don) and Ellen Hanpa (Norm); brothers-in-law Tony DeJesus and Dave Glasgow, Mike Dejesus (Anna); and several nieces and nephews.

            A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 25 at 11:00am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Kennewick. A Rosary will be said at Holy Spirit on January 24 at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Unbound.org or FoodForthePoor.org in Ron’s honor.