Ronald James Varitz

Ronald "Ron" James Varitz
August 2, 1929 - July 22, 2022

Ronald J. Varitz passed away July 22, 2022 at a care center in Beaverton, Oregon, at age 92.  Ron was born in Portland to Robert & Mary (Pfau) Varitz on August 2, 1929.  He grew up in the Portland area, graduating in 1947 from Benson Polytechnic High School.  After high school he joined the Army where he served in radio communications.

After the military he returned to Portland, was briefly married; his daughter Cheryl was born in 1954.  In 1964 he travelled to Hawaii for work and while there he met Dorothy "Dotty" Davidson.  They were married later that year and remained married for 57 years until her death in March 2022.  Ron and Dotty lived in Georgia & Mississippi and welcomed son James Brent in 1968, and daughter Julie Anne in 1970.  In 1976 the family returned to Oregon and settled in Hillsboro.

Throughout Ron's life - cars were a passion.  Whether it was working as a mechanic, watching NASCAR, the Indy 500 or enjoying car shows.  His career path lead him to all aspects of the automotive industry - factory work, mechanic work, pit crew for racing teams, dealership management.

In retirement Ron worked as a school bus driver as well as a motor coach driver for an assisted living facility.

He enjoyed fishing in Oregon for salmon, sturgeon, trout and kokanee; and he made several trips to Alaska to fish for halibut and salmon.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 57 years Dotty.  He is survived by his daughter Cheryl Marletto (Gary) of Prineville, Oregon; son James Brent Varitz (Kelly) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter Julie Anne Epling (Steve) of Burns, Oregon, sister Shirley Newbrey of Fairview, Oregon; brother Robert D. Varitz (Trudy) of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.