Ronald D. Smick, 60, of Ottawa, passed away quietly at home July 26, 2016 with his family close by. Funeral services will be at 1p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the services on Saturday. Private Interment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park.
Ron was born on July 8, 1956 in Portsmouth, Ohio, to Ronald H. and Alice (Brown) Smick. Ron moved with his parents to Ottawa in 1958 and called Ottawa home ever since. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, and IVCC. He married Pattie Lieske on April 11, 1981 at the First Congregational Church in Ottawa.
Ron worked at his father’s business for over 20 years before going to work at Northern Illinois Gas Company. He worked at Nicor for over 17 years when his failing health caused him to retire in 2012. He was a member of the Ottawa River Rescue Squad for several years and worked as an EMT with a local ambulance service. He enjoyed being an EMT and attained an EMT-I status with numerous other accreditations including ACLS, PHTLS, and CPR instructor. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, boating, motorcycles, golf, and vacationing with family and friends. Ron loved to laugh and tried to bring a smile to those around him wherever he went. He enjoyed life.
Ron is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pattie, his son, Adam (Samantha) Smick, his daughter Amy L. Smick, a precious grand-daughter Dixie A. Smick, one sister, Diana K. (Robert) Heiss, and a nephew Mike Heiss, all of Ottawa.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made Ottawa River Rescue Squad, Ottawa Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit #18, Back to School Shop with a Cop Program, or donor’s choice.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dick Kuhn, Steve McLaughlin, Bill Brawley, Mark Sweet, Robin Lawry, and George Wilson.
Ron has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.