Ronald Earl Hauxwell

Life is often measured in the number of years lived, but for Ron Hauxwell, the life that he lived is what mattered most. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, family member, friend, and teacher, Ron leaves behind those that he treasured above all else, his family. He loved deeply, gave quietly, and experienced life richly. He will be sadly missed and remembered in the hearts of those who knew him. May 19, 1946, marked a day of celebration for Earl and Elizabeth (Klauka) Hauxwell, as they welcomed the birth of their son, Ronald Earl Hauxwell into their lives. Ron was born in Flint, Michigan, and was raised as an only child on the family farm where he enjoyed many hobbies including raising rabbits and exploring nature. His father, a grain elevator operator, worked in nearby Clio, Michigan while his mother served as an Administrative Secretary to the president of a local college. Over the years, Ron enjoyed camping with friends, and as he grew older, he acquired a knack for working on car engines. While attending Mt. Morris Public Schools, Ron demonstrated an interest in chemistry and practiced at home, with many stories resulting from his experiments. His early experiences paid off when he later went on to receive his Masters Degree in Chemistry from Western Michigan University. While attending WMU, Ron met the love of his life on a blind date. Margaret Reidy was attending Nazareth College, an all girls college, and the two dated for two years. Ron belonged to the ROTC, and later joined the Army Reserves, Army Corp of Engineers. He served as an officer, remaining stateside at summer camp in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout their dating relationship, Ron always told Margaret, Im going to marry you some day, and indeed he did. On August 10, 1968, in Monroe, Michigan, Ron and Margaret were united in marriage. Having grown up as an only child, Ron quickly learned how to share when he became part of a large family. Over the years, Ron and Margaret made their home in Bangor and Kalamazoo, Michigan areas before settling in North Muskegon, Michigan. It was here that they became members of Prince of Peace Catholic Church while raising their family. Jennifer came along in 1971, followed by David in 1974, Stephen in 1977, and Alyson completing their household in 1979. As a father, his childrens happiness meant everything to Ron. He provided for Margaret and the children as a Professor of Occupational Health and Safety at Grand Valley State University, and as a Health and Safety Consultant for the last 27 years at his company, Pathfinders Associates. But life was not about all work and no play for Ron. He was quite fanatic with his many hobbies, equipping himself well for fishing, hunting, golfing, boating, camping, and scuba diving, not to mention his love for cigars. He literally dove head first into everything he did, and in all that he accomplished, Ron gave it his all with gusto. Several times over the years, he spent time in the Caribbean and Hawaii scuba diving, and even swam along with sharks, sting rays, manta rays, sea turtles, eels, puffer fish, juvenile spotted drums (his favorite fish), and many other sea creatures including his children. Ron took interest in seeing and experiencing everything there was to see and do there, but his favorite was being able to share his experiences and love of the water with his kids. Throughout the years, wonderful times were spent together on family vacations to the Caribbean, Hawaii, California and Mackinac Island. Of course, there was the infamous trip to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee when all the kids became car sick, too. The children have fond memories of special days fishing with their Dad, and camping on their boat, appropriately named H20. These were special times when Ron and the kids caught buckets of fish from Muskegon Lake, and he allowed the kids to have all the Mountain Dew and Twinkies they wanted. There was also the Great Salmon Fishing Era, in which Ron would wake his children at some horrific early hour to harvest big fish from Lake Michigan. In later years, a most memorable time was spent experiencing a special guided fishing trip with his sons at Lake of the Woods in Canada. In 2005, Ron and Margaret together journeyed on a trip to Italy with family and friends. Ron was a quiet and generous giver of the heart, with no expectations for recognition. He once paid the way for a little girl he didnt know to attend a camp she could not afford his family found out about his kindness by accident later when the school secretary thanked them for the donation. In recent years, he volunteered his time at a Red Cross golf outing where he was in charge of all the barbequing. Although he may have been stern at times, Rons bark was always worse than his bite. One never to mince words, he was honest to the core; whether positive or negative, Ron did not negotiate his honesty, nor did he favor ways of diplomacy. He was straightforward, and was a great teacher who possessed an intense work ethic. He often teased in grumpy fashion about the kids and all he did for them, but Ron truly loved every minute of it, and would do anything for his family. With his dry sense of humor, Ron could be quite comical, and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. He often times taught his grandchildren things their parents did not always appreciate, in a mischievous way, but was certainly a well loved and respected father and grandfather. He took joy in babysitting his grandchildren, treating them to movies at the theater, and taking them on fishing and boating excursions. In the coming days, Ron and Margaret were preparing to travel to Switzerland to visit their son David and his family as they prepared to welcome a new baby into their lives, when a tragic accident claimed his life. Ronald E. Hauxwell, at the age of 63, died on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 with suitcase packed. He will be remembered for all that he gave, his great humor and life lessons he passed along, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Ron is survived by wife, Margaret; sons, David (Claire) Hauxwell of Geneva, Switzerland, and Stephen (Amy) Hauxwell of Chesterfield, MI; daughters, Jennifer (David Giehtbrock) Hauxwell of WI, and Alyson (Andrew) Yagiela of Muskegon; grandchildren, Miles, Ellen, Elyse, Kiersten, Owen, and baby Addilyn due on Sunday. Ron also leaves behind a whole clan of Reidy's that he inherited upon marrying Margaret; sister-in-law, Cathy; brothers-in-law, Pat (Collette), Bob (Kathie), Paul (Cathleen); neices Erika, Emily, Monica, and Jessica; nephews Patrick, Kyle, and Luke. He was preceded in death by his parents. A service to celebrate Rons life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2009, 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Phillip A. Sliwinski and Deacon Jim Schiltz officiating. Visitation will take place Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church. MEMORIAL: Arthritis Foundation. Please visit www.clocklifestory.net to leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or to sign Rons online guest book.