Roland Franklin Koons

Roland Franklin Koons, 79, went to be with the Lord on July 2, 2009 after a courageous battle with acute leukemia, with his loving wife at his side.

Ron was born March 30, 1930, to Oswald and Mary Koons in Shickshinny, Pa.

He served in the Air Force and later moved to Buffalo, N.Y., where he worked as a mechanic for U.S. Airways for 28 years and then retired in 1989.

His passion was his cars, which he kept up meticulously. He loved to travel and after seeing Glacier Park he knew it was God's country and had to make it his home. In 1991 he moved to Hungry Horse with his wife, Candy. His favorite spot in the world was sitting in his living room looking out at his mountains.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Candy Koons; daughter Cheryl (John) Whitesell of Pennsylvania; granddaughter Kristine (Bill) Pruett; son Robert (Susan) of Washington; grandchildren Miles and Anne Ray; daughter-in-law Theresa (Tony) of Washington; and grandchildren Zeus, Jenny (Scott) and Vanessa. He just missed seeing his first great-grandson to be born in September. He also is survived by his best friend and "adopted son," Dennis Mavis.

A memorial service for Ron will be held at Canyon Baptist Church on Thursday, July 9 at 11 a.m., with Lee Swafford officiating. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for Ron's family.