Ronald Bond

Ronald Bond, 84, of Kentwood passed away at Mercy Health, Grand Rapids, on February 2, 2022, following a brief illness. Ron was born in Shiawassee County on January 28, 1938, to Martin Loy Bond and Leta Geraldine (George) Bond. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Diane Lee, on January 9, 1960. Ron is survived by Linda; their son Bradley and daughter-in-law Amy Petersen of La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland; sister, Bonnie Bond; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Robert Hall; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bonita and James Henning; sister-in-law Susan C. Lee; and numerous nieces and nephews. Linda and Ron's daughter Kelly passed away in 1984. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother Gary; and two sisters, Carroll and Gloria. Ron's eye for art and immense creativity was on display throughout his life, especially in his hobbies as a photographer and painter. After earning his diploma from Pinckney High School and a brief foray into higher education at Eastern Michigan University, he used his artistic ability in the retail world -- spending 28 years as the visual merchandise director at Jacobson Stores, Inc., in Ann Arbor. To his many nieces and nephews, and so many others in his life, he was always "Uncle Ron" and "the fun uncle." He brought joy, love, humor, and seemingly unlimited laughter and jokes to everyone. His son Brad, remembering his father as a man with a big and kind heart, called Ron's natural area of expertise "early childhood education." Ron loved playing with the family's many children and told many tall tales. But there was always a lesson in the fun. He taught them that sharing is caring. He also wanted them to develop "street smarts" and be able to tell a lie from the truth. And, of course, the kids loved it. A memorial service celebrating Ron's life is planned for early July. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Community Ministries Program at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. An online donation site is available at https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/fa4bd252-b5c6-4279-9f1b-b54d12885f75. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Bond, please visit our flower store.