Ronald E. McCasland
Ronald Edward McCasland, 84, passed peacefully at his home on May 30, 2022. He was born on Sept. 22, 1937, the eldest son of Raymond and Agnes McCasland. He was a lifelong and proud resident of Saranac Lake until the past year when he moved to Rochester. He attended St. Bernard’s School and graduated from Saranac Lake Central High School in 1956.
He worked with his parents for many years at McCasland’s Upholstery Shop and was a master at his craft. For eight years he served in the United States Air Force as a member of the 380th Periodic Maintenance Squadron and the Strategic Missile Squadron. He held many jobs while his kids were growing up, including Nadon’s Garage and the Sew Vac shop. He was hardworking and proud of the work he did, especially proud of his time at Trudeau Institute, retiring from there in 2003. With his father, he was active with the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club for many years, serving as president at one point. He was a proud Boy Scout growing up and would boast about sleeping in Riverside Park in a lean-to in the middle of winter.
He is survived by his adoring wife of 64 years, Lucy; sons, Blaine, Jeff (Ann), Sean (Peggy) and daughter, Ellyn (John Tarasuk); grandson, Brian McCasland and granddaughters, Ella and Esperanza Tarasuk (who thought their Papa was the coolest ever); as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and many unofficially adopted family members.
His greatest love was to be on the road traveling in his van with his wife Lucy. They traveled all over the country, enjoying life and eating at every diner they came across. He loved vanning and cars, a passion he shared and enjoyed with his sons, and the community of vanners in his life was one of his greatest blessings.
He will be remembered for his duty (to his country, his work and family), his knack for coming up with a quick joke and his determination to make the most out of life, despite the inevitable ups and downs. He was adored by many, could make a new friend in a few minutes and just loved to stop and have a chat whenever possible.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Donations in his memory can be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, a condition he lived bravely with for several years.