Ron Schaafsma Obituary (1948 - 2022)

Ron Brent Schaafsma was born on January 1st, 1948 in Artesia, CA to Charlie and Wilma Schaafsma. Ron was curious and inquisitive from day one, always asking why? When Ron was five years old, the family moved to Enumclaw, WA. He never loved the dairy life and his entrepreneurial inclinations became apparent early on. Whether he was chaining up family vehicles on their way to Crystal, throwing dances, or oiling roads using recycled oil, he loved figuring out how to meet peoples' needs and make money in the process. If it involved vehicles, all the better! Ron's passions were cars and motorcycles and anything with a motor, really. He was a genius at figuring out how motors worked and fixing them. His first job, at 12 or 13, was at Hinshaw's in Enumclaw where he worked every Friday. His nickname became "Friday". After a few jobs in the automotive industry, Ron took a huge risk and started a business of his own. He had a young wife, Faith, a two year old daughter, Lori, and a son, David, on the way. He risked it all and started Country Stoves. Ron ran Country Stoves and developed commercial properties for the next 29 years, selling Country to Lennox Hearth Products in 2006. During those years, he spent time with his family at their cabin in Cle Elum (one of his favorite places), indulged his car passion with a revolving door of fast cars and assorted vehicles, and enjoyed tinkering on anything and everything. In spite of his business success, Ron never stopped fixing his own cars and could fix anything he got his hand on. Ron was called home to be with the Lord on May 16th, 2022 at around 9pm. He joined his parents, Charlie and Wilma, sister Char, and brother Sam. He had suffered from Parkinson's for the last 15 years and had also been diagnosed with a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer. Ron, husband, father, and "Papa" as his grandkids called him, leaves his wife Faith, daughter Lori (husband Brady), son David (wife Wendy), grandchildren Stone, Addison, Quinny, and Elle, and brother Dan. Ron, with his larger than life presence, generosity, and witty sense of humor, leaves a deep void in the lives of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.