Ronald D. McKern

07/25/1942 – 04/28/2026

Ronald D McKern, 83, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home on the night of Tuesday, April 28, 2026 in Eugene, OR. He spent his last day doing what he loved the most, spending time on the golf course with friends and finishing the day with a cold beer and a game of pool with people he loved.

Born and raised in Oregon, Ron spent most of his younger years just outside Eugene and attended school in Elmira. Ron grew up in a large family and was the 4th of 8 children born to Virginia Nelson.

After serving in the US Army, Ron returned to Eugene, Oregon to continue his education, start his family, and begin his career in the lumber industry. Finding a unique niche to store, reload, and ship lumber while having access to both the Burlington Northern and Union Pacific rail lines, Ron culminated the successful ownership of A&M Reload in Eugene, OR for over 40 years.

Ron was a huge supporter of University of Oregon football and proudly held season tickets for 50 years. He was an undeniable Duck fan for life…and shared that passion with his daughters who have attended games with him throughout their lives. Go Ducks!

Ron’s passion for life was evident in everything he did. He was a fierce competitor whether it was a game of golf, cribbage or pool. He treated every bet and challenge as an adventure.

Ron is survived by his two daughters, Zendra Hanft (& Brett Hanft, Beaverton, OR), Yvette McKern (& Scott Bagwell, Scottsdale, AZ), sister Carol Myers (& Bill Myers, Eugene, OR) and many grand puppies. Ron spent his ‘golden years’ with Brenda Morgan (Eugene, OR) with whom he shared love, laughter and an incredible friendship alongside their dog Lucy and not their cat Alan (iykyk).

A celebration of life will be scheduled for a future date this summer. Please be patient as the family navigates life without a legend.

In remembrance we are asking for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.