Ronald Lee LaBrie, 82

Ronald Lee LaBrie, 82, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center. Ron was born in Whitefish to Clarence and Edna (Munson) LaBrie on Nov. 25, 1943. He was raised in Whitefish and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1962. 

He met the love of his life, Merrilyn Burr, in 1950 and they became childhood friends and later high school sweethearts despite the sand throwing at that fateful first encounter. Ron and Merrilyn were united in marriage on April 27, 1962, and continued to live in Whitefish where their first son Michael was born. 

Ron worked in the timber industry prior to the family moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota where sons Craig, Rodney and Jason were born. In 1973, Ron had the opportunity to manage the local Goodyear store in Redwood Falls, Minnesota and the family was there until 1985 when Ron, Merrilyn and Jason began their next adventure in Phoenix, Arizona and eventually settled in Scottsdale where they have lived for over 30 years. 

He was especially suited for sales and service where his clients and customers loved his honesty, dedication, and work ethic. He continued to work in the automotive sales and service industry until he retired. Retirement was not for Ron as he missed interacting with customers and he just celebrated his five-year anniversary at the Scottsdale Crossing Albertsons where he greatly enjoyed his co-workers and customers. Ron loved family visits, taking Merrilyn out to eat, crossword and word puzzles, working in the yard and spoiling his dogs and those that came to visit.

Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Merrilyn, sons, Michael (Sandy), Craig (Cindy), Rodney (Danielle) and Jason (Nestor); grandchildren, Melanie, Nicole, Christine (Adam Pettitt), Josh, Trevor, Austin, Hunter and Maddison; sisters, Carol (Roger Edwards) LaBrie, Kay (Mark) Mathews and Lorrie (John) Woods; in-laws, Barbara LaCroix, Penny (Gary) Mull and Larry Burr; many nieces and nephews; his dog Grace; good friends/neighbors, Charlie, Shelly, Peter and Cheri, and many current and past co-workers at Albertsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Clayton LaCroix and four-legged, tail wagging family members, Shane, Oliver, Simon and Lexi.

A celebration of life will be held March 28 beside the family pool under the Arizona sun where stories will be told of a life well-lived and a man well-loved.