Ronald E. Bechill

Ronald “Ron” Erwin Bechill, 78 of Prudenville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Crawford Continuing Care Center. 

Ron was born to Chester Erie and Anne (McCallum) Bechill on June 8, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan, joining his 9-year old brother Verne.  Ron went to Dearborn High School and then attended Henry Ford Community College.

Introduced by his future father and brother-in-law, Ron married “the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen” Betty Marie Laws on August 17, 1963 at Mayflower Congregational Church in Detroit.  They were married 56 years and had three children, Robert (Bob) Jennings, Kathy Anne and Patricia (Patty) Marie, all of which he adored and cherished.  A loving father, role model and most of all friend, he instilled his strong work ethic, family values and his contagious sense of humor.  As much as he loved his children, they loved him just as much in return. 

A hard-working man, Ron’s career was in sales, owning a boat and trailer dealership in Grand Bend, Ontario and then moving back to the states to work for Somerset Pontiac.  In 1978 he relocated his family from Troy, Michigan to Houghton Lake to open Ron’s Lawn & Leisure, a John Deere Dealership and to begin a new adventure.  Afterwards he spent several years working for Spicer’s Boat City as well as Burnside RV before retiring.  Ron dedicated himself to his customers, colleagues and was an asset to any organization he was a part of.  His charismatic demeanor and love for what he did made him a force to be reckoned with and a man of integrity.

Ron enjoyed camping, boating, travel, model trains, wood working and a great game of cards. He never turned down the opportunity to play with his friends or to teach his grandchildren how to play, but not beat him.

He and Betty were active members of the United Methodist Church in Houghton Lake, and spent Sundays as ushers/greeters.  He even enjoyed time in the church kitchen making their famous pasties.

Ron wasn’t only an amazing husband and father, he was the loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and one great grandchild: Alexis Marie Bechill (27), Layken Ashlee Bechill (25), Brent Jennings Bechill (22), John Tanner Fyolek (21), Ty Jensen Bechill (19), Taryn Alyse Wyckoff (19), Carlie Schae Bechill (14), Carter Jennings Wyckoff (13) and Evelyn Grace Bechill (8 months).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dr. Verne C. Bechill, his in-laws Ivan Jennings Laws and Marie (Turner) Laws, his brother-in-law Dr. Norman Laws, and his dear son Robert (Bob) Jennings Bechill.

Ron is survived by his wife Betty, his daughters Kathy Wyckoff (John), Patty Bechill (fiancée John Fyolek), and his grandchildren Alexis, Layken, Brent (fiancée Mariah Schmitt), Tanner, Ty, Taryn, Carlie, Carter and Evey, all of whom treasured being part of his life and now cherished memories.

Our appreciation to our extended family at Crawford Continuing Care Center for their love, support and encouragement during his stay. 

Arrangements have been made with Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  

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