Ronald Douglas LeFebvre
Ronald Douglas LeFebvre died Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his home in Kirkland Washington with his family by his side. He was 79 years old. Ron lived a very full life despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gala Furer LeFebvre, his children Jill, Kelly, and Ronny and their spouses Robert, Dave, and Vel.
During his 36 years as a grandparent, Papa Ron treasured the unique relationships he had with his grandchildren Noah, Stella, Oliver, Stefan, Dawson and Sibella. They always made him laugh. He felt very blessed to have three great-grandchildren Tavi, Hal and Asa who were just getting to know him during his last few years. His siblings Jeff, Kevin, and Jacquie and their children were very important to him. Ron deeply valued family as well as his familial history, rooted back in Shawnee Oklahoma and South Seattle.
Ron was a man of remarkable resilience and determination. Throughout their lives together, he and Gala built careers, owned three successful businesses, and beautiful properties in Seattle, Atlanta, and Palm Springs. From the very beginning, they had to learn to plan for the future of their young family, and together they overcame so many obstacles. They knew what was important to them, and at the center of everything was the incredibly deep love he and Gala had for each other. They were a team.
Ron never shied away from hard work and he was a creative problem solver; taking it upon himself to learn how to fix or construct what was needed. He built staircases, outdoor showers, wood furniture, decks, fences, and stone pathways, taking on projects that could be enjoyed by his loved ones for years to come. He planted trees decades ago that are still thriving today on Mercer Island and in the suburbs of Georgia. He strived to avoid being wasteful in any aspect of his life. His devotion to the things he cared about will leave an indelible mark.
Ron was an athlete. He trained religiously for races including the Seattle marathon, and created other athletic challenges for himself, Gala, and anyone else inclined to join. His enthusiasm for getting outside, moving his body, and finding adventure was contagious. Long hikes, runs, and bike rides were sacred times for Ron to connect with the people he loved. During his walks, which sometimes lasted the whole day, he would talk about books he was reading, pass on life lessons, or tell his own life stories. He’d recount travels with Gala to places like the Greek Islands or the Philippines, or the bike trip with his colleagues from United Airlines through Northern Ireland. He climbed the major peaks of the Cascade Mountains and Olympic Peninsula: Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, Mt Baker, The Brothers, Mount Olympus. He reached the peak of Mount Rainier twice, an accomplishment of endurance that he was very proud of. He hiked up many of the peaks of Palm Springs: San Jacinto, Apache Peak, and Murray Peak, which he did with nearly every one of his grandchildren.
Ron was a man of routine. He never missed his morning stretches. It was always the first thing he did to begin his day. Even in his last few months, on a very special trip to Maui with Gala, Jill, and Kelly, he found it in himself to attempt these familiar movements. In addition to his stretch regimen, he would go on an [exactly] 30 minute run every even day of the month, and would proudly proclaim that he never missed a day. On his running routes, Ron always had a landmark, like a statue or a bench, that acted as a goal post for him to reach before he turned back. It was these types of endearing habits that really defined Ron.
Ron loved to read and to learn new things. He was fascinated by history. He loved an epic tale. Ron was a profound man, but he also had a great sense of humor. He treated everyone with kindness and set an example of how to be a better human being. That is the true legacy he leaves behind. His family members fondly remember when he’d take them to the tops of mountains or through other rewarding experiences and say “This will add to your portfolio of life.” Their portfolios are full with the experiences they shared with Ron and continue to grow as they carry on with his loving memories.
Rest in peace, Ron. You’ll always be an inspiration.
There will be a memorial celebration for Ron in Palm Springs California on his 80th birthday, February 17, 2024 at 2pm. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92264. We welcome all. Please bring your memories and feel free to share them.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.