Life History:
Ron was the son of Gene E. Olson and Phyllis Pillsbury from Seattle, WA. He was born on Sept 21st, 1940. He met his wife, Barbara Jennie Budinich at the University of Washington Institute and they were later sealed on Sept 19th, 1966 in the Logan, UT temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ron and Barbara are the parents of five children, one son and four daughters and numerous grandchildren.

Throughout their life, Ron and Barbara and their family have lived in Washington, Colorado, Idaho and Utah. They have traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, South America, and Australia.

Education:
Ron graduated from high school in Spokane, WA and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from University of Washington in Fish and Wildlife Management. He also obtained his commercial pilot’s license and then became a flight instructor.

Employment:
After college, Ron worked for the FAA as an air traffic controller. Later, he worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington and Wyoming for 21 years and then 8 years for the Bonneville Power Administration in Idaho and Oregon. He spent a total of 30 years working for the federal government as a field biologist and then a managing biologist. He retired in 2002.

Hobbies or Interests:
Although Ron had many varied hobbies and interests, his time was well-spent as a loving father and grandfather. He thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by his family no matter the reason. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, fishing, hunting and exploring with his family. He was always excited to be walking in the mountains or following a winding river. He also had a commercial pilot’s license and often had to fly for his work or for fun, always taking one of his children on a special trip to spend time with them. He had a love of beautiful and inspiring music, both to play on the piano and as well as to listen to. Ron was a gifted writer who could express his thoughts and feelings in a very eloquent and touching way to his family.

Religious Service:
Ron has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since he was 13 years old. He and his parents were baptized in 1953 in Spokane, WA. Ron then served diligently as a young missionary in the New Zealand South Mission from 1959 to 1961. He additionally has served in many callings throughout his time on earth. He has been a stake high councilman, served in a bishopric, ward or stake organist many times over, numerous part-time family history assignments, a teacher in several organizations, and another full-time mission with his wife, Barbara, at the Family History Mission in Salt Lake City.

Survived by:
Wife: Barbara Jennie Budinich Starkey

Four daughters:
Tamara Lynn Broadhead (South Jordan)
Jenneece Suzanne Hale (Kaysville)
Lisa May Bushman (Gilbert, AZ)
Lynnette Suzanne Wettstein (Queen Creek, AZ)

Daughter in law: Julie Starkey Cranmer (Spanish Fork)

Grandchildren: 19
Brothers: 2
Sisters: 2

Preceded in death by:
Christopher Joel Starkey (son)
Phyllis Pillsbury (mother)
Fred Starkey (father)