Ronald Jerome Lee, age 71 of Miles City, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2014 in Billings, MT. He was a kind, gentle, happy man who will be missed beyond measure by all who knew him.
Ron was born on January 2, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN; the son of Gilbert & Marjorie Lee. He graduated from Park River High School, ND in 1960 where he met some of his many lifelong friends. Ron graduated with his pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University in 1965 and started out working at Getz Drug Store in Grafton, ND. In 1973, he moved to Miles City, MT and bought Foster Drug which is now Big Sky Pharmacy. Ron sold Big Sky Pharmacy in 1998 to his good friend and colleague John Filler but continued to enjoy working there with his friends.
On February 21, 1975 he married the love of his life, Barbara Balsam in Miles City. He and Barbara were a perfect match for each other. They shared countless good times with friends and family. They were each others best friend. Together they raised four children: Dawn Dee, Niki, Brad and Brandee. Ron loved watching his children in the various sports they were involved in growing up. He was always their biggest fan and was extremely proud of each of them. Ron cherished spending time with his family and visiting with his many friends. He had an amazing ability to make lasting friendships wherever he went. His generous spirit and kind heart were always apparent.
Ron enjoyed playing golf, bridge, fishing, hunting and skiing. He loved Corvettes and was a dedicated New York Yankee’s fan. He was a member of the Miles City Town & Country Club, the Miles City Club, and the Shriners.
Ron is survived by his wife Barbara of Miles City; his three children: Niki Lee and her children Conner, Chaney and Reagan all of Miles City, MT; Brad Lee, his wife Ann, and their children Megan and Brody all of Rapid City, SD; and Brandee Poandl, her husband Paul, and their children Payton and Trey all of Frenchtown, NJ; grandchildren Chaz Hedge and Brittany Hedge of Miles City; his sisters; Sandy Lee Kaker of Warrensburg, MO; and Barbie (Dan) Thompson of Alliance, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents Gib & Marge Lee, his mother and father-in-law Doc & Det Balsam; his sister Nancy Sauers and his daughter Dawn Dee Lee.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear about Ron–He was so good about helping people–even if it meant he had to go down town to get medicine for someone. He is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Damian Corbin Jenkins says
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Niki, Brad, brandy and barb.
Scott and Sue Jens says
Our entire family is very sadden by Ron’s passing, he was always so kind to my sons and to us also, All of you are in our prayers and thoughts.
Kennedy Jens says
Barb, Nikki, Brad, and Branded… I am deeply saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always so kind to me. I can still see him sitting in his chair in the living room as I would come into your house… Always wanting to talk basketball, baseball or whatever sport we were involved with at the time. One of my fondest memories is going to Minnesota with your family and visiting Pengilly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kennedy Jens says
Barb, Nikki, Brad, and Brandee… I am deeply saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always so kind to me. I can still see him sitting in his chair in the living room as I would come into your house… Always wanting to talk basketball, baseball or whatever sport we were involved with at the time. One of my fondest memories is going to Minnesota with your family and visiting Pengilly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Merchant says
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing.He alway’s went the extra mile to get medicine to you and makng sure it was right.I haven’t seen him in years,but alway’s stoped in to the store when I was in Miles City to say hello.Prayer’s to the family.A truly good person,that loved his family a lot.
Lynn Holom Harper says
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
DAN AND SUMI DINARDI says
BARB AND FAMILY SUMI AND I ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WAS A GOOD MAN.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry for the loss of Ron, he was so nice to deal with in the pharmacy and when you met him in public, he always remembered you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the super memories you all have with him help you through this difficult time. Linda & RIchard Meidinger
Steven Allen says
Barb and Family. Im so sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. He was my first boss and I owe a lot of who I am to him. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Stephanie Perkins says
I am so sorry. He was an amazing man and I have such fond memories of his kindness. Your house was my second home. My prayers to you all.
john Handley and Darlene Russell says
Barb and family, We’re so sorry hearing about the passing of Ron, he was truly a servant of the people, very caring and always seemed to know everyone, that is a real gift for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Judy & Duane Korynta says
Sandy and Barbie,
So sorry to hear about Ronnie. Haven’t seen him in many years but it sounds like he was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers to all of his family.
