Ronald E. Banister
Longtime Kent resident Ronald E. Banister passed away on March 27, 2009, due to complications resulting from pancreatic cancer.Born in Sask., Canada, he moved to Kelso, WA with his family at a young age. He attended Kelso schools, graduated from Kelso High School and went on to Lower Columbia College in Longview. He later served in the U.S. Army for six years.He married Janice Wilson, on June 20, 1959. They moved to Kent in late 1960. They welcomed two children, a son Kevin (Kari) and a daughter Gina Banister Martin (Brad. They also have five grandchildren; Kameron, Kyle and Keaton Banister, and Makenna and Kyler Martin.Ron enjoyed a long and successful career in retail management at J.C. Penney, Rottle’s of Kent, Lamonts, and Nordstrom at Tacoma Mall and Southcenter. He later started a new career in real estate, most recently at Windermere in Kent. He also served as a City of Kent Civil Service Commissioner for many years.As a weekend “hobby” he joined his daughter in raising Alpacas and found his true calling. He thoroughly enjoyed “farming,” and soon became very active and involved as an Alpaca breeder. He soon became an active participant in competitions, shows and auctions nationally.Ron, with his ever present bright smile, will always be remembered as a loving, caring, genuine first class gentleman.He is survived by his wife Jan, the love of his life, and the other lights of his life, their children and grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Kent Covenant Church, 12010 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98030 on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by Marlatt Funeral Home.
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