Dr. Ronald Taylor Williams

WILLIAMS, Ronald (Doc) Taylor Ronald (Doc) Taylor Williams, DVM, age 90, died peacefully from age related causes at home in Montecito, CA December 26, 2011. He was born in San Francisco, CA, on September 14, 1921 to Welsh parents Frederic and Hester (Davies) Williams. He had two younger sisters, Davona Sutton and Margaret Smith. Ronald graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco and majored in pre-veterinary medicine at Washington State University. He graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Williams practiced veterinary medicine in Montecito, CA from 1946-1962 at his Hi-Way Pet Hospital. In 1962 he fulfilled a childhood dream when he purchased a cattle ranch near Bonanza, OR. There he raised cattle and practiced veterinary medicine. He later had a veterinary practice in Klamath Falls, OR until his retirement in 1984. In retirement he continued to be a student and even earned his realtor's license. His greatest joy was teaching and sharing experiences with his grandchildren. Ronald married Barbara Ann Gilroy in 1946 and she preceded him in death after 56 years of marriage. He married Lola Jean Steele in 2002 and they enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their home. They also have been active members of the Santa Barbara Elks Club with his sister-in-law Betty and her husband John Malone. He was an avid sportsman and hunted birds, deer, elk, trained and ran Labrador Retrievers in field trials and golfed. He was also enthusiastic about boating and had numerous sail and power boats. The highlight of his boating experience was time spent with friends and family in the San Juan Islands, Washington, and Gulf Islands, Canada. Ronald is survived by his wife Lola Jean, sister Davona Sutton, Jamestown, TN, son Gregory and Karen Williams, Klamath Falls, OR and daughter Diane and Ted Dearborn, Eugene, OR. He had four grandchildren Robyn Cole (Aaron), Jay Williams (Sarah), Bryn Dearborn (Sue), and Josh Dearborn (Mandy). He also has eight great-grandchildren. In addition he is survived by Jean's children Linda Snider, Billings, Mt., Dan Steele, Oceano, CA, and grandchildren Andrew Steele (Andréa), Jeffery Steele (Kate), Kimberly Ruiz (Isaac) and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, sister Margaret, and sons Dale Steele and Robert Steele. Family is requesting that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in Ronald's name to Santa Barbara Humane Society or American Cancer Society. Funeral Services will be held at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel, 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, at 10:00 am on Friday, December 30.

Dr. Ronald Taylor Williams

September 14, 1921 - December 26, 2011