Melanie Patch says
Barb, Niki, Brad & Brandee- It makes my heart heavy to hear of Ron’s passing. He was just a real great guy. Unexpected passings remind us how short and fragile life is. May you find comfort in each other. Thoughts, prayers, hugs, to your family.
Jana Jonasen says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Many hugs and prayers.
Kayce Howard says
Barb, Niki, Brad & Brandee,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. All of my fond memories reflect back to your family always being strong and tight knit. Ron was a great man, husband and father. Rest assured that he must be smiling down knowing he has such a strong family to look after! It’s been many years, he’s one that left a good impression! ♡ from Texas
Shumon Pius says
Sorry to hear about this! God’s blessings and condolences to all of his family. He was a good man – my family owned a business a couple doors away from the pharmacy for several years and we had a good relationship with him and also with Dawn Dee when she worked for us. Good people all-around and you will be missed.
Kathy Brothers says
Barb so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was such a caring and kind man. He always had a smile on his face and always willing to help. You and your family are in my prayers.
Connie Genger says
Barb and all,
My sympathies to you in this time of sorrow. I always admired and respected Ron as a businessman and person. He always treated people fairly, politely and kindly. So sorry.
Connie
Scott Minkoff says
Thoughts and prayers from the Minkoffs!
Lonnye Finneman says
My heart goes out to you all. Ron always seemed to have a smile on his face whether in the pharmacy or watching Brad (and I am sure Dawn Dee, Niki, and Brandee) play sports. What a nice, kind man and someone to look up to. I am so sorry to hear about this and can only hope and pray that God provides you with some comfort during such a difficult time. You have an incredible family, and I will keep each of you in my prayers.
Frank J. Tooke says
I am very sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. He was a great guy and a pleasure to socialize and golf with. Please accept my deepest condolences. Frank
Allen and Karen Barnes says
To all of Ron’s family – Please accept our sympathy for your loss. We knew Ron from the lake and always looked forward to visiting with him each summer. He was such a friendly, outgoing man and he will be missed.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Barb and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Ron. A very friendly and positive person, he will be missed in our community as well. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Doug and Diane
George Foster says
We will keep you all in our prayers and thoughts. It has been a terrible year for close loses, none worse than Ron’s.
My best to you Barbi. Love ya, George.
Doug & Julie Allison says
I was with great sadness we heard of the passing of Ron. Although we only lived in Miles City for a short while I have been fortunate enough to be back and visit many times. Ron always treated me as a friend and I will always consider him as one of mine. I have relived our hunting days at Charlie’s and the many times we shared stories and just had a good time with Ron, John, Jack and Larry. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends and wish you all the best. Doug & Julie
Brenda & Alan Bergum says
We are sad about Ron’s passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers!
heather hageman says
So very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He truly was an amazing man. He will be greatly missed! He was one of my favs in “the ol boys golf club!”
Shannon Holmen says
You are so right that he was “kind and gentle”. We are so sad for all of you. Glad you have so many happy memories. Our prayers.
Judi Erickson says
Barb and Family. Heard of your recent loss and was shocked and sorrowed. These last few years I know have been hard on you and we want you to know that our prayers are with you. Don’t know where one begins to recover from your losses, Barb, but Steve and I are sincerely hurting for you and send you our deepest condolences. Judi
Ron & Connie Watts says
We were so very sorry to hear about Ron – our heartfelt condolences. He will be greatly missed. God bless you,
B Dean Holmes says
Dear Barb and Family… when I would come home to Miles City, it was always a very positive treat to see and talk to Ron… Sorry for you loss, its every one loss.
Kevin Brown says
My deepest condolences to the Lee family. Ron was a wonderful man who made many great impressions with everyone in Miles City! God bless!