Ron F. Gavette

Ronald Francis Gavette was born June 21, 1935 in Redfield, South Dakota to Francis D. and Fleda (Wimer) Gavette. He was the first of five children. Ron passed away March 17, 2026 at home in Pendleton, Oregon with his wife at his side.

Ron's family moved to the Kelso/Longview Washington area when he was two years old. Ron's father worked in different pulp mills in the area, but always had a farmer's heart. That is where Ron learned to love and care for animals on their small acreage.

Ron graduated from Kelso High School in 1953. He participated in cross country and football. He married in 1954 and had four sons and one adopted daughter. They later divorced.

He worked for Pacific Power and Portland General Electric as a shift supervisor producing electricity. He was known for his fairness, integrity, reliability and knowledge.

He met his future wife, Penny Conner when he came to the Boardman Coal Fire Plant for a job interview. She was the first person he met. The rest is history-45 years later. They married March 27, 1981 in Ketchum, Idaho. They shared a life of adventure, love, skiing, bicycling (on a tandem) thousands of miles and traveled to 19 countries in all. Their favorite was Ireland, he loved the country, the people and his Irish wife. It was fitting for him to pass on St Patrick's Day.

He was a long standing member of the First Christian Church in Hermiston and Pendleton. He taught adult Sunday School, served as an Elder, chaired the Stewardship Committee, chaired Personnel, and was on the Pastoral Search Committee. He filled in wherever there was a need.

He also taught Anger Management at Two Rivers Correctional Facility and East Oregon Correctional Institute for many years. He wanted to make a difference in their lives. He and Penny chaired the Angel Tree Program in the prison. The prisoners could request a gift for their children and volunteers would purchase and deliver the gifts from their fathers at Christmas time.

Gavette Park was created by Ron for the community to enjoy a safe clean place to picnic, fish or relax with a good book. It was located by the main street bridge across from First Christian Church

Ron was a gifted athlete even into his 70s, he participated in biathlons, triathlons and marathons. He qualified for the Boston marathon three different times, but work took priority. He also participated in bicycle races doing the 200 mile Seattle to Portland with three mandatory stops in ten hours.

Ron was a dedicated and loving husband, very involved grandpa and caring stepfather. He is survived by his wife, Penny, stepson Brett Conner (Polly), grandchildren Cameron (Sophie) and Abigail (Michael) and great grandson with another due in May.

He was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Jack and Fran Fitzhugh, brothers, Arden, Gary (infant) Jerry and sister Linda

In honor of Ron, please make donations to Vange John Hospice. The family truly appreciated the care, kindness and love shown to Ron, it was amazing. Donations can also be made to First Christian Church

A celebration of a life well lived will be April 12 from 2 to 4 at Great Pacific in Pendleton, 403 S Main St. GP was one of their first dates. Come share pizza, beer, wine and soda. Bring your best stories to share