Ronald Burton Elkins

Ronald Burton Elkins was born May 10, 1956, in Farmington New Mexico. Ron passed away this October 2021, in Phoenix Arizona.
Ron lived in the Phoenix area most of his life and graduated from Tempe High School, 1974. He was an Eagle Scout and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1975-1977, Canada Halifax area.  He was employed at MicroAge for many years and eventually opened an Antique Store. He ran that business on his own for approximately twenty years.  For over thirty years he was the soul caretaker for his mother, Jaris Taylor Elkins. She had muscular dystrophy and was home bound.  This past year he was the caretaker of Russ, the love of his life who passed away this past April.  The compassion and understanding he gave to his mother and Russ were more than most could understand. Those who knew him, knew his heart was made of gold.  He was always willing to help and care for most anyone.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother Jaris Taylor Elkins, father Royce Elkins and his soulmate Russell Coplen of over 23 years.  He is survived by his son Justin Elkins, daughter-in-law Heidi, their four children, Leona Elkins, Jacob Weston, Holly Weston, and Hanna Weston.  His older brothers Forrest Elkins (wife Pat) of Iowa, Fredric Elkins (wife Laurie) of Utah, and younger brother Richard Elkins of Texas, his aunt Dorene Taylor Mills of Idaho and also his treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.
Ron had a magnetic energy, he was a fun person to be around, and all his family and friends looked forward to being with him. His outpouring of love and support is a testament to his naturally positive, compassionate, and loving force that impacted every life he encountered. Ron enjoyed antique shopping, being with his son Justin and family, riding his bicycle along the canals in Phoenix, and motorcycle road trips with Russ.
Ron had a passion for helping and caring for people with PFLAG of Phoenix, (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).  He spent several years within that organization, and even to this day.  Ron also gave service to the deaf community and attended their meetings, using his sign language in helping where he could.  Ron and Russ completed a course in ASL (American Sign Language) to aid in their service to this community. They also participated as volunteers at the convention for the blind held each summer.
To deal with the grief of losing his partner Russ; Ron achieved one of his greatest accomplishments, a Taylor Family Reunion!  This Reunion idea was something that has been thought of for many years. All of a sudden Ron called his aunt Dorene and said, are you sitting down...  Let's do the reunion this summer. With barely 3 months' notice we scheduled for July 2021, and off we went.  He called his cousin Raeni Taylor, and the committee was formed.  The plans were set in motion, Ron reserved the park up Provo Canyon in Utah. Then we pulled out our Taylor books, "A Royal Family" (written by his mother) and started contacting the family of Elmer F. Taylor, Ron's Great Grandfather.  We arranged the agenda, entertainment, got food trucks lined up and Ron spent his time working to pull together this huge Taylor Family Reunion. He didn't want to leave anyone out! There were over 150 family members there and all who came loved being together and reminiscing of family times.  We all thank Ron for his time and effort and so many memories.
Since the Reunion and those busy times, Ron continued to grieve and lost his enthusiasm for life. He died of a broken heart this October. His life was not easy, but he smiled and made the best of what he had.  All who knew him loved Ron, he will be greatly missed.
As per his wishes, there will be no memorial service.  

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to:
Papa Ron Grandkids Education Fund:  GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/7084b5ae

Papa Ron Grandkids Education Fund, organized by Dorene T Mills
Ron loved his grandkids (lr: Leona, Hanna, Holly and Jacob) and would do anything fo… Dorene T Mills needs your support for Papa Ron Grandkids Education Fund
gofund.me

Or you may mail contributions in memory of Ronald Elkins, to PFLAG, 2942 N. 24th Street, Suite 114-300, Phoenix, AZ 85016

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