Ronald Bissett

November 8^th 1931 – July 18^th 2015

Ron died peacefully the morning of July 18^th, 2015 after a courageous fight against cancer.

Ron was born on November 8^th, 1931 to George Keltie and Phyllis (Laycock) Bissett in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  He was the older of the two “Bissett Boys”, preceded in death by his younger brother Robert George Bissett (1932-2012).

Ron grew up in the Grandview area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and the two boys also spent several years in Lethbridge with extended family while their father was away at war.  He graduated from Britannia High School and was the team captain and pivotal member of their 1949-50 championship boys’ basketball team as their lanky center.  Ron’s play that year included many 20 plus scoring games with equal rebounding prowess on their way to clinching the title.

Many schools were interested in the young and talented natural athlete, including several in Washington and Oregon.  He instead stayed close to home and took his talents on the court to the University of British Columbia where he earned his varsity letter his first year.

Word got out about the talented Canadian and soon Ron found himself playing for the Seattle University Chieftains from 1952-54.   Ron was a key member of the record setting NCAA  team that in 1953-54 won 26 games in a row, a school record that still stands.  In May of 2011 he was inducted into the Seattle University Athletic Hall Of Fame as a member of the 1952-53 Men’s Basketball Team which earned their first trip to the NCAA tournament with an overall record of 29-4.

During his time at Seattle University, Ron met and later married Noreen Lindblom, and they soon began their family together.

While at Seattle University playing ball and pursuing his degree in Business, Ron also played amateur basketball for the Alberni Athletics in Alberni, BC, travelling back and forth on the weekends.  He had a celebrated career with this team after college as well, playing in front of sellout crowds in the old Alberni Hall.

In 1955 the Athletics won the Senior “A” Men’s Canadian Basketball Championship, quite an accomplishment for the small logging town.  In 2001 Ron was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame & Museum as a member of the 1955 Alberni Athletics Canadian Men’s Basketball Champions.

Still riding the wave of success from the Canadian Championship the year prior, Ron was selected as a member of the 1956 Canadian Olympic Men’s Basketball team and travelled to Melbourne, Australia to compete against the greatest basketball players from all over the world.  Although the Canadians placed 9^th in the competition, Ron made many friends and collected memories to last for a lifetime.  As Ron’s family grew he continued to stay active and was also a talented pitcher playing many years for 102 Tavern in the Seattle Men’s Fast Pitch league.

Ron worked hard after college owning several small businesses with college friends, was an active member of the Seattle JC’s, and also was a Seafair Clown for many years.  He earned his CPA license and worked building his business over the years and loved a good fight with the IRS.  Ron’s clients were loyal and many stayed with him for 20 plus years and became close friends. He was actively working until just months before his passing.

Ron was passionate and continually involved in his family’s lives. For many, many years he could be found in the corner at the Sno-King ice arena supporting his young sons’ (and daughter’s) hockey teams, and then later his grandson as well.  He was a sports fan his entire life, always there to offer a word of encouragement for all of his kids and grandkids.

Ron is survived by a large family and circle of close friends who loved him dearly. These include his former wife and friend Noreen, five adult children and their families: Pamela (Victor) Jones and their children Matthew Jones, Chelsea and Kevin Haisman and their children Isla and Nora, and  Ken Jones, Jim and Deanna Bissett and their children Nicole Bissett and Carina Bissett, John and Linda Bissett and their son Robby Bissett, Lynda Bissett Poling and her daughter Jamie Poling, Tom and Celia Bissett and their children Mackenzie Bissett, Jada Bissett, and Madeline Bissett, (10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren in all), and longtime companion and friend Betty Craig and her children Lisa and Paula and their families.

He loved to travel and share special moments with friends and family.  He gained the respect, admiration and love of all those around him. He was a humble, driven, dedicated and compassionate man.  He had a wonderful smile and a big heart, earning him the nickname “the gentle giant”.  He will be missed dearly.

In honor of Ron’s passing please donate to a cancer charity of choice in lieu of flowers.  At Ron’s request there will be no services.

The family wishes to thank all those who have supported us and especially Peters Creek Retirement staff and Evergreen Hospital & Evergreen Hospice for all the care and support they have given.