Ronald Lee Coulter

Ron Coulter passed in his Poulsbo home on April 22, 2021 at the age of 80. His three children were at his side. For several weeks he anticipated his death, giving him time to say goodbye to friends and family. His sister flew in from North Dakota and he even had a party for his golfing buddies the day before he died.

Ron is survived by his sister Diane (Brian) Paulsen, his three children, Kasey (Maui) Ritualo, Roni Coulter and Scott (Ron) Coulter as well as 8 beloved grandchildren who describe him as their hero: Angelo (Bryana), Mathew (Chelsea), Stephen, Elizabeth, Ellis, Emlyn, Madi and Michael. He also had 4 lovely great-grandchildren: Samara, Weston, Ava and Enzo with one more on the way. Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Coulter, and his younger sister, Georgia Coale.

Except for marrying Kathy, Ron has said that the best decision of his life was joining the Seattle fire department. He rose to the rank of captain responsible for the fireboats at the Seattle pier. He frequently shared stories of his harrowing adventures fighting fires. He came close to death several times. He retired in 1993 at the relatively young age of 52. He and Kathy spent the next 26 winters being active and making lifelong friends at the Sundance RV resort in Yuma, AZ.

Ron is remembered by many as ‘Mr. Fix-it.’ He built the last four houses he lived in and eagerly used his skills helping friends and family. People would say, “need an oil change? a tree cut down? plumbing or electricity installed? - Call Ron Coulter”. He helped others with enthusiasm.

Ron was admired for his quiet competence. He was in leadership positions his whole life. At 12 he was responsible for launching the guest boats from Seaborn’s Leschi Park Boathouse on Lake Washington. He entered the Naval Reserve as a junior in high school. He was selected to be the battalion leader and was the #1 honor recruit. In the Navy, he was delighted to be assigned to Pearl Harbor working in Information Technology. When his children were in school, he served as Chairman of his local school board and was very active in coaching and attending their many school sports and activities. At the time he retired, he was the most senior captain in the Seattle Fire Department. He led by example, always calm and cool.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to support Seattle’s Firefighters (web link can be found below) Please select “General Fund”.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private family funeral will be held at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church.

The Celebration of Life Open House will be from
12:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021
Ron Coulter’s Home
Poulsbo, WA

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.