Ronald Dale Bullock

Ronald Dale Bullock, 83, passed away on October 12, 2023.

He was born on January 22, 1940, in Eugene, Oregon, to Dale and Martha Bullock.

Ron grew up on the family farm in Kellogg, Oregon, near the Umpqua River, where he learned to swim, first crossing the river before the age of 10. He and his cousin, Marvin Bullock (who was like a brother), helped their fathers build a motel in Eugene when they were in grade school. Later, the Bullock families moved to Brookings, where the boys helped build another motel (both buildings are still standing).

Ron went to Brookings Harbor High School, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. He loved working on cars with his friends, especially his cherished Oldsmobile. He worked summers in a lumber mill. Ron was a bit competitive and pushed himself to graduate as valedictorian in 1958. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in secondary education with a math major from Oregon State University in 1962. That year, Ron began teaching math and coaching football in Portland at Parkrose High School. During the summers, he went back to school and earned his masters degree in counseling from OSU.

While in college, Ron met his one true love and lifelong sweetheart, Leslie Jean Pegg. They were married on June 9, 1962, at Corvallis First Baptist Church. They honeymooned that summer in a lookout tower near Lakeview, where they helped protect the mountain forests from fire. In 1965, they had their first child, Lynn Kathryn, who was stillborn. Their second daughter, Perrie Danielle, was born in 1966 and William Dale followed in 1968.

In ‘68, they moved to Stayton, where Ron taught math at Stayton Union High School and coached football. He was also a baseball pitching coach (where the Eagles took the state championship once or twice). In 1979, Ron felt led to switch from public to private education at Salem Academy. He not only taught math and Bible classes, but also served as athletic director, counselor, vice principal and coached basketball and baseball. Later, around 1987, he returned to Stayton where he finished his career. He retired in 2002.

Ron was a man of faith in Jesus Christ and lived a life of integrity and humility. He was a member of Stayton Christian Church, where he served as an elder until his health began to fail.

He was an outgoing guy who loved his family, teaching and coaching, sports (especially the OSU Beavers), laughter and humor (telling horrible puns), traveling Oregon and Washington, being near water (building a pond and waterfall in the backyard), reading, and tending to his legendary rose bushes (well, he didn’t exactly love pruning them, but delighted in sharing their beauty with the neighborhood).

But most of all, Ron loved and adored Leslie. They were inseparable. Last October, Leslie died at home after a final bout of cancer. Ron tended to her lovingly, never leaving her side. He missed her terribly. Now, they are together again forever.

Ron is survived by his children, Perrie (and son-in-law David) Stewart, Will (and daughter-in-law Bitsy) Bullock; grandchildren Boston Stewart, Cassidy Ryan, Zane Stewart, Paige Bullock, and Ethan Bullock; sisters Shirley Henderer and Kathi Caulley; and sister-in-law, Barbara Waldron (who stayed with Leslie and then Ron in their last weeks).

A celebration of life will be held November 5, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Stayton Christian Church 189 E. Washington St. Stayton, OR 97383.