Ronald O'Neal

With a spirit as free as the Idaho wind, Ronald David "RonO" O'Neal set off on his final adventure on July 27, 2023. Born in Caldwell, Idaho, on January 10, 1951, Ronald lived a life as vibrant and varied as the vintage motorcycles he loved to restore. This adventurous soul was a magnet to all who knew him, drawing people in with his compassion, creativity, and dedicated work ethic. As his wife Karen often said, "He was my social butterfly!"

Ronald spent his early years studying in Moscow, married Karen January 7, 1972. Graduated from the U of I in December, 1973. Then moved to Grangeville and later to Central Cove, Wilder, ID. Ron taught Industrial Arts at Home dale High School for three years. David was born January 28, 1984. His career was as solid and well-built as the structures he oversaw as a supervisor at Keys Construction, which later became Benchmark Construction, for over 30 years. Ron especially loved driving a School bus. His dedication to his craft was rivaled only by his love for his family and friends. As Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun," and Ronald's intelligence surely had a blast restoring vintage motorcycles, fishing, camping, and exploring all that life had to offer.

Even in retirement, Ronald's energy and zest for life never dimmed. He embraced every new day with the same enthusiasm he once brought to his work and hobbies. He was a man who understood that "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well," a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that perfectly encapsulates Ronald's life ethos.

Ronald leaves behind his loving wife Karen O'Neal and his son David O'Neal, both of whom will continue to keep his adventurous spirit alive. He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth O'Neal, father Gaylon O'Neal and younger brother Larry ONeal.

To celebrate and remember Ronald's life, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to the memorial page. These will serve as a testament to Ronald's vibrant life, a life well-lived, and a man who made a difference to so many.