OBITUARY: Ronald Paul Rouse, 1940-2022 | Lost Coast Outpost

Ronald Paul Rouse died on July 19, 2022 in Eureka at the age of 81. Ronald (Ron) was born August 5, 1940 in Richmond to Oscar and Florence Rouse. They raised their family primarily in Ione, California, where Ron graduated from high school before joining the Navy in January 1959.
Ron then met his wife, Caroline (Childers), in Crescent City, when his Saint Bernard “introduced” them on the beach. They were married on November 20, 1965, at the Oakland Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They remained married for the next 56½ years.
Ron and Caroline moved several times during their early marriage before settling in Eureka, where they raised their children. Ron was an active member for over 45 years of the Eureka First Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ron has always enjoyed working with church youth, from kindergarten through high school.
Ron worked as a salesman for McMahans Furniture for several years before working for the Fisherman’s Marketing Association as Marine Supply Store Manager for 5 years.
He then went to work for Maxon’s Music as a keyboard salesman and band instrument repairman. He repaired and maintained many musical instruments for local schools over the next 5 years. He also received special recognition for $1 million in sales of Yamaha keyboards and instruments, for which he received a special edition Yamaha guitar. Ron has played all kinds of string, brass and keyboard instruments in his life and had a deep love for Bluegrass music.
His last sales position was as store manager at the Sherwin Williams store in Eureka, which he held until his retirement. While there, he won many awards at the President’s Club and received many trips that allowed him and Caroline to travel and see some of the world outside of Northern California. He especially enjoyed his many trips to Nashville, Tennessee and the opportunity to visit the Grand Old Opry.
Ron loved sailing and bought his first sailboat, a converted canoe, in 1967. He owned four different boats in his life, before finally buying a real canoe. He was an accomplished sailor, loving being on the water above all else.
He was a beloved father, grandfather (Dad) and great-grandfather; as well as a very beloved uncle and great-uncle. He was also a very special brother-in-law and a male role model for his wife’s much younger sister.
Ron was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as his older sister, Sandra Nuss (Don). Ron is survived by his wife, Caroline, his children Vikki Frazier (Adam), David Rouse, Ingrid Connor (Jim), his grandchildren, Sarah Duren (Tom), Seth Frazier (Ashley), Noah Frazier, Hannah Luna ( Joseph), and great-grandchildren, Abby and Zack. Also his younger sister Claudia Ruark (Ron), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and in-laws.
Services will be held on Saturday August 6 in Eureka. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in the LDS section of Oceanview Cemetery, followed by lunch and a celebration of life at noon at LDS Church, 2806 Dolbeer St, Eureka.
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The above obituary was submitted by those close to Ron Rouse. The Lost Coast Outpost manages free obituaries for Humboldt County residents. See guidelines here. Email [email protected]