Ronald Erwin Faulkner, age 88, passed from mortality on November 24, 2021, leaving behind a very heartbroken, large family. Ron was born October 10, 1933 to Leslie Houston Faulkner and Florence “Lucyle” Singer Faulkner in Anaheim, California. He lived on a quiet, little street, not far from the orange orchards that would become Disneyland. At the dead end of his street was a middle school which was his private playground. It had basketball hoops. His brother, Leslie Houston Jr. “Hugh” was four years his senior, and an accomplished athlete with the round-ball. He pointed the way for Ron who never tired of practicing. Ron's brother, Dennis Herbert, eleven years younger, shot hoops during half time at all his brother’s games, but somehow bowling became his sport. When interviewed for the local newspaper, their mother said it was nearly impossible to keep enough food in the house for her boys. Ron, at 6'5” was the “little one” of the family with Hugh being 6'8”, and Dennis 6'10”.
His first job, at the age of 12, was working for Alpha Beta Foods. One of his jobs was to walk the daily cash to the bank. He was also required to attend union meetings in the smoke-filled rooms with his adult co-workers. He saved his money to purchase things for others, such as a new bed for his parents. When he was about fourteen, he told his friends that someday he was going to marry a redhead.
In high school he played basketball for four years and played the trumpet and the tuba in the marching band. He graduated from Anaheim High School in 1951 and received a basketball scholarship to Pepperdine University. He played varsity basketball for four years and was often the high point scorer. He was offered a contract to play professional ball but turned it down as life on the road was not compatible with family life.
Ron met Garnée Moody on their first day of college at Pepperdine. She was sixteen, and he was seventeen. They were married on June 12, 1954 in Glendale, CA. He graduated from Pepperdine in 1955 with a degree in Business Administration and worked for Standard Oil Company as an accounting clerk, and then for Knudsen Creamery doing advertising displays. Their first child, Ronee, was born during this time. Shortly after her birth, they moved to Delta, UT to manage his father-in-law’s large ranch and cattle feeding operation, and to help him with a uranium mining project. They were there three years until the ranch sold. While living on the ranch, a son, Tyler L was born, and Ron became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He remained a faithful member throughout his life.
Ron attended Brigham Young University for two years, completing pre-dental requirements. During this time a second son, Drew Ayer, was born. In 1961, Ron was accepted at Physicians and Surgeons Dental School in San Francisco (now University of the Pacific). While in San Francisco, they were always on the hunt for a location to settle permanently. The Christmas vacation before graduation the family, along with Garnée’s parents, traveled to Butte County as a fellow classmate had settled in Chico. His father-in-law, Garn Moody, had been a General Contractor so he wanted to see the dam under construction. They fell in love with the rolling hills and the community of Oroville.
Ron graduated from dental school in May of 1965. A third son, York Moody, was born a month prior to graduation. The family moved to Oroville on July 4, 1965. Ron practiced dentistry from 1965 to 2003. He limited his practice to children for fifteen of those years. His favorite get-away was being on Lake Oroville where he spent countless hours patiently helping family and friends learn to water ski. Ron and Garnée loved traveling to the east coast to visit grandchildren, and touring American history sites. The past 20 years, they vacationed nearly every fall in Mexico, and formed many friendships there. After retiring, he learned the art of wood carving.
His church service included youth leadership, seminary teacher, Sunday school teacher, Bishop of the Oroville, and Oroville 2nd Wards for seven years, and nine years as the President of the Gridley, CA Stake. He and Garnée served as missionaries in Tennessee from 2007-2009. During his time as Stake President, he oversaw the construction of three new chapels and a remodel of an existing chapel in the Oroville and Gridley areas.
Ron is survived by his wife and best friend of 67 years, Garnée, and their four children: Ronée Wright of Oroville, Tyler (Tami) of Rocklin, Drew of Oroville, and York (Miki) of Toyoko, Japan; Wright grandchildren: Greyson (Tanny) and Breck (Leia); Faulkner grandchildren: Kragen (Rachel), Landon (Kyra), Avery (Trever), Andrew (Teresa), Jensen, Kyndra, Chad (Jenna), Ryan (Sydelle), Haley, Kevin, Heather, Scott, Jake, Austin, and Logan; Wright great-grandchildren: Bryce, Drake, Eli, Luke, and Harper; Faulkner great-grandchildren: Reagan, Rylie, Knixon, Knox, Paityn, Hudson, Remi, Jude, Paizlee, Elin, Anson, Jonah, Adam, Teariki, Tylah, Levi, Khorban, Kellan, and Ryleigh. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Marilyn Faulkner, and nieces and nephews: Vickie Griggs, Mitch, Mike, Mark, Dean and Deanna Faulkner.
His greatest joy was his family, near and far, and he delighted in their accomplishments. As the patriarch of our family, we looked to him for revelation and inspiration. He believed in teaching true principles, and then letting us govern ourselves. He taught by example with love, kindness, wisdom, and patience, but never judgement. Because of his influence, we wanted to be better and do better. He looked for the good in all. He never raised his voice in anger. He led us in prayer. He taught us how to work. He was witty and fun to be around. He always put the needs and wants of others before his own, and quietly served others. He was quick to give a compliment and never complained. He loved all things Christmas! He was a student of current events, of history, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life and example are a gift to us, and we are so very grateful.
Graveside service and burial will be at the Delta City Cemetery, 400 East 750 North, on Saturday, December 4, at 11:00am. Those unable to attend may join through Zoom: Meeting ID: 992 3699 4042 - Passcode: 417043 - or view the recorded video of the service here. The links to both will be posted along with his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com. A Memorial Service will be held in Oroville, CA on December 18, 10:00am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2390 Monte Vista Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.