Ronald Dean Ness

Ronald Dean Ness was born on May 8, 1948 at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton, Washington to Louise and Ray Ness. Growing up in Port Orchard, Ron attended Orchard Heights Elementary, Marcus Whitman Junior High, and South Kitsap High School where he was a three sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. After graduating in 1966, Ron attended the University of Puget Sound on a football scholarship where he was a four-year starter at defensive tackle for the Loggers. After graduating from UPS, Ron obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Montana Law School. Returning to Port Orchard, Ron began an illustrious career as a member of the Kitsap County Bar practicing law in 1973. After working for the Kitsap County Public Defenders office, Ron returned to private practice to complete his legal career. Ron served as the Vice-President of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and was recognized for his work in the legal community with both the WACDL Presidents Award and the Kitsap County Bar Association's President Award.

Ron’s athletic pursuits did not end at UPS. He played semi-professional football with the Seattle Cavaliers and was a presence on the local basketball courts with the Westbay Auto Pistons. Ron could also be seen demonstrating his athletic prowess on the slowpitch diamond and was an accomplished handball player using his agility and large hands to command center court. Later in life, Ron transferred his love of competition to the golf course as a member of the Kitsap Golf and Country Club. During his membership, Ron served his fellow duffers on the board of directors for the country club.

Ron’s sense of community was not limited to the legal realm. He served on several boards and foundations including the Elton Goodwin Memorial Foundation, the South Kitsap Community Sports Foundation, and Agape Unlimited.

Affectionately known as “Papa Bear” at home, Ron had a generously big heart. He loved to travel, adventure and explore. Whether it was skiing in the mountains, exploring dinosaur trails, or sharing history tidbits with his family in Italy, his love for life was robust. In his few quiet moments, he had reestablished his love for working with stained glass, and had created several beautiful works of art over the last few years. Every moment of his absence will be deeply felt.

Ron is survived by his mother Louise Ness of Port Orchard, Washington; sister Floy Ziegler of Seattle, Washington; wife Kathy Ness of Port Orchard, Washington; son Ron Ness Jr. of Lakewood, Washington; daughter Hannah Pirone of Port Orchard, Washington; granddaughter Miranda Ness of Lakewood, Washington; and grandson Braden Pirone of Portland, Oregon.

A celebration of life will be 10am Saturday, August 20th in the South Kitsap High School auditorium.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elton Goodwin Foundation or Agape Unlimited.