Ronald Elliot Gertler

Ronald Elliot Gertler

was born February 3rd, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Clarence Kalman Gertler and Harriet Rae (Bornstein) Gertler. He passed away on October 16, 2023 and was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Gertler and his sister, Barbara Elaine Gertler. Ron is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Julia Chien-Mei (Tsai) Gertler, 3 children – Justin (Kathleen) Gertler, Maya (Bert) Ojalehto, and Erik (Mindy) Gertler, and 11 grandchildren.

Those who knew Ron knew that his mission in life was to make people smile, to not take things too seriously, to be accepting and just do his best to ensure that everyone around him was happy. Humor was incorporated throughout his life. He shared the importance of always being even tempered, that it’s ok to be silly, to love theater and the arts, to appreciate nature and travel, and his love for the music of John Denver, Donovan, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Joan Baez. He worked throughout his whole life, but also taught the importance of balancing work time with play time. He shared with his children what was involved in owning and running a grocery store in Los Angeles, and then a health food store in Seattle, before he changed careers and became a court clerk for Seattle’s King County.

July 4th BBQ’s with hockey and badminton in the backyard of his home was a tradition like no other – many gathered to participate in the games and the feast. He was a father figure to many students who visited from other countries and stayed in his home. Some of Ron’s hobbies included photography, skiing, cooking and traveling. Ski trips to Mammoth and Big Bear, and later Alpental and Snoqualmie Pass, were epic. Ron had a great love for sports, initially cheering for his Chicago teams, then his Los Angeles teams, and eventually switching to the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners.  When it comes to cooking, his BBQ baby back pork ribs and French toast were a couple of favorites he made for the many house guests. Adventures in traveling the world created many joyous memories, and is a reminder to everyone to dream big and do what is important to you now, rather than put off until later.

Ronald Elliot Gertler

Ron cared for the lonely, helped those in need, was always open minded and open hearted, embraced people from all cultures, viewpoints, and religions, and welcomed everyone into his home. Nothing mattered but bringing the light of love and joy into the lives he touched. He always wanted to make people happy. He was loved for the example he set for each of us. He wanted his children and grandchildren to achieve successful careers, but was never critical of anyone’s life choices. Ron loved his grandchildren unconditionally, and always strived to be a good example of what true love and kindness should look like.

Ron’s angelic wife, Julia, was the perfect partner whose devotion and care for Ron over the past 40 years embraced so much love and dedication…they were truly a dream team.

Ron…was just…joy. A smiling, silly, jokester…a loving Dad, Grandpa and Husband. He will live on in our hearts for eternity, and some day we will all be reunited.

“I’ll walk in the rain by your side. I’ll cling to the warmth of your hand. I’ll do anything to keep you satisfied. I’ll love you more than anybody can.” – John Denver / Peter, Paul and Mary (“For Baby”)