Ronald Milton Beckstrand (1959-2014) Ronald Milton Beckstrand our loving husband, father and grandpa, “Pop,” peacefully passed away on November 23, 2014 after a long and courageous fight with kidney cancer.
Ron was born on May 12, 1959 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Joseph and Jean Beckstrand. Ron was the fifth of six children and had many memories of growing up in Bountiful. He spent many fun summers playing in Meadow. He attended and graduated from Viewmont High School. Following high school, Ron served an honorable LDS mission to Atlanta, Georgia, that changed his life forever. Not long after returning from his mission, he met his sweetheart Lori Rae Anderson. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 28, 1983. They were blessed with three children who have brought much joy and happiness into their lives. Ron loved his family and serving in the church. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had the opportunity to serve as Young Men’s President, Bishopric Counselor, High Councilor, Stake Young Men’s President and was currently serving as the Bishop of the West Bountiful 7th Ward whom he loved dearly. His greatest desire was to serve the Lord and be a valiant servant in His kingdom. He was a quiet example of service and did his best to emulate the Savior. All who knew him could see the strength of his testimony by the way he lived his life. Ron himself stated in a letter to his sweetheart, “I wanted to always be active in the church. I don't mean just going to church, but take an active role. Always be willing to accept the calls that would come. The Lord would provide a way for His work to go forward even in the midst of my weaknesses. He would provide.”
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State University in Business Marketing. He spent his life in service to his family and others leaving his family with a legacy of service. His greatest desire was for his family to love the Lord. Some of his fondest memories were spent in the mountains hunting with his sons and camping with his family. He loved to go on long four wheeling rides and watch for deer. His mountain man breakfast was unrivaled and loved by all. Sitting outside his trailer and sharing stories with family was a favorite. Ron loved and enjoyed spending time with his three girlies (granddaughters) Emma, Grace and Maggie. He was a huge part of their lives and loved coming to every event in which they were involved. He will always be their “Pop.” He loved his career with Schreiber Foods, which he would fondly refer to as his “Schreiber Family.” We will be forever thankful for the love and support they all showed to him. Ron loved to travel with his sweetheart. They had many great adventures together. He will be missed by all who knew him, but mostly by his sweetheart and children.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Rae Beckstrand, his children Lindsey Kay Hill (Preston), Logan Ron (Lauren), and Chase William (Kaylee), his granddaughters Emma Rae, Grace Susan, Maggie Kay, and he was anxiously awaiting a new baby Beckstrand. He is also survived by his siblings Sandra, Janice Hough (Bryan), Craig (Tylene), Neil (Laurie), and Mark (Karin). He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Kay and Julene Anderson. A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, on Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 6 - 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11:00 am at the Bountiful Utah Stonecreek Stake Center, 990 North 100 West, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will also be held prior to the funeral from 9 -10:30 am. Internment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery. The family would like to express their gratitude and deep appreciation to all those who gave Ron such love and care at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and especially Dr. Neeraj Agarwal. Thanks are also extended to the wonderful friends, neighbors, and ward members who have taken time to support Ron and his family these past two years. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so on the online guest book at Russonmortuary.com.
