Ron Black, age 84, of Yreka, died at Madrone Hospice in Yreka on October 25, 2022. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters. Ron was born in Hilt on March 5, 1938 to Delbert and Anne Black. They moved to the big city of Yreka in 1946, first living in an apartment on Third Street and then in 1957, into a home he helped his dad build on Yama Street. Being the industrious guy he was, Ron had jobs mowing lawns, shining shoes, selling newspapers, and working at McNeil’s grocery store. And because he said he was lousy at sports, he took up the clarinet in grammar school then played with Pop Behnke in the Yreka High School band, later studying music at San Francisco State College after he graduated in 1956. He transferred to Sacramento State College the following year where he studied Business and Psychology. Again, hard-working as ever, he found jobs as a lab assistant, shipping agent in a women’s clothing store, and appliance salesman. He dated Judy Barklow through high school and college and they married in 1960. He then joined the Air Force where he studied teletype repair. He and Judy moved back to Yreka in 1963, started a family, and moved into a house he built- this time with the help of his Dad, on Patricia Way. He went to work for his Dad in an appliance repair shop located behind Cooley & Pollards on Third street. They then moved into what became known as Black’s Appliances on Miner Street where they expanded their sales, including introducing Yreka to new-fangled microwave ovens. The store employees became a group of extended family and friends who were known to enjoy many shop parties and picnics over the years. He later also opened a furniture store in the old JCPenney’s building. Being a fixture of Yreka businesses, he sat on the city council and served as mayor for a short time. Raising kids and living in Yreka allowed plenty of opportunities for backpacking and hiking in the Salmon, Trinity, and Marble Mountains. He not only taught his girls how to appreciate nature and the mountains, he included them in repair projects and service calls, and would even hold impromptu dance lessons in the living room. He took up flying and purchased a small airplane treating people to flights in and out of small airports all over the west. He later purchased a trawler and spent several summers in British Columbia–again inviting family and friends to enjoy the experience with him-including fresh caught shellfish and personalized cruises in the area. He continued making a home base in Yreka, where he spent a great deal of time with wood working projects-making beautiful furniture, his own wooden dinghy, fishing nets and many items that were given to friends and donated to charity auctions. Ron was incredibly generous and quick to offer his time or expertise. He was always willing to help with a project-many of which he would complete before you could even finish explaining it! He was always thinking about how to fix something or make it operate more smoothly. He had a great sense of humor and an unbelievable work ethic. And, he really enjoyed a drink with his friends. In the last days of his life he requested “just a teeny, tiny, miniscule little thimble- full, if you will.” He will be so greatly missed. Ron’s family is grateful for the care given him by Madrone Hospice -first in his home and then later in the Madrone Hospice House. Their tender, thoughtful care and concern for he and his family will never be forgotten. Ron is survived by his wife, Patricia Hamilton, daughters Lauren (Laura), Leslie (Marielke) and Lyna (Jeff) and grandchildren Elijah, Ari, Jaden and Sage; cousin Willena Brooks (Victor); stepchildren Denise (Scott), Greg (Paula), Mary Anne (Gary) and Paul (Janelle) and six step-grandchildren. At his request, no funeral service will be held. A celebration of life, most surely a picnic, will be scheduled at a future date. Donations are welcomed to Madrone Hospice or the charity of your choice.
