Ron Rich

Ronald Dean Rich, 68, of Newcastle, Wyoming, in his own words, resigned his position effective Thursday, January 21, 2010 and went home to his Savior on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Weston County Health Services.
Ron was born December 19, 1941, in Bakersfield, California to Elmer and Pauline Rich. When he was 8 years-old, the family moved to Newcastle. He was 13 years-old when he began a life-long career in the oilfield, working alongside his grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers. He graduated from high school in 1959. Ron valiantly served in the Air Force from 1963 to 1967; making the ultimate sacrifice in 1966-1967 when he served as Chief Engineer at Takhli Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam Campaign and was exposed to Agent Orange. He was honorably discharged with several medals.
On April 23, 1968, Ron married Martha Shields in Newcastle, Wyoming. They made their home in Newcastle, the beginning of several places throughout their lives. In 1970, Cori was born and in 1973, Candi joined in. Ron was third in line in a 9 sibling family, and took great pride in being the family 'story-teller'... his memory was as sharp as a tack and nothing escaped his notice. His hobbies included tinkering on his pride and joy - a red 1963 Ford Truck, 4-wheeling, golfing, having coffee with his brothers, and working in the yard.
In 1991, Ron began a 19-year battle with cancer directly caused by his Agent Orange exposure. 14 surgeries, 2 rounds of radiation treatments, ensued and he never gave up once.
In 2007, after 53 years of working in oilfields, he retired. He took great pride in his children, grand-children and traveling with his wife and making more plans to travel.
Survivors include his wife, Martha, Newcastle; two daughters, Corinda Rich, Newcastle and Candice Sandoval John, Casper; four grand-children, Kellan, Shelby, Morgan and Nathan; eight brothers and sisters: Gomer Ann, Douglas; Gary; Marilyn Wright, Carolyn Shields Jim; Terry Barrett; Glenda Mefford; Dick Bonnie; and Brenda Costello Alfred all of Newcastle; 14 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Pauline Rich; a nephew and many extended family members.
Services will be held on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Weston County Senior Services at 2:00 p.m. With Pastor Norm Brotzman officiating. Burial with full military rites will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be his daughters, Cori and Candi; and his brothers Gomer Rich, Gary Rich, Terry Rich, and Dick Rich. Honorary Pallbearers are Garry Johnson, Jim Snedeker, Dr. Robert Burgess, and Dr. Eric Eastmo.
The family has established a memorial and contributions may be sent in care of Martha Rich, 30 Ash Street, Newcastle, Wyoming 82701.