Ronald Lee Tash

Ronald Lee Tash passed away on Feb 14.  He was born March 28, 1932 in Twin Bridges Montana to Leland and Edith Tash.  He had two brothers, an older brother that died at birth, simply named Baby Tash, and a younger brother, Edwin Tash, who has also passed away. 

As a child Ron lived with his parents and Grandparents on the ranch In Twin Bridges and there began his love of horses.  Although an only child for most of his youth he had many cousins in the Twin Bridges and Dillon area that he was close to and enjoyed their companionship. 

He graduated from Twin Bridges High School where he played basketball and football.  He enjoyed hunting and helping around the ranch being a part of many cattle drives over the years.  After graduation he began truck driving cross country. On one of these trips he met and fall in love with Patricia Lee Fauver the summer of 1954 at Roundup, Montana.  They married the following year on October 8th, 1955.  Between the two of them they brought 3 children into the marriage, Roger Alan, Marilyn Elizabeth and William Weston.  They added 5 more children over the next 8 years, Linda Lee, Ronald Patrick, Diana Lynne, Leland Clinton and April Marie.  Ron is survived by his lovely wife of 64 years, Patty, plus all 8 children, 18 Grandchildren and 28 Great Grandchildren.

Soon after their wedding Ron and Patty moved to Helena where they operated a small gas station but Ron also continued to drive truck.  Ron enjoyed driving and to mom’s great joy would often take one or two of the children with him on long trips as far as Salt Lake City or Edmonton Canada.  This was a special time for him to be with his children. 

In 1985 he started his own business in Helena, T & M Transport. He brought Patty on as his business partner.  The business thrived with Ron doing the talking and sales while Patty handled the books and office operations.  After many years of living in the Helena area, he retired in 2000 and they moved to the Bitterroot Valley.  He enjoyed the little ranch in Corvallis and began breeding horses. They had several colts born over the next couple of years and by 2005 had 10 horses. He loved to go riding in the Bob Marshall Wildness and took many pack trips with friends and family.  He was also well known for being an expert cribbage player.  His family enjoyed the competition and before he passed, he had taught many of the Great Grandkids how to play.  The cribbage board was never far from the kitchen table.

Ron loved the Lord and was a member of the Church of Christ.  He enjoyed helping the Hamilton congregation with business issues or arranging men to help during the services.  Ron had a passion for supporting missionaries such as Padero Sanchez in Chili.  He was also passionate about supporting the Mountain States Children Home in Colorado.

Ron was an avid reader of western novels, his favorite being Louis L’Amour and he greatly admired the actor John Wayne.  But he loved Patty more than anything and would always remember her birthday, anniversary and Valentine’s Day.  Even on the day of his passing they spent time exchanging cards and sharing words of love. 

If you asked his family, friends or neighbors about Ron you’d hear he is remembered for his friendly ways, his ease of making conversation and rolling laughter.  He was always willing and eager to help others and He truly appreciated the help he received from others.  He was always quick with a quirky saying such as “you’re handier than pockets on a shirt”.  When saying goodbye to someone he often said “now walk slow and drink a little water”.  He loved to talk to people and quickly turned strangers into friends everywhere he went.

Ron will be laid to rest Saturday in Twin Bridges along side his Grandparents, parents and brothers.   He will be greatly missed!

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