Ronald Michael Herron, 77, passed away October 14, 2020, surrounded by his family to meet our Lord whom he loved so very much.
Ron was born October 11, 1943, in Havre, MT, raised in Kalispell, MT and graduated from Mesa High School in AZ in 1962. During his childhood, Ron trapped with Joe Holly just outside of Glacier National Park, and left home at 13 to work for George Majeras in Havre, MT. Ron became ranch foreman at a young age for Majeras and turned down the opportunity to run the ranch to join the Air Force. Once in the Air Force, Ron became a dog handler for the Air Force Sentry program during the Vietnam War. Ron returned home to help his mother care for his dying father, William Herron, in California. After his dad’s passing in 1966, Ron went to school to become a corrective horseshoer. He moved back to Missoula, MT in 1969, and became a Brand Inspector. Ron spent much of his off time working with Cowboy Hall of Famer, Alex “Alec” Ogilvie. Together they would break wild horses. While working as a Brand Inspector, Ron would carve small statues and give them away to kids at the stock yards. Noticing the popularity of his small statues, and knowing his father William Herron was an artist; Ron continued creating Western miniature sculptures out of wax. Ron also found a passion in birds of prey. Ron obtained his falconer’s license and had a host of birds living with him in Missoula for many years.
In February 1971, he met his love and best friend, Karyn. Ron and Karyn married July 17, 1971 they continued their jobs until May 1972 when Ron and Karyn took to the road to set up one man shows and pursued his calling as an artist. They returned to Montana a year later and settled in Helena, MT. They decided to start their family and had two children, Buck and Tacy. They moved to Montana City, to build a home in the mountains. While living in Montana City, Ron built a foundry with Charles Dell and continued creating sculptures and jewelry.
Ron’s career blossomed, and his sculptures grew in size. Ron pioneered the idea of incorporating bronze into functional works of art, such as dining tables, bars, lamps, coffee tables, etc. This started a frenzy in the bronze art world and soon artists familiar with his work began to create the same. During his time as an artist, Ron was able to meet with some of the most powerful and respected people in the world. Ron sold art to the Princess of Monaco, General Norman Swartzkopf, President Bush Senior, multiple singers, actors, and NASCAR icons. However, the projects he was most proud of, were those he did out of love for Christ, and can be seen in many local churches.
Ron spent many months in other countries studying animals and cultures. Ron met with the King of the Samoan people and created an entire series of bronzes dedicated in capturing their culture. Ron had a deep understanding of Native American culture that would show in his bronzes, as well as, African wildlife to begin his African art series.
Ron showed art all over the country to include the Safari Club, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Charlie Russell Art show, South Eastern Wildlife Expo, Miami Yacht show, Dallas Safari Club, Shot Show, and many others.
During his career, he has built 3 foundries to cast his own work but this took up too much time & energy, so he always found himself back to just creating art.
Ron kept busy with his commissions, his shows, raising a family, cowboying and just spending time with his close friends and family. Ron made sure he kept up his duty to his community by being a part of the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department for over 11 years and was a Knight in the Knights of Columbus locally.
Ron loved his children unconditionally and loved to spend time taking them to their games, high school rodeos, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, traveling, and teaching them the secrets of nature.
In 2016, Ron and Karyn divorced but remained good friends. In 2016, after 44 years of being an artist, Ron retired due to declining health.
Ron was well respected by all, especially his peers. He was an exceedingly kind, gentle, caring, loving, and humble man. He was the best dad and father to his children. It was not uncommon for Ron to spend hours talking with his clients about their families and being invited to their homes. The relationship Ron built with most any person started with a hug and ended with a hug.
He is survived by his son, Buck and wife Michelle, his daughter, Tacy Swanton and husband Kelly. His brother, Chad and wife Norma. His grandchildren, Mikayla, Chelsey, Kynslee, Quincy, Kade, Kyra, and Kaleb. His great grandchildren Marlee, Everly, Emery and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lucille Herron, brother, Dennis, and sisters,
Lenore, Kay, & Deanna.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday November 6, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday November 6, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams St.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday November 6, 2020
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday November 6, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams St.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Gary & Sandra Mihelish says
Karen & Family,
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family. Ron was a treasured friend and a joy to know. I appreciated his friendship over the years and have some of his artwork to remember him. His bronzes have given us may moments of joy and relaxation. He will be missed. He was just a good person. And he was very creative!
