Ronald Denzil Wride, born April 22, 1948, in Payson, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the VA Hospital with his family by his side.
Ron was the 2nd child of Max G. Wride and Naomi Christensen Wride. Ron grew up in Salem, Utah and attended Spanish Fork High School. After high school, Ron joined the Navy. Ron served in the Vietnam War as a Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, earning a Navy Commendation Medal for his heroic actions during hostile fire on August 25 and 26, 1969. After serving in the military, Ron attended Physician Assistant school at the University of Utah. In 1973, Ron became Grand Junction’s first Physician’s Assistant, working alongside Dr. Kenneth Matchett. Ron was known for his compassionate bedside manner and he was loyal and dedicated to his Oncology patients up until his retirement in 2007. Ron is survived by his daughters Aimee Wride (Holly Trujillo), Megan (Jason) Richards; his sons Nate Wride and Joel Wride; his grandson Bradyn Newman; granddaughter Molly Wride; grandson Zack Anderson. His sisters Lynette Black, Lorraine (Brant) Tuttle, Janice (Paul) Christensen and his brother Gary (Mechelle) Wride; and many who loved him including Becky Wride and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Naomi Wride; brother-in-law Jim Black, and nephews John and Jeff Black.
There will be a graveside service for Ron on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Salem City Cemetery located at 138 East 960 South, Salem, Utah. Full military honors will be given to him at that time.
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