Ronald James Burgoyne “Listener, Mentor, Transformer” passed from this world on August 13, 2021, after a five-year battle with cancer. Ron was born on June 14, 1945, in Lakeview, Oregon to John Wesley and Erma Ila Sweeney Burgoyne. He joined his brother and first roommate, Marvin, to complete the family. The brothers enjoyed an adventurous childhood exploring all the canyons, mountains, and streams Surprise Valley had to offer. Despite being separated by miles, they continued to share a close bond throughout their lives. Ron grew up in a large family enjoying many memorable times with his brother, cousins, and childhood friends who became great hunting, fishing, and camping buddies. He attended Surprise Valley schools graduating from Surprise Valley Union High School in Cedarville, California.
He began his work life at the age of 10, starting a lawn mowing business by pulling a lawn mower behind his bicycle. He worked in the hay fields and later as a firefighter on the Modoc National Forest with the Devil’s Garden Ranger District. He attended Humboldt State College and Lassen Community College obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice and Police Science. Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1965-1969. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1967. This experience had a significant and lasting impact upon him throughout his life.
Ron married Cathi Hill upon his return to the States on January 6, 1968. They welcomed their first child, Jennifer Susan, in 1970. He began his career as a Probation Officer in Alturas, California. In 1972, their son, Andy, was born. The family migrated to Helena, Montana in 1978 beginning a new adventure. Ron worked for the State of Montana in Worker’s Compensation for a brief time before becoming a Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer in 1982 for Lewis and Clark County and later the State of Montana. He took this work and the kids he worked with to heart saying, “I never worked with bad kids, just kids who made bad choices.” He retired to play with his grandkids in the winter of 2010.
He had five incredible grandchildren: Taylor, Piper, Daniel, Jolee, and Cameron. These kids brought him much laughter and joy, and he loved attending their activities with Cathi. In his last years, they were of great comfort and aid to him.
He treasured the mountains, hunting, fishing, teaching, and sharing these loves with his kids and grandkids. Ron relished Carroll College football games, and he was a season ticket holder. He was enormously honored by and proud of his service as a firefighter and captain with Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department. His fellow firefighters on the department and throughout the Helena Valley held a special place in his heart.
Ron was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Erma Burgoyne, his brother Marvin, and several cousins, along with his parents-in-law, Dan and Peggy Hill, and nephew, Bobby Bednar. He is survived by his wife Cathi of 53 years, daughter Jennifer (Thad), son Andy (Kristin) and grandchildren Taylor, Piper, Daniel, Jolee, and Cameron. Sister-in-law, Gussie Burgoyne of Verdi, Nevada and her children, Dan Burgoyne and Sue (Dan) Holly. Sister and brother-in-law, Gene and Sue Ann Mattiuzzo of Fort Bragg, California and their son, Geoffrey (Tara) Mattiuzzo and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Above all, Ron was the very best Dad and Papa to his kids and his grandkids while being Cathi’s lifelong partner. He will be forever loved more than words. We will miss him beyond measure and will continue to count on his wisdom, influence, and lessons the rest of our lives.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Weiner, Dr. Andrew Gilbert, his staff, Benefis of Great Falls, and all the health care providers who did their best by Ron.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ron’s memory to the Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department at 2520 Baxendale Drive, Helena, MT 59601 or to the veterans’ support organization Mending Waters, www.mendingwatersmontana.org.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Carol Nelson says
Andy,
Sending condolences to you and your family.
Carol Nelson
Retired DNRC HR Specialist
jeffrey sherlock says
I always admired Ron’s patience in dealing with youthful offenders. Peace to his family
Karen Bryson says
My sincere condolences to Ron’s family. Ron was a gentle giant in his dealings with juveniles on probation.
It was a pleasure to work with him.
Susan Wolcott says
Ron was a good man.
Renee McMahon says
Dear Cathi and family,
I am saddened by the loss of your dear Ron. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I pray for God’s grace and love to embrace you.
Renee Hill-McMahon
Zane Nance says
I am sorry for your loss. I’m sure he is part of many good memories. Hold them close and know his is safe in God’s hands.
Janet says
I’m sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was definitely a mentor and kind soul. I have fond memories of him from my teen years as well as college years when I interned at JP. He will be missed.
john ilgenfritz says
Condolences to Ron’s family and friends. I met Ron in the mid-80s when I was Director of Ewing Place, a short term group home for troubled teens and Ron would refer youth to our program. He had a good sense of humor and I enjoyed working with him as he cared about the youth under his supervision. I hadn’t seen Ron since the pandemic, but prior to that I would run into him now and again. He always was upbeat, with a smile as we talked about the good old days.
Rosalie Walsh says
Dear Cathi and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ron was a kind and gentle man. You are in my prayers and thoughts for the days ahead…..
Rosie
Sharon Tregidga says
Many lives were changed over the years for young people who had him for a probation officer. He was patient yet firm and kids always knew where they stood with him. He cared deeply and put that into practice. He always went the extra mile and hung in there when others would have given up. Godspeed Ron.
Lauren Murphy says
Cathi,
I was so sorry to read about Ron. I may not see you often these days but think of you often. You are in my thoughts and prayers especially at this time.
Lauren
Barbara and Allen Han says
Cathi, It has been both a privilege and a comfort to share grandkids with you and Ron. You are most definitely in our thoughts and prayers always.
Allen Wylie says
I got to grow up with “Ronnie” in Cedarville, Calif. Besides being an excellent student he was the best basketball player in that part of the country and many of us classmates got to be on many championship teams because of him. He also was the star baseball pitcher on many excellent baseball teams with an least one championship there. Congratulations to Cathi for over 50 years of marriage, and God bless you and your family.
Shane Betts says
This makes me so so sad thank you for the life lessons I will never forget you and the things that you have taught me through the years