Gary & Sandra Mihelish
Carol Gneckow says
Dear Ones,
You are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Ron was such a gifted artist. He will be missed. We pray you are filled with peace as God gives you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
John & Carol Gneckow
Richard Francesco says
Together with all the people of Saint Mary Catholic Community, I offer prayers and condolences to all of Ron’s loved ones. He will be missed here. One of Ron’s sculptures is a prominent feature during the Easter season here at Saint Mary. We will miss his quiet presence at Mass and his kind words. God bless you all. Rev. Richard G. Francesco
Lauren (Larson) and Mark Murphy says
We got to know Ron years ago when he started hunting on my parents’ ranch in the Boulder Valley. He so appreciated being allowed to hunt that he gave my parents some of his sculptures and paintings. They are treasured by us and our children still today. We have great memories of Ron the artist and the kind person he was to all he met.
Our thoughts are with all his family.
Elizabeth Scholz says
So many fond memories shared over the years. Gatherings with his family, enjoying visits to his Studio, admiring his works of art in bronze commissioned by collectors around the world. I, for one, am the proud owner of one of his sculptures. We will miss a gentle person, but also a very talented artist. For sure Ron will start a new Studio with new subjects ready to create works of art. Goodbye Ron, until we see each other again. Your friend and neighbor, Elizabeth Scholz.
Will Kissinger says
I served with Ron on the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. Ron was a good firefighter and a valued friend.
Thomas Gannon says
I too servered with Ron on Mt City Fire department
I had the honor of shoeing his horses for years
I treasure the bronzes that I purchased years ago,
Having a toast to his memory with our friend Joe Calnan at this very moment at Jackson Creek
Mike Griffith says
Karen, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your soulmate. Ron epitomized the meaning of a humble man and genuine friend. Many are the memories of you, Ron, and your children – from Broadway to the Elkhorn Mountains and beyond. Like so many others, I will continue to cherish the personalized results of Ron’s God given talents.
Rodger Nordahl says
Laura and I were saddened to see Ron had passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you . May God bless always, Skeeter
Jim & Arlene Pearson says
We too remember Ron from his days with the Montana City VFD. What great times those were. We also worked with Ron during some of his art shows and of course, we too have a nice bronze he named SCRAMBLED EGGS AND BACON. I remember one sale I made for him at the Safari Club Show in Reno, Nevada in particular. When the man paid for the piece, he peeled off $7000.00 cash into Ron’s hands in $100 dollar bills. Ron was as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs with all that cash till he could get it put into the hotel safe. Most sales that large were paid for with a check or credit card. He bought me a steak supper for that sale. We sure had a lot of interesting talks driving hundreds of miles between shows. He was a really good man. We’ll miss him.
Deacon Steve Barry says
Ron was a leader in my Cursillo weekend over 30 years ago and was a faithful Christian man. He led many to the Catholic faith and was always willing to share his life journey with Christ, both the ups and the downs but most especially the great joy, with those around him. I can’t help but remember sitting around a table with Ron and five other men with no artistic talent trying to draw a poster with a particular theme. We didn’t know Ron was an artist and as we talked about the theme with various elements he picked up the colored markers and just started drawing……..we were in awe; the end result was a work of art and a gift to all of us! He was a very special man, one I listened closely to and one I will miss visiting with. The Good Lord has a very special “studio” setup for Ron in his life eternal presence. May God’s bless Ron and hold his family close as they travel this desert journey with his passing. Deacon Steve
Pat (Fries) Scott says
Ron was a dear friend to my family and late husband Mike Fries. Ron made numerous sculptures that Mike designed of Montana buffalo, elk and bears! We displayed them all proudly in every room of our house and even at the U.S. Bank where Mike worked. Our friendship extended to Karen, Buck and Tacy! Beautiful people inside and out. God has lifted up to the heavens a beautiful spirit! Rest In Peace Ron! My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen and family. Pat (Fries) Scott,
deb stansberry says
During the high school rodeo years, we had many fun times with Ron and Karyn, making lifetime friends. So very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I will always remember his smile, his humor, and his talent. To Karyn, Tacy and Buck, sending much love and prayers to you all at this most difficult time. RIP Ron…….
Bob Flesher says
I met Ron and his wonderful family through the Mt City VFD. Ron had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever known. Had many great hunting trips with Ron and Buck. I always had great respect for Ron. A great man and he will certainly be missed by many people.
Bill Fries says
What a terrible loss for all of us! I first met Ron at the Dallas Safari Club in the late 90’s…he had Buck helping him. We all became quick friends; partially because I was wearing my Dallas Police Uniform, and was acting as part of the security detail. Buck aspired to be an officer, and I think I helped him stay in college before joining a force. After the show ended, Ron and Buck had a long job in breaking down their double booth…to help out, I volunteered to stay at the booth, freeing them up to move items to their trailer. When everything was loaded, Ron tried to pay me but I refused…he and Buck were the finest examples of Montana Cowboys! We saw each other every year for the next 20! Buck, your dad was so very proud of you and the man/father you became…