Ronald James Rapson

Ronald James Rapson, 81, of Alto Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, at Legacie’s Assisted Living. Ron was born March 4th, 1943, in Pickford, Michigan to Robert and Dorothy Rapson. He was raised on the Rapson Family Cattle Farm in Pickford where he loved to hunt and fish. As a teen he worked on Mackinac Island, giving visitors of the island carriage rides. He attended Pickford High School where he excelled in track & field, and still holds the 1959 record for the two-mile race. After graduating from Pickford High School, Ron moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ron had a successful lifelong career as a bricklayer and masonry. He founded Riverview Refractory in 1990, and ran it until he retired. Ron was one of the original members of the Caledonia Sportsman Club and was passionate about hunting. He loved deer hunting on his property in Delton every year with his brother, Robert and son, Jim. Ron has traveled all over the United States and Canada hunting different types of animals, such as bear, elk, goat, and moose. In his later years, he fell in love with classic cars and would spend his free time perfecting his cars for shows all over West Michigan frequently winning best in show. He is survived by his son, Jim (Allison) Rapson; grandchildren, Amanda (John) Kozar, Alexandria (Shaun) Carley, Izzy (Nate) Stahl, and Robby (Kenzie) Rapson; great grandchildren, Bryce, Haylie, Jaxson, Anakin, Jordan, Ezekiel, Scarlett, and Caroline; siblings, Gloria Wilson, Robert (Lynn) Rapson, Marion (James) Hank, Billy Skinner, Jimmy (Peggy) Skinner. He is preceded in death by parents, Robert Rapson and Dorothy Skinner; stepfather, William Skinner; sibling, Joanne Tippie; and brother-in-law, John Tippie. A graveside service will be held 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 at Alaska Cemetery, 68^th St. and Thornapple River Dr. SE, prior to a 1:00 p.m. celebration of life at the American Legion Post 305, 9548 Cherry Valley Rd., Caledonia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.