It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Ronald Stephen Arnold. Ron was born in Seattle, Washington on October 12, 1946 and died in Fairbanks, Alaska on September 2, 2025. Ron lived his life with an open mind and an open heart. His adventurous spirit enhanced many lives and he will be missed by his family, students and friends. Ron’s Celebration Of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at North Pole Elementary School. The school is located at 250 Snowman Lane, North Pole, Alaska. The family will host an additional celebration of Ron’s life in Seattle, later in the year. 

FULL OBITUARY

Ronald Stephen Arnold was born in Seattle, Washington on October 12, 1946. He was the third of six children born to Marian Smith and Johnie Arnold. Ron graduated from Garfield High School in 1964, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Moorhead State University in 1986. A life-long learner, Ron completed 33 hours of master’s level classes in Special Education at the University of Alaska.

Ron was a seeker of adventure, and after decades of looking for a spot to settle down, he found Alaska. He loved the beauty, the cold, the midnight sun, and the “no fuss” of Alaska. He spent many happy hours on his boat, the Yukon, writing haikus, and sent boxes of smoked salmon to his grateful family in Seattle. Ron treasured his time with his family and friends, but after a while, he would inform us that it was time to get back home, to get back to Alaska.

Ron wore many hats during his remarkable 78 years: father, teacher, entrepreneur, and volunteer. His career in education included 15 years at North Pole Elementary School where he made good use of his training in special education and outreach. Ron’s previous work in education included teaching at the Kenai Peninsula School District, in Soldotna, Alaska, and at the Mat-Su School District in Palmer, Alaska.

A career highlight was Ron’s work with the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska where he served as the program’s Flight Director, becoming known as “The Rocket Man”. In this capacity, he collaborated with educators, trained new employees, worked with the program’s board and staff, and traveled to smaller communities to teach space science. His commitment to marginalized communities fueled his enduring enthusiasm for space science and education. Ron’s free spirit did not readily embrace the rules and regulations of polite, status-quo society. He addressed this dilemma by creating two small businesses: the Iditarod National Millennium Trail, INC and TightLine Alaska where he was a co-owner.

Focusing his energy and expertise as a business owner and volunteer gave Ron additional opportunities to make “good trouble”. He served with the local chapter of the NAACP as the Chair to the Climate Justice Committee, worked on the annual Juneteenth Celebration, and worked with the Teacher’s Union.

After 78 trips around the sun, Ron’s journey came to an end. We who knew and loved him must now say goodbye and thank him for the gift of his love, his humanity, and his presence in our lives. Rest In Power Ron, Fly High, Rocket Man.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Alexis Arnold and his son Nathan Aker. Left to cherish his memory are sisters Georgiana Arnold and Oneida Arnold, grandsons Jonathan Black, Ben Black, and Charles Felder, granddaughter, Charissa Felder, great grandson, Sy’ier Hogan, great granddaughter, Sapphiire Black, nieces, Sarah Jordan, Kylee and Kendra Arnold, grandnephew, Keni Chino Gonzales, grandnieces Khadijah and Kayla Jordan, and a host of relatives and friends. 

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