Ronald Spiker

Ronald John Spiker, 83, of Schoolcraft, Michigan, passed away on February 1st, 2021, at Bronson Hospital after sustaining injuries from a tractor accident on his farm. Ron was born and raised in Kalamazoo and was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Class of 1955. After graduation Ron joined the Navy and was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, TX, from 1955-1958, where he was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. Ron worked as an Air Traffic Controller with the FAA until 1981 and formed many lifelong friendships during his career. He worked in many busy control towers, including Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Hawaii, and Oklahoma. Ron trained other controllers while working as an instructor in Oklahoma City when computers were being utilized more in the towers in the early 70’s. In 1982, he bought a tavern called The Windmill Inn, in McBain, MI, and owned/managed that for over a decade before deciding to sell it and relocate to the Schoolcraft area to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Ron was also a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 324 from which he retired in 1999. The thing that was most dear to Ron was his family. His children always came first and there was not anything he would not do for them. He was quick with an opinion and just as quick to say he loved you and grab you into a huge bear hug to prove it. Ron enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, hunting, watching Detroit Tiger baseball and was a big animal lover. He took his family on big camping trips and waterskiing was a favorite summer past time on his large speedboat. It was not uncommon to see four waterskiers at a time being pulled behind Ron’s big speed boat! Ron also loved working on his small farm, baling hay, mowing his beautiful yard, and tending to his flowers. He loved riding his big jet-black Quarter Horse, Star, and was very proud of his Appaloosa, Zip’s Easy Rider, that was shown very successfully on the ApHC show circuit. Ron will be greatly missed by those who survive him. His children, John (Barbara) Spiker, and Susan (Neil) Farrell, Grandchildren, John (Camilla) Herron, Myra (Nathan)Delaney, Jessica Farrell, Christina (Michael) Dimovski and Great Grandchildren, Katelynn Delaney, William Delaney, Aleksandar Dimovski, Ivan Dimovski and Saoirse Herron. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Stella (Fus) Spiker. In accordance with Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. While at Ronald's webpage at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with his family. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.