With great sadness, we announce the passing of Ron Shultz, who left us July 1, 2023. Ron’s quick wit, laughter, bright smile and generosity will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ron gave his all to his work, hobbies and family. In his down time, Ron was an avid reader and movie buff.
Ron’s outstanding career included Director of Policy and Inter-governmental Relations at the Washington State Conservation Commission. In this position, Ron enthusiastically represented both farmer and conservational interest with wisdom and compassion. Ron also held the position of agency lead on the Puget Sound Partnership, directing wetland mitigation issues and supporting the Office of Farmland Preservation.
Ron was the Director of Programs and Acting Executive Director for the Puget Sound Partnership, Natural Resources Advisor to then-Governor Gary Locke, and Policy Director for the Audubon Society’s Washington chapter.
Ron was born September 10, 1963, in New London, Connecticut, to James A. Shultz Jr., and Patricia A. (Jones) Shultz. Ron spent his early years in Edmonds, Washington, until moving to Tenino, Washington in 1974.
Ron participated in a wide variety of activities while attending Tenino High School, class of 1981, including football, baseball, ski club and drama. Ron then went on to Centralia College, serving as student body president in 1983, before earning his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Washington. Ron continued his education and received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, passing the bar examination on the first try soon after. Ron’s education led him down his robust career path and allowed him to actively engage in the political environment that he loved.
Ron is survived by dad James (May) Shultz of Tenino; sister Peggy Tate of Everett; brothers James Shultz III of Rochester, and Eric (Rachel) Shultz of Brighton, Illinois; and nieces and nephews Cory Tate of Spanaway, Curtis Tate of Spanaway, Kyle Shultz of St Louis, Claire Harvey of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Emily Shultz of St. Louis, and Rebekah Dillinger of Columbia, Missouri.
Ron was preceded in death by mom Pat Shultz.
A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Church in Olympia, Washington. Flowers may be sent to the church on Friday, Aug. 4
