Sept. 21, 1937 - March 11, 2013
CASCO -- Ronald Jackson, known to those who loved him as 'Ron,' 'Big Ron' or 'Papa Jack,' was granted his last wish on Monday when he returned home and passed away peacefully surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.
Ron had an infectious grin and it was impossible for those who knew him to not be touched by his love of life and his family. Fishing was one of the great joys of Ron's life, a passion that he passed on to his children and grandchildren, and he spent the last years of his life living on Parker Pond in Casco.
Ron was born on Sept. 21, 1937, in Lewiston, to Phillip Jackson and Marion Parker Jackson. He graduated from Jay High School in 1956. From there he went on to join the U.S. Navy.
He married his wife Elisabeth on May 3, 1969. He continued his naval career, serving his country for 22 years, finally retiring as a Personnel Man 1st Class in a ceremony held at his base in Jacksonville, Fla. The retirement ceremony outlined his long and very active career in the Navy, and Ron retired as a petty officer and Operations Department Supervisor.
He returned to the home he loved, continuing his Civil Service with the U.S. Postal service, first in Portland then in Gray, retiring after 18 years.
Ron had a particular love of NASCAR, country music and his family. He enjoyed his retirement living on Parker Pond, sitting next to his fireplace (and repeatedly watching Forrest Gump)! One of the great joys of his later life was sitting near the window so that he could see and hear his grandchildren and nieces and nephews playing in the pond. No one who met Ron could help but instantly feel their life improved for knowing him, and he loved people.
In the last few years Seaside Nursing Home had become a home away from home for Ron when he needed extra care and he was helped greatly by, and was very fond of, the people who worked with him on wings 1 and 4 there.
In the later years of his life Ron was cared for by his daughter- in-law Debbie, and his granddaughter Bethany, as well as his children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Elisabeth; and his son Ronald 'Ronnie' Haney. He is survived by his daughter Julie and her husband Bob, his daughter Heidi and her husband Mike, his daughter Shelley, his son Phillip and his wife Lucy, and his son Andrew and his wife Michelle; as well as many grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and others who are proud to be considered a part of Ron's family.
Ron was one of those rare people we sometimes encounter in life who touched the lives of those around him in some lasting way, and made those lives forever better. For this, as well as for many other things, Ron will truly be missed.
Visiting hours will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Hall Funeral Home, Casco.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Seaside Wing 4 Activities Fund 850 Baxter Blvd.
Portland, Maine 04013