Ron P. Lisonbee, 68, was called home on Friday, August 27, 2021, after a strong, brave 3-year fight with cancer. Left to carry on the traditions of Ron are his wife Cindy, sons Justin, Tyler, Cameron (Natalie), Zachary (Paulina), 3 grandchildren and his emotional support grand dog Archie.
Ron worked for 30 years for the City of Mesa and taught his sons about hard work, dedication but most of all to have fun and enjoy life. He was a selfless person who would do anything for this family and made many sacrifices. Ron enjoyed playing the guitar, traveling to the Oregon Coast and Las Vegas, painting, family dinners but most of all always making his family smile and laugh.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, Arizona 85201. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at the Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The family requests in lieu of flowers to consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley or the American Institute of Cancer Research.
So sorry for your loss. Ron was a good friend & coworker!! I have many great memories working with him in Engineering and Public Works Administration (Dev Services Admin). Praying for Cindy & the boys and the whole family!! May God guide you through your grief!!
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ron. We are so sorry for your loss.
we are all so heartbroken of his passing he was a great brother/uncle he will be deeply missed
So sorry to hear this. Several of the Lisonbee family also worked for the City of Mesa. On behalf of RECOM (Retired Employees City of Mesa), thank you for your service.
We send our love and prayers to you.
We are truly sorry for the loss of this fine man.
We know there is a Great Reunion on the other side for his return home.
We love you all and send you our condolences.
I received the news of Ron’s passing Friday evening, and it hit me hard.
Ron and I had been good friends when we were very young (Ronnie and Ricky is who we were back then). Our paths diverged in high school and I don’t think there was much contact after that time.
But I’ve just been looking back at my emails, and it was in 2006 that Ron and I reconnected and started exchanging emails – on our birthdays, holidays, and sometimes just whenever. It was around 2016 that we also started exchanging text messages.
I looked forward to these exchanges! I learned that Ron had married in 1979 – the same year I had married. I learned about his family – Cindy and his four boys (he was very proud of them), and he learned about mine. His work, his interests, different activities – we shared a lot of things. We also reminisced about old times, and we couldn’t believe how old we had become. When we turned 64, of course we had to share the old Beatles song, “When I’m 64” with each other.
It was on his birthday in 2019 that Ron wrote, “This has been a bad year so far.” He didn’t share much more than that about his battle with cancer. He didn’t want to trouble me with details or about how he was feeling (Ron – it’s no trouble!), but from time-to-time he would write something that let me know that he probably wasn’t feeling or doing well.
I really thought he was doing better than he actually was. On his birthday last month I texted him my happy birthday wishes. He responded with,
“Thanks for the birthday wish. I’m still hanging in there. Hope all is well with you.”
I replied, “How does it feel to be 68?!”
“Not good. Had a rough time getting out of bed today… still moving really slow… lol”
Not really understanding how he was doing, and thinking he was just talking about being old, I wrote,
“Got it – sounds familiar. Just looking down the road to 70! Glad you’ll be there first :)”
He replied, “I hope to make it to 70…”
On my birthday last week, I noted that I didn’t receive a text from Ron. Not a big deal – we all get busy. But a couple of days later I received the email from Cindy telling me the news…
Ron – I’ll miss you. I wish we would have reconnected in person sometime during the last several years. But I have records of our recent “time together”, and I will cherish each email and text. I’ll remember you every July 11th (and many days in between), and will read an email or text from you. I look forward to reconnecting with you in person someday.
Cindy – I wish you and your family my deepest condolences, and pray for your peace and comfort during this time of grief and loss.
Ron (I always called him “Ronnie” and he graciously put up with it) and I worked together for a lot of years while we were employed by the City of Mesa Engineering Department. He was always willing to help in any way he could. He was also just a good human being. I am privileged to know him. Rest well, Ronnie and thank you, Sir. Peace and comfort to your Family.
Our hearts are broken at the news of Ron’s passing, but we rejoice in knowing that we will see him beyond the gates of heaven. We know Ron most vividly through his eldest son, Justin, a man of true character and integrity who loves life, laughter and his family – traits passed on to him by Ron. Much love to all of you and may those happy memories of wonderful times spent together bring you peace and comfort as you grieve Ron’s loss.
Sad to hear about Ron’s passing. Ron was always one of the “go to” guys in engineering. He who would help anyone who asked and was a positive guy to work with on any project he had. Mesa was fortunate to have him on their team – as were all his coworkers.
I’m so sorry to hear about Ron. I worked with Ron at the City and also with Cindy. Words just never seem to be adequate at times like this. Just know, Cindy, that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hold tight to those many wonderful memories you all have.
Justin and family, we’re so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you got your great work ethic from your dad, Justin. Our prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry to learn this. I worked with both Ron and Cindy at the City of Mesa. Most of all, I remember how great it was to watch them together. Such a relationship! Cindy, I’m sure this is such a difficult time; lean on your family and friends and hold on to those memories!