Obituaries

Ron “Cowboy” Rioux, 88, of North Kingstown, RI, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 7, 2024 in the arms of his loving wife, Linda, surrounded by his loving family. A son of the late Alphege and Grace (McElroy) Rioux and the beloved husband of Linda (Roderick) Rioux, Ron grew up in Fall River, MA and left after joining the U.S. Air Force.

Ron joined the Air Force after graduating from B.M.C. Durfee High School at age 17, celebrated his 18th birthday in boot camp, and served during the Korean War, continuing his military career as a reserve soldier for eight years, following his active duty. He was very accomplished and worked as a Supervising Crew Chief for Saber Jets (he took great pride that he and his crew maintained our Air Force Fighter Jets to be ready at all times), achieved his black belt in combat judo, he also earned a National Defense Service Medal as well as a Good Conduct Medal. Ron went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Science from the University of Hartford, his Masters Degree in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut, and, finally, his Post Graduate work at University of Rhode Island, Boston University and Suffolk University in Marine Biology.

Ron had developed a love of hiking, music and dancing in his teen years. In High School, he was a member of the Serenaders’ Musical Group as a baritone singer. Ron and 3 of his fellow Serenaders sang the Quartet Aria from the Opera Rigaletto at Their High School Graduation Ceremony.

During his service, he got to travel to the Middle East, Japan, Okinawa, Formosa, Hong Kong, Greenland and the Philippines. During his time abroad, Ron learned to speak Japanese, skied down an inactive volcano, Mt. Fujiyama, on antique wooden plank skis, and went snorkeling in the East China Sea.

Following his military service, Ron raised his family in Stafford Springs, CT, then went on to become a Science Teacher at South Windsor High School for 35 years. He wrote the curriculum for Honors Oceanography and Marine Biology and began the Outing and Hiking Club, which was very popular amongst the students. He and his friend, Art, a fellow teacher, took students (which included his 3 children) all over the country skiing, hiking, white water rafting and whale watching. He was named the most respected and popular teacher at South Windsor High, class of 1975. During this time, Ron also worked part time as a Bartender, a Sherriff’s Deputy and taught evening classes to veterans. He finally retired from teaching in 1995.

After his retirement from teaching, Ron became a professional Ski Tour guide with Ski 93 Trips and Travel Company, skiing double black diamond trails thru Europe and the U.S. He was a proud member of the NRA and was a member of the Newport Rifle Club for 4 years. Ron was also a proud member of VFW Post 152, Junior Vice Commander and Senior Vice Commander and loved to volunteer for community events for veterans as well as speaking at local high schools along with other members of VFW Post 152. This earned him the nicknames “Our National Treasure” and “The Living Legend” for sharing his experiences with them. He was also a member of the Korean War Veteran’s Association.

In 2012, Ron, his wife Linda and their grandson, James, began an annual family event called “Christmas Cards for Veterans” with one 5th grade class creating 50 Christmas cards for the RI Veteran’s Home. The event has become a successful family event, involving Granddaughters Olive & Ariana and Grandsons Bryce & Quentin, with 8 schools now involved complete over 5000 cards which travel all over the world through the Governor’s Operation Holiday Cheer Program. Ron was the distinguished recipient of the

“Quilt of Valor” which is a handmade Quilt made by the Quilt of Valor Foundation presented to a Veteran for their honorable service and sacrifice for our Country. Ron was a lifetime member of the Fall River Ski Lodge in North Conway, NH. He became a member in his 20’s and loved to hike and ski along Tuckerman Ravine and Attitash Ski Area. He really enjoyed taking family and friends there, as well.

Ron met the love of his life, Linda, at a Country-Western dance and it was love at first sight for both of them. They went on to marry in a beautiful Hawaiian ceremony on Oahu, where they vowed to be “Dance Partners for Life”. He was given the nickname “Cowboy” because of their shared love Country-Western music and because cowboys are known for being loyal, trustworthy, honest, hardworking, dependable, strong, fearless, devoted to their loved ones, and always ready to help anyone for any reason. He was always kind, pleasant, friendly, thoughtful, generous, strong and protective of his beloved wife and family.

Ron was a beautiful and graceful dancer with experience in polka and Country-Western dancing. He and Linda enjoyed going to Mishnock Barn for the weekly Country-Western dance, which they did for many years. Ron always looked forward to the annual family vacation to the Ridin-Hy Ranch where they would ride horses, fish, see old friends and making new ones, and getting to dance with friends and loved ones. Ron and Linda loved boating on Narragansett Bay, hosting their annual Veteran’s Appreciation Picnic for the VFW Post 152 members and their families, gardening, golfing and skiing and Dancing.

Ron loved his weekly “Grammy & Cowboy” Days with Linda and 5 of his grandchildren - each week a new adventure of exploring new trails or a fun walk on the beach. He adored his family and cherished his friends. He was very passionate about experiencing everything outdoors – kayaking, fishing, hiking, boating, golfing skiing and traveling. Ron always had a friendly smile and a firm handshake for everyone. He had the “gift of gab” and would talk to anyone about anything. Most of all, Ron was a loving and devoted husband, father, step father, grandfather, step grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law and cousin. He truly lived life to the fullest.

A special thank you to Newport Hospital’s staff and management of the Emergency Dept., ICU, Tower 2 and Tower 4 for their kind, compassionate and loving care of Linda’s Cowboy. The family is so grateful for all the memories they were able to have because of your expert care.

A special thank - you to the management, medical and nursing staff and Activity Dept of the RI Veterans Home for their wonderful care and support. Ron truly loved all of the entertainment and activities especially the musical entertainment!

A special thank you to Mark Haskell, Carol Mansfield and the 2 wonderful Transportation Personnel of Coastline Emergency Medical Services for your kindness and professional care in transporting Ron home for Easter -- our Easter Celebration was absolutely perfect!

In addition to his beloved wife, Linda, Ron is survived by his son, David Rioux and his wife Donna of West Hartford, CT; his daughters, Joyce Fenhaus and her husband Reed of SD, and Robin Brand and her husband Glenn of Winsor, CT; his step-daughters, Mellissa Gosset of Portsmouth, RI and Verity Gossett of Middletown, RI; his brother, Robert Rioux and his wife Susan of Cotuit, MA; his 7 grandchildren, Nichole Bowyer, Brianna Rioux, James Gosset, Ariana Neal, Olive Cardoza, Bryce Cardoza and Quentin Neal; and 2 great grandchildren, Benjamin Bowyer and Emily Bowyer.

Arrangements are with Family’s Choice Cremation, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A Committal Service with full Military Honors will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11AM at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 301 S. County Trail, Exeter RI 02822.

Donations in Ron’s honor can be made to his beloved VFW Post 152 to help carry on his legacy of honor, pride and commitment to our veterans and community. For online donation, please go to: www.vfw152.org - Donate button, or please mail a check to VFW Post 152, PO Box 1653, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.familyschoicecremation.com.