In Memory

Ron Chadwick (Teacher/Coach/Admin)

CHADWICK, Ronald T. "Ron"

Ronald T. Chadwick (Ron) passed away at the age of 66 on May 31, 2021. Ron was born in Moscow, ID to Ronald and Mary Chadwick. He lived his entire life in Spokane except for a brief time in El Paso, TX, as his dad was stationed there while serving in the army. The family moved to Spokane prior to the birth of his sister Vicki in 1957. Growing up, Ron loved sports, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, spending time with his cousins in Emmett, ID, working on his uncle's ranch, and fishing with his dad at Lake Pend Oreille. Ron graduated from Shadle Park HS in 1973, lettering all three years in three sports (baseball, football and wrestling). Ron continued his education at Spokane Falls CC and Whitworth while playing football as a wide receiver. During this time, he also worked various jobs including at the Spokane Foundry, logging in Deer Lodge, MT, and at Simchuk's Sporting Goods with his dad. He obtained a B.A. in Education and later went on to earn a double Master's degree. Ron was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League but did not play due to injury. It was at SFCC that he met Valorie, his wife of 23 years, with whom he raised three daughters Melissa, Sarah and Emily. Ron worked for the Mead School District for 33 years as a teacher, coach (football, wrestling, baseball) and later, an administrator. Known as an excellent motivator, in 1989 Ron was named GSL coach of the year after he led the Mead baseball team to win back-to-back GSL championships. In 1998 Ron re-married, and he and Laurie spent 17 years together. Ron cared deeply about and lived to serve others. He was social, charismatic and had many friends. Ron enjoyed cooking, entertaining, telling stories and bringing people together. He also loved spending time at Loon Lake with family and friends, going to Cougar and Husky football games, fishing in Alaska with his buddies, motorcycle riding, collecting antiques and wood working projects with his dad. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Mary Chadwick. He is survived by his three daughters, Melissa Pessoa, Sarah Shelman (Spencer) and Emily Brauer (Nathan), his sister Vicki Chervenak (Tim), seven grandchildren, former spouses Valorie Buller and Laurie Chadwick, and his beloved dog Brutus. A memorial service for Ron will be held at Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane on June 18th at 10am.