Ronald Anthony DiCristina

Ron passed away peacefully at Birchview Memory Care on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, holding his loving wife Marie’s hand. He had been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia following an earlier stroke in 2019. Symptoms did not show until 2023 and he spent his final 7 weeks with quality care at Birchview Memory Care in Sedro Woolley, WA.

He was born in southern California and raised enjoying the beach. In 1961, after earning a BA, Ron joined the Air Force and was stationed at Vandenberg Air Base and trained with the AF Police Academy to serve on the elite group of the Air Force Honor Guard. After honorable discharge, Ron joined the California Highway Patrol moving up the ranks from Motorcycle Officer in Hollywood, to Detective, then Sergeant in Redding, CA, to his last position which was Lieutenant Commander of a large office in Willows, CA.

Ron met Marie in Redding, CA and they were married in 1983. Eventually in 2003, they moved to San Juan Island where they built their forever home. He loved telling stories, travelling, boating, fishing, hunting, crabbing, golf, music, reading, photography, theater, movies, dinners and drinks with friends and enjoyed 43 loving years with Marie.

Serving the public has always been a part of Ron’s life. He was a past active member with several groups in California, Oregon and Washington including Willows Rotary International (past President), the Kiwanis Club, the Elks, the Shakespearean Festival, Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, We Ski Too Club, Friday Harbor Sailing Club and American Legion Post 163 of Friday Harbor. He cherished the United States of America, the Air Force and his CHP service time. He was respected and admired by many. He was Marie’s true Officer and Gentleman.

Ron was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor combined with his huge, infectious smile. He made friends easily and was very generous, even to strangers. Ron loved Friday Harbor and the island community as a whole.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1pm, Friday, July 31, at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church.

A Military Service/Potluck will be held 1pm, Sunday, August 2, at the Friday Harbor American Legion (guests please sign in)

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Ron DiCristina to either the Friday Harbor American Legion, Building Fund, P O Box 163, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, P O Box 946, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. 

Your kindness is appreciated.