Ronald Bevz, 75 “Ronnie Rockit”

We had a love story. We met over 40 years ago in Missoula, Montana. We were both young and uncertain but remained together for about two years. Life has a way of dictating our paths and Ron had to go back to Oswego, New York, where he was raised, for a family medical issue. We lost touch and so began our journey searching for one another over the years.

We always had an idea where the other was, but with no way to reach out, we both continued our lives. Ron was a professional musician and traveled around the Northwest playing in different venues, concerts and on the side, he was also in the construction industry. One of his career highlights was when his band opened for Tammy Wynette in Butte. He was a much sought after and popular bass player in the Flathead Valley who was loved by many.

Social media happened and finding each other became more of a reality. I found him first, only because I remembered how to spell his last name, where mine was more of a challenge. It would be almost a year before he responded to my simple message, “Is this the Ron Bevz I dated in Missoula?” His response was, “It is I.”

We talked about where to meet up and decided on the Center of the Universe in Wallace, Idaho. After lunch, a friend snapped a picture of us standing on the freshly painted manhole cover dubbed “The Center of the Universe.” We were inseparable after that.

We brought out the best in each other and Ron taught me that it was okay to love myself. We embraced our own sense of humors, acted goofy, sipped wine, listened to Steely Dan and danced in the kitchen. We did not have time for arguments or anger. I cooked he washed dishes. We were real and true soulmates.

Ron loved the Flathead Valley, white water rafting the Flathead River, his music and particularly Glacier Park. He spent several years there before moving to the Silver Valley in Idaho. The two of us spent hours exploring both Valleys. After breakfast most mornings, he always said, “Let’s take a cruise.”

Again, life would play a hand in our future, separating us again. We were blessed with the happiest three years of our lives until the sweetest, kindest, and most unselfish man who ever loved me, passed peacefully in his sleep with complications from knee surgery.

Ron was born in Klamath County Oregon to John J Bevz and Martha M Delaney Bevz. The family moved to Oswego, New York when Ron was very young. He graduated from high school and attended community college there where he made the dean’s list and received a liberal arts degree. He is survived by the love of his life, Connie Eichinger Gutierrez, surrogate family Chris (Sheri) Eixenberger and family, Robin and Makenna Gutierrez; brother Michael and Mary Jo Bevz; nieces, nephews and various cousins.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Ronnie on Saturday June 10 at the Dew Drop Inn at 3p.m. Please bring snacks, hors d’oeuvres or a finger food to share. Musicians are encouraged to jam.

Vaya con Dios mi amor. I miss you and will see you on the other side.