Ronald “Ron” Lee Beehler, 82, of Amherst, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully from pneumonia on June 14, 2022, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center with his loving wife, Chris, lying by his side and his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Jenny, at his bedside. Ron beat cancer 24 years ago, but the side effects deteriorated and fatigued his body. He had hoped to die at home, but a recent fall resulted in a vertebral compression fracture requiring hospitalization.

Born on January 8, 1940, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to the late William and Frieda (Wolf) Beehler, Ron grew up in St. Cloud and attended St. Cloud State University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Clinton Sherman Air Force Base, Oklahoma. After serving his country, Ron’s work with Honeywell and Control Data Corp. brought him to Minneapolis, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois. He moved to to Amherst, New Hampshire, in 1980 and, shortly after, joined Cray Research Corp. as the New England sales representative. He also worked for Lockheed Electronics, Benchmark Electronics and was the co-founder of Mudders Mud and Snow Shoes.

Ron’s family and friends knew him as a kind, gentle and compassionate man, always willing to help, whether you be human or animal. He was an active volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire for many years, and the foster dad to numerous cats. He was in his element when sailing along the coast of Maine or flying his plane over the skies of New Hampshire. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, football, weather and all animals. He could fix anything and loved friends presenting him with repair projects.

Ron embarked on a spiritual path 36 years ago. Along the way, he gained a multitude of new friends and life-changing principles. He had tremendous faith and love and was always willing to share his experience, strength and hope with anyone in need.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Christine; his two sons, Gregory (Yessica) Beehler of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Michael (Jenny) Beehler of Kimball, Minnesota; his stepchildren, Ian (Shea Hovey) Dutton of Santa Monica, California, Leslie (Ralph) Jakobs of Leipzig, Germany, and Jennifer (Landon) Symes of Rockport, Massachusetts; along with seven grandchildren, Stephan Kurkosky, Karlee Beehler, Jacob Beehler, Ashley Beehler, Hannah Beehler, Sydney Jakobs and Benjamin Jakobs; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Lorna Harris, of St. Cloud, Minnesota; brother Marvin of Webster, Texas; his niece, Sandy Iverson; and his five cats Squeaky, Hobie, Jess, Pickles and Baby. Ron is now reunited in heaven with his parents and brother, William Jr., along with many good friends and relatives.

To celebrate Ron’s life, a gathering of friends and family will take place on July 30 at Molly’s Tavern and Restaurant, Route 13, New Boston, New Hampshire, where Ron and Chris hosted their wedding reception 34 years ago. There will be a short service at noon, with the gathering to continue until 4 p.m.

Ron loved flowers, but loved charitable groups more, and would be honored to have donations sent in his memory to Cat Tales Rescue, 920 Lafayette Road, Unit 201, Seabrook, N.H. 03874 (www.cattalesnh.org) or Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org).

“If a man going down into a river, swollen and swiftly flowing, is carried away by the current – how can he help others across?” – Buddha