Ron was born in South Dakota but while he was still at a very young age, his parents, following the “California Dream,” moved the family, now including an 11 month younger brother, Don, to Southern California, just outside of Los Angeles.

There he grew up and started college, focusing on black and white photography for which he won awards and continued a life-long passion. He married his high school sweetheart and they soon had a son. Supporting his young family proved challenging and eventually the marriage did not survive all the difficult hurdles.

Ron left for Northern California and found finishing work with Metropolitan Furniture, a high end company. in San Francisco. He felt he could go only so far here so joined a Fine Finishing Co. owned by hard-working young owners building a reputation in the Bay Area. His skills were needed, and his ability to bring projects in on time and on budget convinced the two owners to invite him to become a third owner.

Ron was genuinely what is called “An Old World Artisan,” specializing in wood finishes for huge estates or Northern California wineries. He mixed his own dyes and had several layers of preparation to completing beautiful rooms that were shown in publications such as “Architectural Digest” or “World of Interiors.” The best architects and designers in the Bay Area sought him for their projects.

He was wonderful at managing crews to complete these jobs. The young owners finally disbanded and Ron continued his work as R.W. Albers Fine Finishing. His clients used him repeatedly and people in the know referred to him as a “Master of Wood Finishing,” often seeking his advice or asking him to mix dyes for them.

He married his second wife, RoseEllen, when she rented a work studio space from him, she being an artist as well. She was from the Northwest and he always felt they would end up here. Family connections brought them to Vashon along with their young son, Ethan.

Ron continued his work in the Bay Area but after a few years of a long commute, semi-retired on the Island. It’s notable that during his last two weeks at Harborview there were still calls coming in from clients hoping he could do work for them.

On Vashon, the family got involved with The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit”. Ron and RoseEllen took charge of the “Brown Bag Meal” financed by CHS and for eight years prepared a hand-out meal each Saturday for anyone wanting it. While RoseEllen handled preparation, Ron took care of distribution with his ever faithful side-kick, Hank (his dog). It was important to Ron to know who the people were coming for meals, their individual stories, how they were getting along. Ron was a kind and talented man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a much-younger brother, John, and his eldest son, Isaac. He is survived by his wife, RoseEllen, his son, Ethan, his brother, Don and many In-Laws, nephews and nieces mostly here in the Northwest. A private family Memorial is being planned.

If you wish, remembrances in Ron’s name may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit Discretionary Fund or VIPP of which Hank was a graduate.

December 8, 1949 — June 19, 2024