Ronald Oliver Dawes

August 10, 1932 – June 26, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Dawes, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Ron peacefully departed this world on June 26, 2026, at the age of 93 surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 10, 1932 and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ron was the son of Willis Dawes and Olive Axton. Following his graduation from Albuquerque High School, Ron joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. During 1953 & 1954 he was attached to Company C, 79th Engineers Construction where he proudly served his country with honor in Korea.

In June of 1955, Ron married the love of his life, Marie Isaacs, embarking on a beautiful journey of 71 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless treasured memories. Their union was blessed with five children, Susan Ortiz, Rhonda Kerbs, Linda Smith, John Dawes and James Dawes.

A man of exceptional skill and dedication, Ron found his calling in the construction industry. He began his career working as a teenager with his father & later becoming a general contractor for George Rutherford Inc. After George retired Ron became a founding member of Summit Construction Co. Ron’s expertise and leadership then took him to Bradbury & Stamm Construction Co and finally to Jaynes Corporation where he worked until his retirement. His commitment to his craft was further highlighted by his 75-year membership with the Carpenters Union Local 1319, a testament to his passion for his trade.

Ron had a huge love for the great outdoors, particularly the art of fly fishing in the Pecos and Jemez mountains. He found joy in exploring the roads of New Mexico and Colorado, as well as trips to Laughlin, NV. A lifelong learner, Ron was an avid reader of non-fiction, with a particular interest in US history and presidential biographies.

Family was the cornerstone of Ron’s life. His five children, nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren were his joy and he relished every opportunity to support and celebrate their achievements. Although his beloved wife Marie, son John & daughter Rhonda have since passed, their memories, like memories of Ron will remain forever cherished in the hearts of their family. Ron is survived by his son James Dawes; daughter Susan (Rick) Ortiz; daughter Linda (Lee) Smith; daughter-in-law Danell Dawes; sister Phyllis Warner; and sister-in-laws Carol (Alan) Wilson, Ingrid Isaacs & Pat Young.

Ron was a man of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and boundless love. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. As we bid farewell, we take solace in the knowledge that his spirit will forever guide us, a shining example of a life beautifully lived.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Veteran’s Hospital Palliative Care & Hospice Unit in Albuquerque, the Luna Del Valle Hospice & Angie Dye, Ron’s dedicated home healthcare assistant whose care and kindness were a great comfort to the family.

A catholic mass to honor and celebrate Ron’s life will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Tuesday July 21, 2026 @ 10:00 am, located at 215 Gerard Ave, Moriarty, NM 87035. This will be followed by a service to honor Ronald’s life at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 2:30 pm, where his cremains will be interred with the dignity he so richly deserves. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Bethel Community Storehouse (P.O. Box 968, Moriarty, NM 87035).