Ronald Eugene Stimpson

Ronald Eugene Stimpson passed away on January 20, 2024 at the age of 69 at WakeMed Hospital in Cary, North Carolina. His three-year battle with congestive heart failure came to an end peacefully and painlessly while he was surrounded by his loving children.

Ron’s children loved and admired him for his constant strength and support through both good and difficult times, for his sense of humor, generosity, open-mindedness, and his often youthful tastes in music and comedy. To his grandchildren he was a much loved “Papa.” He seemed to have the energy of multiple grandparents - always ready to play, swim, jump on the trampoline, and snuggle. He loved his grandkids and they loved him fiercely - he was easy-going, quick-witted, and always interested in what the kids had to say. Papa’s homemade cinnamon rolls, pancakes and chocolate chip cookies (‘Papa Cookies’) will forever be regarded as the best.

As a child himself, Ron was very energetic (although his mom reports that he did calm down some, after breaking his leg in 6th grade)! He worked on the neighbors’ farm and played baseball and basketball. He played the trumpet in concert/marching bands, was in school plays and a part of student council. He also loved hunting and fishing. In high school he began what would become a lifelong fandom of the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns.

Ron met the love of his life, Candace, while earning a degree in Biology at Clarion University. Ron and Candy were married from 1977 until Candy’s death in 2015. Together, they raised three children and several dogs (including multiple chocolate labs and pugs) and became master SCUBA divers and instructors. Ron performed 570 dives with the Erie Skin Divers Club and earned a Master Scuba Diver certification. He and Candy also volunteered for the Erie County Sheriff’s Office SCUBA Team, making recoveries in Lake Erie.

Most of Ron’s professional career was spent as a skilled and beloved industrial engineer and leader at AMSCO and Steris. His hard work and friendship was an inspiration to all, and he was adept at working through and overcoming adversity. In the 2000s, Ron went back to school and made a career change as a medical laboratory technician, while he and Candy lived oceanside in Myrtle Beach, SC. They were grateful to have spent her last few years there; they both loved walking, swimming and feeding seagulls at the beach.

In his final years, Ron moved to Fuquay Varina, NC, where he enjoyed being closer to his kids and grandkids.

Ron is grieved by his children: Amanda Ebner, Casey Stimpson, and Jesse Stimpson; children-in-law: Kevin, Leigh, and Sarah; and eight grandchildren: Maya, Livia, Carrick, Scott, Quentin, Brandon, Luke, and Ellie. Also grieving Ron are his mother Arlene Stimpson; his sisters: Karen Brumagin, Cindy Mains, and Lorrie Hobson; and brothers-in-law: Dan, Daryl, and Vic; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Ron will be held at Park United Methodist Church in North East, Pennsylvania, on February 24 at 11 AM.