More detail on this person: Ronald Merritt Fish passed away peacefully in the early morning of Tuesday, February 12th, 2021 with his wife and two sons at his bedside, following a battle with cancer. Ron was born on March 21st, 1947 in Medford, Oregon to Maj. Richard Donald Fish and Ruth Ann (Bestwick) Fish. Ron lived in many places in the world growing up since his father was in the military. Ron attended Pacific Grove High School, graduating in 1965. During this time he met his forever love, Janice Ann Fish (Sierra). They got married March 24th, 1966. During the same year of 1966 Ron enlisted in the United States Army. Ron and Jan moved across the country as a young married couple so that he could complete his helicopter training. He was eventually assigned to the 189th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. Jan moved back to Pacific Grove to be with her family and Ron's family while awaiting his return. The couple decided to wait to have children, due to Ron going to Vietnam. Ron served in Vietnam from October of 1967 until October of 1968 flying Huey Gunships, including the battle of Dak To and the 1968 TET offensive. Ron was blessed to have survived three separate helicopter crashes during his service, one of which led to two of four crew members perishing, one being his best friend. Ron received various medals and citations for his heroism. After his service the couple started their family and settled down in Santa Cruz, Ca. They had two sons, Christian Thomas Fish and Stefan Merritt Fish. Ron spent 30 years as a distributor for the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner. During this time he also owned and operated a liquor store and got involved in property development. Ron often worked seven days a week, often sacrificing family vacations to provide for his family. He later retired to spend time with his family and take those long overdue vacations, while also caring for his parents. He would often help Chris with his work and volunteered over 500 hours as a Sheriff's Volunteer with Stefan at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. He loved being with his sons. Ron was later blessed with seven grandchildren, whom eventually called him "Gamp." Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Janice, of 54 years, his son Christian Fish and his wife Kathleen, their sons Taylor Fish, his wife Rose, Mason Fish and Nathan Fish. Ronald is also survived by his son Stefan Fish and his fiancé Caitlin McBride, their daughter Olivia Fish, Stefan's daughter Alyssa Fish, son Nolan Fish, daughter Salma Fish. We love you so much, dad. Your memories will live on forever in our hearts and our minds. We miss you like crazy. A private family service was held at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Family Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, Ca. on Friday February 19th, 2021 at 2pm. Those who wish to share their condolences and reflections are encouraged to do so on the Benito and Azzaro homepage. A graveside burial service and celebration of life gathering will be scheduled at a later time. Ronald will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, Ca. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Santa Cruz County "Fallen Officer Foundation" @ www.fallenofficerfoundation.com.
Burial information: Oakwood Memorial Park, Santa Cruz, CA
This information was last updated 02/22/2021
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Date posted on this site: 06/15/2024
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