Ronald Thomas Michel

Ronald “Ron” Thomas Michel, 83, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025 at his beloved home in Littleton, Colorado, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of spirit, integrity and deep devotion to those he held dear.

Ron was born on August 24, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating high school, he joined the Missouri National Guard. In his early years, he worked at Emerson Electric and purchased a Corvette — his pride and joy. But with a vision for a brighter future, Ron made the tough decision to sell his beloved car and put himself through college. He attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, earning a degree in business and marketing. There, through his fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, he made lifelong friends — and met the love of his life, Patti.

Ron and Patti married on November 27, 1970, and built a beautiful life together — celebrating 54 years of marriage. After a short time in Springfield, Illinois, a career opportunity with Honeywell led them to settle in Littleton, Colorado, where they raised their family, including two beautiful daughters, and lived for 52 years.

A gifted communicator with an entrepreneurial spirit, Ron held several roles throughout his career in advertising, marketing and public relations. Highlights included Advertising Manager for Honeywell, collaborating with Sports Illustrated and attending the Lake Placid Olympics while working for Marketcom, creating and launching the original Cowboy Magazine, and living and working in Crested Butte while managing PR for the Grand Butte Hotel. He was the proud recipient of the BPAA Gold Key Award for excellence in advertising.

Ron had a deep love for the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. He found joy in gardening — especially growing tomatoes — birdwatching, fly fishing and sharing quiet moments in nature. A true lover of animals, he had a special affection for Golden Retrievers. His dogs, Buffy and Maggie, could attest to his power to speak to them on a level in which no other human could. Music was another of his passions. He taught himself both snare drum and piano, and could often be found learning his favorite songs by ear.

Ron was known by many names — Mr. Wonderful, BoBo, Dad, Papa, Birdman, Uncle Ron — and each reflected a different aspect of his big-hearted personality. He was witty, loyal, deeply principled and unwavering in his values. A lifelong learner and man of conviction, he never backed away from a challenge and always stood for what was right. If you needed help, he was there with duct tape and screwdriver in hand. He noticed beauty in the small things and lived with intention and gratitude.

Above all, Ron was devoted to his family. He is survived by his cherished wife, Patti; his daughters, Amy Marszalek (Tom) and Beth Reedy (Jamie); and his adored grandchildren, Ethan, Brody and Fisher. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn Campbell and Sharon Barks, step-brother, Ron Bowers, and nephew, Kent Wall.

In true fashion and in accordance with his wishes, the family is having a small gathering at Ron’s home to celebrate his life among the flowering backyard and grilled food he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Ron’s honor to Trout Unlimited. Ron was a long-time member of the organization and shared their vision of fishing responsibly and keeping rivers clean.

Ron Michel was a man you could count on — witty, thoughtful, passionate and steadfast. He lived a life of purpose and left the world better simply by being in it. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family who loved him so deeply.

“Do the right thing.”
– Ron 

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