Ronald Lee Bridges, 51, Malad, passed away May 23, 2003. He was born in New Castle, Indiana on November 10, 1951 to Lowell and JoAnn Bridges, being the oldest of four children.

Ron attended high school in Knightstown, Indiana, and shortly after graduation, enlisted in the USAF as an Electronic Technician, and served for ten years in this capacity, being honorably discharged in the rank of Staff Sergeant in August, 1980. Ron served in Vietnam, until the end of the war, and was then stationed in the Philippines, Guam, and finally at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, UT. Reports in Ron’s military record, requesting promotion, reflect what anyone who knew Ron would know…”SSGT Bridges’ congeniality and flexibility are two obvious traits…, his perpetual eagerness and helpfulness in all his efforts effectively creates harmony among all his fellow workers…his superior technical knowledge has on numerous occasions prevented aborts from high priority missions…”

Ron also graduated from NCO leadership school with honors, in the top 10% of his class. In continuing his electronic education, Ron also attended Weber College and received a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Ron remained in the Davis County area in Utah, as he had grown to love the Rocky Mountains, and felt like he had always belonged in the west. Ron had a passion for hunting and camping, and for many y ears he lived for the opening of dove season and duck season. While living in Utah, Ron spent many weekends at the Golden Spike trap club, where he served on the Board of Directors. Ron was also an active member of the American Legion, serving in many capacities at Post 87 in Layton, UT. Friends from Post 87 have many fond memories of camping trips together, and many other Legion events.

Ron worked for Eastman Kodak as a Field Engineer until 1993, and following, worked as an Automation Technician for Autoliv. Ron has an intense interest in anything that had to do with electronics, digital and analog applications, and short wave radio. He would stay up all night reading books and magazines, drawing diagrams, and planning out projects.

Ron tried his hand at marriage a few times, and in his own admission, somehow he was just not cut out for matrimony. He was a loving and caring person, who could just never settle for the “white picket fence” way of life. Ron felt he had been born 100 years too late, and sometimes yearned for a life in another time. Perhaps now he can have that opportunity, but we will miss him in this life.

A memorial service was held in Knightstown, Indiana on May 19, 2003. Private wake services were also held by friends of Ron in Malad, ID and in Layton, UT. At Ron’s request, his children will spread his ashes across the mountains he loved.

Ron is survived by his children, Ronald Tyce Bridges (Ty), Greenwood, Indiana; Stacey (Doug) Emerson, Knightstown, Indiana; Matthew Bridges, Kaysville, UT; and Crystal Jean Bridges, Malad, ID; his parents, Lowell and JoAnn Bridges; brother, Steve (Margie) Bridges; sisters, Suzie (Devin) Keefer and Beth (Carlos) Rigdon; grandchildren, Sy, Seth and Wes, all of Knightstown, Indiana; and last, but not least, his faithful companion, his dog, Deets.