Idaho State Journal, 12/23/09
POCATELLO — Ronald William Gortcinsky, 70, passed away December 20, 2009 in Idaho Falls, ID of an apparent heart attack. Ron was born June 4, 1939 in Montpelier, ID to Alfred and Ruby Gortcinsky. An only child, Ron grew up with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A very special person in his life was his Grandma Emma Petereit, with whom he spent much time and loved dearly.
In his words, Ron was “a jack of all trades and a master of none.” Over the years his interests and hobbies have included building radios and televisions, stock car racing, building and using a darkroom to develop photographs, opening a sharpening business, remodeling his homes, Dutch oven cooking and collecting as many tools and toys as possible. Ron was also a “backyard” mechanic and enjoyed working on cars. He was very sad when vehicles moved into the computer age and he could no longer tinker with them.
Ron is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kay T. Gortcinsky, daughter, Cyndia (Gary) Glorfield and children Ashlie (Chris) Reuscher (Denver, CO), Chase (Meagan) Glorfield (Boise, ID) Sgt. Kelton Glorfield (currently serving in Afghanistan), Jordyn and Whitney Glorfield (Boise, ID) and daughter Jan (Julio) Valdes (Las Vegas, NV) and her children Nathan Penn (Pocatello, ID), Andrea (Nick) Burgess (Franklin, VA), and Spencer Penn (Las Vegas, NV.) Ron is also survived by his mother Ruby Gortcinsky and Curtis (Sandy) Penn, all of Pocatello, and his life-long friend, Doug Kammerath (Seattle, WA). Ron’s eight grandchildren were the highlight of his life and the twinkle in his eye. The times he enjoyed the most were those he spent with his entire family, especially backyard campouts. He traveled across the country to watch his grandchildren participate in their various activities.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Alfred William Gortcinsky. Ron was 15-years-old when he lost his father and was given his first job at that time by Keith Rich of Rich Motor Company in Montpelier, ID. He began that job by sweeping the floors and a variety of other tasks, working his way up to novice mechanic in a year’s time. After an 11-year career with the Idaho State Police, Ron worked in the auto industry for eight years and was later hired as the locksmith at Idaho State University. His job at ISU was the “perfect” job for him and after 23 years there, retiring in October 2008 was a difficult decision. Since his retirement, Ron and Kay have had the opportunity to travel to Nashville and Hawaii, trips they had been looking forward to for many years. At the time of his death, Ron and Kay were on their way to Las Vegas to spend Christmas.
Ron spent the last few months learning to play the Lowery organ and looked forward to his weekly Tuesday afternoon lessons.
Ron will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Cornelison Funeral Chapel, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello. Burial will follow at the Montpelier, ID Cemetery.