Former teacher Ron Castle dies at 89 in Idaho

Ron Castle, 89, passed away at home on June 30 in Lewiston, Idaho, after battling cancer.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on June 18, 1934, and was the eldest of four siblings (Marcia, Connie and Gerald). While growing up Ron spent much of his spare time off the farm, going fishing, hunting and playing basketball and baseball. He went on to play baseball for four years for Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, "and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and love of the game with everyone," his family wrote.

Ron met and married his wife of 66 years, Sharon, during college. They had two sons, Brian and Kevin, while living in Gladwin, Michigan, and when a teaching job opened up in Wrangell in 1960, they jumped at the chance to head north. To get the family and vehicle to Wrangell, they drove to Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, and took the riverboat, Judith Ann, down the Stikine River.

That first year in Wrangell, their daughter Karri was born. Ron enjoyed interacting with people while serving on the Wrangell hospital board, city council, planning and zoning commission, Wrangell Historical Society, chamber of commerce, Elks Club and the state mental health board, as well as being a basketball referee.

Ron and Sharon remained in Wrangell until 1983, when he retired from the Wrangell school system. While living in Wrangell and later in Craig, on Prince of Wales Island, "Ron loved all the hunting and fishing opportunities life in Alaska had to offer. He passed this love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren," his family wrote.

After leaving Alaska, Ron and Sharon lived in Montana, Michigan, Florida and Idaho. "Southeast Alaska always had a special place in his heart, and he felt that it was a great place to live and raise a family," his family wrote.

Ron is survived by his wife Sharon, of Lewiston, Idaho; son Brian Castle, of Craig, Alaska, his wife Ellen Hannan and daughters Aimee (Erik) and Melissa (John); son Kevin Castle of Craig, Alaska, his wife Brynn Bolling-Castle and sons Noah, Bryan and Dylan ( Melyssa ) and great-grandson Kellen Castle; daughter Karri Bennett, of Lewiston, Idaho, her husband Doug Bennett and daughters Blair and Marena.

Condolences to the family can be sent to 1304 29th St., Lewiston, Idaho 83501. Ron's ashes will be spread in Alaska at a later date.