Husband, father, grandfather, brother and son, but most importantly, friend to all, Ronald Edward Travers passed away April 21, 2018, with his family by his side. We are saddened by this loss, but infinitely grateful for the life of this gentle and kind man. Ron, Dad, Papa, Traz, or Travers, whichever you called him, was the name of a selfless, loving man that would do anything for a friend.
Ron was born in Raymond, Wash., Aug. 6, 1944, to Doris and Jack Travers. In 1948, Doris married George Cox, who quickly became the man that Ron called dad. Shortly after, Ron welcomed his one and only brother, Greg, or as Ron liked to call him, “Cox”. Ron attended and graduated Pe Ell High School, where he excelled in FFA, sports, academics and not surprisingly, he was well liked by all. During his time in high school, Ron started his own business, Traz’s Garbage Route. This was just the beginning of Ron’s success due to his surpassingly hardworking attitude. The Pe Ell graduate of 1962, attended Bates Technical School and worked for Woodard Logging, before going on to work for Central Electric in 1965.
He soon met Sherry, the love of his life, in 1966. Ron asked Sherry’s dad for his blessing just three months into dating her, but Sherry’s dad asked them to date longer before marrying. Long story short, they were married six months later. They married May 27, 1967, making it just short of 51 years together.
Ron and Sherry welcomed their children, Ronnie, Oct. 28, 1968, and Julie, Jan. 24, 1970. With the reassurance from Gene Bazinet that he would always have a job, Ron ventured out to open his own electrical business, Travers Electric. He started with one van and himself in 1969. This year will mark the 50th year of Travers Electric in business, now owned by son, Ronnie since 1997. Ron had many hobbies, but his favorite was spending time with his family and friends. He was full of life and enjoyed raising cows, hunting and working. After retirement, Ron enjoyed buying and selling motorhomes, houses and cars, along with lifelong friends Terry and Krissy Miller. He enjoyed his time of the year spent in the warm Arizona weather, traveling and watching cowboy movies.
Ron is survived by Sherry, who was by his side as always; along with daughter and son, Julie (Bryan) Smith and Ronnie (Kristine) Travers; grandchildren, Charlie and Cortney Smith and Kayla, Ronny and Cole Travers; as well as brother, Greg Cox.
There will be a Masonic graveside service at the Claquato Cemetery at 11 a.m., May 5, 2018, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at Jesters Auto Museum, 321 Hamilton Road, Chehalis.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association are greatly appreciated. Arrangements are under the care of Cattermole Funeral Home.
