Birth date: Nov 7, 1943 Death date: Nov 19, 2025
Ronald Lee Olmsted, age 82, of Grand Haven passed away, November 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 7, 1943, in Grand Rapids, MI to Otis and Marjorie (Stimpson) Olmsted. On August 7, 1996, he marri Read Obituary
Ron was talented, funny, kind, and generous. I met him about 50 years ago shortly after I'd moved to Grand Haven, when I needed signs for my bookstore, The Bookman. He did those and many other projects over the years - always meticulous, quality work and on deadline. We also had a long and deep friendship through our association with the Alano Club.
My most memorable moment with Ron was a traumatic one. On the morning of 9/11, I was bringing some sign work to him. Rather than calling me up to his second story studio, he called me into his living room where he was watching the TV. "A plane hit the World Trade Center," he said. "A small plane?" I asked as I entered the room. "No," and he pointed to the inferno on the screen. While we stood there, pondering the implications of that, the second plane hit the other tower. “I guess that answers that question,” he said as we both realized our country was under attack.
Ron was my eldest cousin. I will always remember that he was always nice to me and genuinely glad to see me at family events. And his laugh!! He really had a great laugh! Also, I truly believe that he inspired my fascination with science fiction. I honestly believe that I would not have gotten interested had it not been for Ron. One other thing...and this may seem trivial...but I remember his Edsel! He had a 1958 Edsel that he customized, and I thought that what he did was really great and it was one of the coolest cars that I had ever seen! Thank you, Ron, for being a part of my life. You will be truly missed.
Your Cousin, Doug Cronkright.
Dear Yvonne,
I am so very sorry to hear about Ron! I will always remember you talking about him when we worked together at the library. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time.
Your friend,
Steph Lulofs
Yvonne and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Ron always will have a special place in my heart and memories. In fact I just was telling a friend about Ron. He was unforgettable in a wonderful way. I still can see him lifting up a pot of coffee at the club and say This is not coffee if you can see through it. Double up on the grounds.
And the day he told me about his bird he named after me that took a ride on the ceiling fan. Ron was a good man. Love to all Fred H
Yvonne,So Sorry for your Loss. He was Well Known and Well Loved by Everybody. May He Rest in Peace💞
