Obituary of Ronald Lee Billington

Ronald Lee Billington passed away peacefully at his home in Scotts Valley, California on July 2, 2013. He was 74. Ron was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 13, 1939. During early childhood Ron lived in Dixon and Rockford, Illinois. At the conclusion of World War II, his parents moved to Oceanside, California where his father was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. The family later moved to San Carlos, then to Atherton, California. At Menlo-Atherton High School, in their senior year, Ron met his future wife, Joan Morgan. After graduating in 1957, their romance blossomed and they married on June 20, 1959. Ron attended College of San Mateo and was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Ron worked at Hewlett-Packard Co. from 1960 to 2000. During 40+ years at H-P, he held a wide variety of positions. Ron loved working with people, and is known for his keen sense of humor and problem-solving ability. Ron's last few years before retirement in 2000 were spent as a Human Resources Management Consultant at corporate offices in Palo Alto. Upon retirement, Ron and Joan enjoyed traveling all over America in their motor home. Ron was a loving and caring husband, father and friend. He and Joan shared a beautiful life together. Ron's love of the outdoors was shared over the years on fishing and camping trips with his family. He taught his son, Vernon, and daughter, Melissa, how to enjoy, respect, and survive in nature. He supported their school and sports activities: Boy Scout leader; soccer coach; school volunteer. Ron took great joy in raising his children. He loved spending time with them! His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were also very precious to him. Ron had a lifelong interest in automobiles: driving; racing; building; showing. Upon retirement from H-P, Ron completed his project of building from scratch a 1932 Ford Roadster, nicknamed, "Friskee." Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Morgan Billington; his son, Vernon E. Billington (wife, Gina) of Boulder Creek, CA; daughter, Melissa L. Billington (partner, Matt Brown) of Scotts Valley, CA. Ron is also survived by six grandchildren: Cherina Billington; Carrick, Cambria, and Cameron Biggs; Joe (wife, Summer) Carmack; Shannin (husband, Jacob) Hunter. In addition, he is survived by three great-grandchildren: Onyx Hunter; Carly Hunter; James Carmack. Ron is also survived by his wonderful little dog, Pancho the Pug. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Vernon A. Billington, in 1987, his mother, Evelyn B. Souders Billington, in 2000, and great-granddaughter, Julie Rose Carmack, in 2012. At Ron's request, no formal services will be held. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Memorial contributions may be made to: Marine Corps League Det. 711, PO Box 2234, Salinas, CA 93902-2234. Please write on memo line: "R. Billington donation" .