Ronald Claas Collman of Warrenton and Costa Rica, passed away in Hillsboro on April 25, 2024, after a brief illness with his family at his side. He was 96 years old.

Ron Collman was born in Aberdeen, Washington on November 15, 1927, to Rosamond (Bowen) and Dr. C.O. Collman. He moved to Higbee, Missouri as a small child and attended schools in Higbee, graduating from Higbee High School in 1945. He attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, earning a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Education in 1949. He received his Masters degree in Education from OSU in 1965. Ron began his teaching career at Lewis & Clark Consolidated #5, where he met Lila Haggren. Ron and Lila were married May 13, 1950, with their students in attendance. He also taught at Warrenton Grade School, Olney School and Ft. Stevens Junior High, where he was also the principal, before joining Clatsop Community College in 1967. He was the assistant dean of instruction and director of the evening and summer school programs until retiring from Clatsop in 1985.

Ron began salmon fishing commercially in Alaska in 1952, with his brother-in-law, Kaarlo Karna, and then for 6 years with his father-in-law, Mike Haggren, before his children joined him. He fished every summer in Alaska for 50 consecutive years. He also fished in the Columbia and Youngs Bay seasons for many years.

Ron was a founding board member of TLC Credit Union in 1957 and served for 20 years. He also was a member & county president of the Oregon Education Association, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Finnish Brotherhood. He was a longtime member of Pioneer Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder. He belonged to Al Kader Shrine since 1957, belonged to the Gateway Masonic Lodge for over 70 years and became Grand Master in 1960. He was a member of the board and clerk of the Clatsop County Diking District #11 for 20 years. He was a member of the Lower Columbia Power Squadron and served as District Commander. He also volunteered for 20 years with the Kidney Association of Oregon with their annual silent auction. He was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army for 20 years.

Ron and Lila enjoyed many years of extensive travel, with trips to Finland, England and Wales. They took many 5th wheel trips across the country and to Alaska, as well as a number of cruises. They were married for 57 years, until her death in 2008. He then married Saray Alvarez Villarreal of San Jose, Costa Rica, in 2009. Ron continued his love of travel with Saray, with whom he took a 4 month around the world cruise in 2014. He spent his time living between Costa Rica and Warrenton his last 15 years.

Ron is survived by his wife, Saray, his children from his first marriage, Rod Collman of Prineville, Rebecca (Tim) McMahon of Colchester, Vermont, Jennifer (Dave) Warren of Benicia, California and Ben (Michele) Collman of Juneau, Alaska, and his step-son, Marti (Ana) Figueres of Allen, Texas. He was also survived by 12 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his wife, Lila, in 2008 and his daughter, Permelia “Perky” (John) Rasmussen in 2014.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at Clatsop Plains Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Warrenton, at 11:00. A reception will follow at Suomi Hall in Astoria.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Please sign our guestbook at: www.caldwellsmortuary.com.

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