Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Ronald “Ron” Dean Schachner Sr., age 84, passed away on Oct. 21, 2023, in The Dalles, Ore., after suffering a heart attack while riding his bicycle. Ron was born June 17, 1939. He was the third child born to Opal Fern (Tilton) and Joseph John Schachner. He was delivered by his grandmother at her home in Anaheim, Calif. Ron graduated from Kelso High School after graduation, enlisted in the United States Navy, serving three years of active duty and one year in the reserves.
He was introduced to his future wife, Janice Fordham, in April 1961 by a mutual friend. They had a whirlwind romance, getting engaged on July 4, 1961, and then married Dec. 2, 1961. They welcome their first child, Ron Jr. on Oct. 8, 1962, and daughter Paula on May 19, 1965. The family moved to Vancouver, Wash., in the spring of 1967 so Ron could start a four-year plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship in Portland, Ore. During that time, he worked in the Porland shipyards for Albina Engine and Machine Works.
After finishing his apprenticeship, he went to work on the construction of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant. He worked at Trogen for only 10 days when he got the opportunity to interview for a plumber/pipefitter position with Bonneville Power administration. He was hired and sent to the Celilo Converter Station in The Dalles for a six-week position. That six weeks turned into a lifelong career and in December 1973, he and his family made the permanent move to The Dalles. Ron always said it was his dream job and he received many awards during this career with BPA, including a certificate of service, three monetary awards for superior job performance and a career service award.
In his late 40s, Ron took up cycling and fell in love with the sport. He would ride his bicycle any chance he got and participated in multiple long-distance rides, including Seattle to Portland, Reach the Beach and his favorite, Cycle Oregon.
After his retirement, he and Janice spent many winters in Quartzsite, Ariz., where he enjoyed ATV-ing, playing bingo and making friends. Ron could talk to anyone!
Ron loved his family deeply and spent as much time with them as he could. Some of his favorite times were the weeklong “kids trip” camping excursions he and Janice would take every summer with their four grandchildren.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Opal and Joseph, and his sisters Betty and Hazel. Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice; son Ron Jr. (Maureen); daughter Paula Daggett (Shawn); grandchildren Joseph Schachner (Sarah), Mark Schachner (Madison), Anna Davidson (Daniel) and Mollie Daggett; great-granddaughter Melody Tanner; and his brother James Schachner (Bonnie).
Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in The Dalles. Donations can be made in Ron’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Faith Lutheran Church.
To plant a tree in memory of Ronald Schachner, Sr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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