Ronald Arthur Bumby passed away peacefully on July 16, 2017 with his wife and son by his side. Ron was born to Arthur and Theresa Bumby on December 7, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York. Raised on Long Island, New York, he went on to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Albany, New York, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Physics in 1958.  Shortly thereafter, Ron accepted an employment offer from The Boeing Company and moved to Seattle, Washington to begin his career as an aerospace engineer.  It was there he met the love of his life, Margaret Hibler of Mabton, Washington, who he married on October 8, 1960. The young newlyweds moved to St. Louis, Missouri in September of 1963 when Ron was offered a position in the Metrology Laboratory at McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Their family grew in 1967 with a daughter, Rhonda Anne, followed by a son, Kurt Matthew, in 1969.

After working for over 30 years with McDonnell Douglas, Ron retired in 1994. He was recognized for creating a method for measuring color and luminance of aircraft cockpit lighting, and obtained notable status as Section Chief of MCAIR Bureau of Standards.

Ron and Margaret moved to Estes Park, Colorado to live in a home among the mountains that he loved so much. In 2007, he and Margaret returned to Washington State and settled on Camano Island.

Ron enjoyed the outdoors and hiking, was a gifted photographer, classical music aficionado, meticulous stamp collector, and avid sports car enthusiast. He drove a succession of sports cars and was even known to win a few road rally trophies "back in the day." He was also known for dabbling in HAM radios, model railroading, home sound systems, spinning vinyl records, and his appreciation of botany, nature, road trips, and the Arts. His Siamese cats were another love of his and brought him much joy over the years. Ron's love for life, his goofy laugh, and lust for learning will always be remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ron is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughter Rhonda Conner (David), son Kurt Bumby, and 8 grandchildren: Jessica, Jacob, and Megan Bischof; Trey Conner; and Alexis, Morgan, Spencer, and Carter Bumby. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private celebration of Ron's life will be held in Yakima, Washington.