Ronald William Dorvall, 74

Ronald William Dorvall, a true son of Montana and a man who lived life wide open, passed away on March 10th, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born on May 11th, 1951, in Livingston, Montana, Ron was raised under big skies and open country. He attended small country schools in the Livingston area, later graduating 8th grade in Cardwell, before attending high school in Whitehall. Those early years shaped the man he became: tough, independent, and deeply connected to the land.

In 1969, Ron answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army. He proudly served as a crew chief/door gunner on Huey helicopters during the Vietnam War, a role that demanded courage, precision, and grit. During his service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and was honorably discharged in 1971. He was deeply proud to be a veteran, and that chapter of his life stayed with him always. After his military service, he continued chasing the sky, attending flight school in the Tri-Cities, Washington. Although he had many jobs, he was proudest of his success in the safety consulting industry, where he felt he made a difference in the lives and safe work habits of those he trained, many of whom he befriended.

Ron was bigger than life in all the best ways. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and by the end of it, you felt like you had known him for years. He had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and welcome. His vibrant personality, quick wit, legendary teasing, and genuine interest in others made him beloved by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his laughter, witty sayings, and the way every room brightened simply by his being in it.

He loved the outdoors deeply, whether it was hunting in the mountains, fishing on a quiet stretch of water, camping, on horseback, or simply being at the beach with family. Ron's activities extended beyond mere hobbies; they were integral to his identity. Some of the best memories made with him came with a fishing pole in hand or around a fire, where stories flowed just as easily as laughter. Above all, Ron loved his family. He was their biggest fan, always present, always proud, and always ready with encouragement or a story. His love was steady, unconditional, and deeply felt.

Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Tresa Shea; his brother, Steve; his mother, Genevieve; his father, William; his sister-in-law, Geri; his father-in-law, Hank Piazzola; and his brother-in-law, Scott Piazzola.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Karen; his children: son Travis (with Jaimee), daughter Jourdan, and daughter Kailey (with Jay); as well as cherished grandchildren Jackson, Taylor, McKinley, Maverick, Calla, and Ben. He is also survived by his brothers, Duane, Dennis (Teresa), Rick (Renea); his sister Connie (Mac); and several nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

His wife's family was also a very special and important part of his life, including his mothers-in-law, Joy Williams, and Lynne Piazzola; his sisters-in-law, Randi (Mike) Risher, Pam Piazzola, Gina Piazzola, Lisa (Paul) LaMere, and Angie Piazzola; his brother-in-law, Brian (Amy) Piazzola; as well as all of their children, whom he also adored.

Ron leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, passion, and a life fully lived. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, extended family, and in countless friends who became family, as well as in the memories shared by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ron's life will be honored with a celebration in May. The specific date and further details will be announced later.

In true Ron fashion, we imagine him now with open skies above, a fishing pole nearby, and stories waiting to be told.