There was only one thing that Ron Dion loved more than fast cars and dune buggies, and that was the family he loved fully and unconditionally. A hard working man, Ron set a fine example for his children to live by. He valued good friends, the things he believed in, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. For those who knew him best, Ron will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

By 1947, the end of World War II found the baby boom well on its way as families faced a housing shortage. Many young couples beginning families of their own lived with their parents for a time while newly developed suburban neighborhoods were being built. The post war economy boomed as the need for consumer goods rose, and manufacturing jobs were plentiful. Through these changing times, Ernest E. and Laura (Fielding) Dion added to the boom with the birth of their little boy, Ronald Dion, born on May 11, 1947 in the city of Pontiac, Michigan.

The middle child of three, Ron grew up alongside his sister, Sharon and brother, Mark. During his youth he enjoyed hunting and fishing and did so well into his later years. Ron attended the local schools and enjoyed woodworking in school. Like many young men, Ron loved everything about cars, and the faster the better.

Ron served his country during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. He was never one to speak of his experiences in the military during Vietnam until attending the dedication of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Perhaps his time in D.C. opened his heart to the travesties of war, but it was only then that Ron began to speak about his time in the service openly.

Following his honorable discharge, Ron eventually landed a position working as a tooling engineer at the General Motor's Bus and Truck Division in Pontiac. During this time, Ron's love for cars and racing came to fruition.

Ron loved fast cars and speed. In fact, he met the love of his life, Kay Jewell through car racing. Ron and Kay spent their first date at the Lapeer, Michigan drag strip. She shared his love for racing, even though he always teased Kay that her 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS could never take his 1969 Dodge Roadrunner which he often dragged down Woodward Avenue. Together with his father, Ron enjoyed building and racing cars.

After dating for a time and deeply in love, Ron and Kay were happily married at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Pontiac, Michigan on March 6, 1971. Having lived in the fast lane, Ron knew all too well he needed to slow down yet went on to become the proud owner of his very own Cuda. Only the beginning of a life filled with love, they soon welcomed their son, Scott who came along in 1974 followed by their daughter, Jennifer who completed their family in 1976.

Ron did slow down his pace some and there was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with the family he loved. Along with memorable holidays, through the years he enjoyed numerous vacations with his family. They loved visiting and viewing caves, and great times were spent at Cedar Point and King's Island. They loved traveling, especially taking in waterfalls whenever they could. When Ron and Kay vacationed in the Mears, Michigan area, they so enjoyed the sand dunes they knew it was the very place where they wanted to spend their retirement years. Ron developed a passion for the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and began building dune buggies using parts supplied from the Volkswagen Beetle.

Along with his son, Scott, Ron was involved with B and L Motorsports building engines. He attended all of the B and L Motorsports events, and when it came to dune buggies and motors, Ron had a photographic memory. He attended all but one of the annual Michigan Buggy Builders Association meets in Lansing, Michigan. Ron was an original member of MSBA and assisted with their hill climb events. He also belonged to the NHRA-National Hot Rod Association and often went to the Detroit Michigan Dragway. Before his retirement, it was Ron's goal to see all the NHRA events at their home tracks in the U.S. and he indeed made quite a few. In March of 2015 they traveled to Las Vegas and enjoyed seeing the drag strip there. Ron also enjoyed tractor pulls and monster trucks, especially Big Foot.

Snowmobiling was another passion Ron enjoyed. His snowmobiling trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming always brought back great memories. Ron, along with Harold, Paul, Scott and Mark also went snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

When Ron took on something, he gave it his all, and then some. He spoke in earnest and with excitement about the things he loved and believed in. Ron was involved with the Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) and the Silver Lake Off-Road Vehicle Association (SLORVA) where he volunteered often. Known as the "Old Duner", Ron was a lifetime member of the Black Horse Association. Ron and Kay were also quite instrumental in getting the Blue Star Memorial placed at the Oceana County Courthouse.

A friend of many, Ron will be dearly missed by all of his friends at B and L Motorsports and at GM where he made lasting friendships. With his easygoing and fun-loving nature, it was a joy to share Ron's company. Ron was well respected in his circles not only for his great personality, but for his love and knowledge of engines and buggies. Most importantly, Ron was well loved by the family entrusted to his care. For all that he was and continues to be in the hearts of many, Ron will be long remembered.

Ronald Dion, age, 68, sadly died on Thursday, January 7, 2016. Ronald is survived by his wife Kay Dion of Hart, son Scott Dion of Hart, daughter Jennifer Dion of Hart. Two grandchildren, Jacob Hunt and Miranda Dion; his mother, Laura Dion of Waterford, Michigan; sister Sharon (Bob) Ellixson of Colorado; brother Mark (Nena) Dion of Waterford, Michigan; also several nieces and special friend Eric and his daughter Summer Smith of Leominster, MA. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest E. Dion in 2014.

The Memorial Service for Ronald will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 3:00 PM from the Hart United Methodist Church, 308 S. State St., with Pastor Steve Young officiating. Interment will be in the Mears Cemetery. Visitation will Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the King Funeral Home-Hart. Memorials may be given to Hart United Methodist Church Personal Care Pantry, Sauble Point Lighthouse Keepers Association in Ludington or the Mears United Methodist Church. To leave a condolence for the family or sign the guest book on line, visit www.kingfuneralhome.net