Ron Briggs

This world lost an amazing man, H. LaRon Briggs “Ron” 61 proudly of Dillon, Montana went to be with his best friend Jesus Christ in Billings, Montana on December 27, 2017. Ron was born in Dillon, Montana to Harold George and Joan Christenson Briggs on Aug 9th, 1956. He grew up on Briggs Ranch having great adventures with the 17 Briggs cousins who lived there. He married and loved with all his heart Julie Ann Wolfe, who was his best friend, on Aug 9th, 2002. He waited to get married on his birthday, so he could remember his anniversary. Ron was very proud of his status of living with type one diabetes for 56 years. When he was diagnosed at 5 years old he overheard the doctor tell his parents he would die before he was 10. That put him on a path for a very colorful life with a goal to experience as much of it as he could. His first son Kasey came into this world when he was barely 17, Kasey was soon followed by Eric and Mitchell. He and their mother Patricia Ballard were later divorced. Patricia’s parents Gwen and Mariner remained very special to him. He originally was planning to buy the mortuary in Dillon. His plans were postponed for a while as he went to Arizona on what he calls “a hunting trip” to find the perfect person to accomplish his goal. He became a step grandfather to 3 beautiful little girls who he cherished named Teresa, Tammy and Tonya. He then moved to Utah and was blessed with another beautiful son Jeff. After Jeff was born he found himself back in Arizona where he continued his search working in funeral homes. He finally met his very best friend Julie at the Tempe mortuary, where she was doing her internship. They hit it off right away and he knew he would spend the rest of his life with her. Ron was a very generous, fun, caring, loving, amazing person who loved and prayed for everyone he met and those he loved. He often sacrificed his own self and wellness for others. He loved his family and community more then anyone will ever know. Ron was very private, not wanting anyone to know that he didn’t feel well. He felt that made him less than everyone else, so he pushed himself often farther then those around him in perfect health most of his life. He knew that diabetes would claim his life at some point, but he gave it his best shot, telling Julie he was going to hang around at least until he was 75. This heart felt goal was just too enormous to fit in his diabetic heart. He is now in his forever home where he has no more pain and has been greeted by his special angels that have watched over him all these years. Ron’s accomplishments through the years are far too many to list, just hold in your heart what he is to you. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Beau, brother Boe, special cousin Valaine, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Julie of 15 years, sons; Kasey (Jeanette) of Dillon, Eric (Chantell) of Syracuse, Utah, Mitchell (Kelly) Depner of Cedar City, Utah, Jeffrey (Jennifer) of Midway, Utah, and step daughter Roxanne Smith of Tempe, Arizona. His grandchildren; Bane, Madelynn, Cole and Hunter, brothers: Brad (Julie), Theron (Susie), John (cousin), and sister Krista (Kent) and numerous cousins. His famous last words are, “Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.” He now has a perfect body. With his will and desires heaven is going to be rocking and rolling. Visitation is scheduled from 6-9pm on Wednesday January 3rd, 2018 and Thursday from 8-9am at Brundage funeral home. He will be escorted to the high school by his dear friends of the Dillon Law Enforcement Agencies who he served with as County Coroner for services at 10am. He will go to Mt View cemetery after his services where he will join his family. If he could tell you anything at this moment it would be to trust in the Lord and follow your heart.