Ronald Theodore Elmore

"Mr. Safeway"

Completing his life journey here on earth, Ron Elmore, 90, peacefully passed into the arms of his heavenly Father on October 8, 2018.

Ron was born in Yakima, WA to Mary Jesse and Thomas Clarence Elmore. He was the third oldest of nine children. He was raised in Tacoma, where he started his career at Safeway at the young age of 15.

He joined the US Army in 1950 serving overseas as Sergeant First Class during the Korean War. Returning home in 1952 he married the LOVE of his life, Patricia , or as he referred to her, "Trish" Aarhus at St. Ann Catholic Church in Tacoma. He also continued his career with Safeway, where he held many positions. In 1960 he was offered the opportunity of Store Manager in beautiful Anacortes, WA. He moved his family to this lovely island community to raise a family. In 1985 he retired after a successful, fulfilling 44-year career.

Ron has been a member of St. Mary Catholic Church for many years and is very much appreciated for his hard work on the semi-annual rummage sales. His merchandising, organizing and sign making skills will continue as his legacy.

Ron loved the outdoors: such as, cutting wood with his son, Danny; camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends. At Christmas time, one of his biggest delights was the challenge of how many Christmas lights he could get on the house, but oh, the excitement and surprise on his grandchildren's faces when they came on Christmas Eve.

Ron will always be remembered for his quick little saying like...

"Pay yourself first!" This was very important to him. He said this many times to his children, grandchildren and even his employees at Safeway.

"If you borrow it or use it, put it back where you found it, so it will be there when you need it again."

And his most famous..."Don't throw it away! Save it, you may need it later." This is why he has a shop and basement full of collectibles.

His greatest accomplishment though was his family. He taught them many things, but most importantly that a strong, loving and supportive family is the greatest of all. He is survived by his devoted wife Trish , whom he was married to for over 65 loving years; their five amazing children: Kathy Cullup, Julie (Brian Deaton), Danny (Laurie) Elmore, Mike (Jana) Elmore and Maxine (Ford Northen); 13 grandchildren: Lisa (Pete Nelson), Junell (Michael Welch), Jessica Reik, Katie Deaton, Tyler (Krisha) Elmore, Jason(Christina) Smith, Amanda Elmore, Justin Smith, Josh (Booie) Elmore, Jennifer Elmore, Julianne Elmore, Shelby Northen, Sierra Northen and 13 great-grandchildren.