Ronald Dale Cunningham

Ronald Dale Cunningham was born May 19, 1946, to Robert M Cunningham Jr. and Dorlene L Cunningham in Salem, Oregon. He was known to his family and friends as Ron, and was the first of four children born to Bob and Dorlene, at the beginning of the Baby Boomer generation.

Ron was raised in Quartzville, Oregon. When the Green Peter Dam was put in near Sweet Home, Oregon, his parent’s property was purchased by the government and claimed by the reservoir. He went to grade school at Foster, Oregon, and graduated from Sweet Home High School. As youngsters Ron and his brother Gary had fun on camping and fishing adventures together on their own. His parents worried about them, but his father had taught them the skills they needed to be out for several days, and their mother packed good food for them to eat. They also cooked and ate the fish they caught. He had fond memories of when he was a young boy playing with his brothers and later living on their farm in Sweet Home. In high school he pursued his love of wrestling. He had a love for the outdoors and raising the animals on his ranch. Ron and his two brothers learned the logging trade from their Dad, who was a logger. Ron worked with his Dad until later when he branched out on his own. Being a part of the logging community was important to Ron. He enjoyed hunting, nature and animals. Ron and his daughter, Kim, enjoyed attending Graffiti Night together in Roseburg. They also shared a common interest in “muscle cars” and old trucks. They were involved together with Kim’s interest in horses. He was a resident of Oakland, Oregon, and owned a ranch for many years. Darise Cunningham (Prince), his wife, was his love and friend and helped him with the work on the ranch. He enjoyed racing his cars in Medford, Las Vegas and other out of state venues. When he was younger he enjoyed water skiing. Family gatherings were a favorite with good food and family poker games after dinner which is remembered by all. He continued logging and ranching even throughout his illness. Ron is preceded in death by his father Robert M. Cunningham Jr; mother Dorlene L Cunningham; Wife Darise Cunningham and brother Gary Cunningham.

He is survived by his daughter Kim Humphry and her husband Lenny Humphry; daughter Laynae Cunningham; brother Robert M Cunningham III and his wife Phyllis Cunningham and sister Rhonda Buxton and husband Rick Buxton and his aunt, Natalie Coons, his father’s sister. He also is survived by five grandchildren (Chelsie, Joshua, Thadeus, Larisa and MaKayla) 14 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He had many friends in the racing, ranching and logging community. Ron will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date and announced at that time.