Ronald Mckenzie Beattie

On July 8, 2012 Ronald McKenzie Beattie died in Oceanside, CA and went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Ron was born July 19, 1920 on the family farm on High Prairie in Washington. He grew up in the farming life and attended a one-room school, graduating as the only senior in the class of 1938. Ron continued to work on the family farm for 2 more years before going to college and earning an Engineering degree in Aeronautics from the University of Washington.
In 1944, he was employed by North American Aviation in California working on the P-51 and B-25. While still with North American in 1953, Ron received notoriety for his part in designing an experimental rear prop plane known as the S-1 for his own company. Ron married his wife Sally in 1954. Following a short time with Lockheed, he was hired by Northrop in 1958. During the 1960's, Ron helped design the parachute for the Apollo Capsule. He later became lead engineer for Advanced Aircraft Design. In 1980, Northrop sent Ron to Germany as the liaison to the German aircraft company, Dornier. During their 5 years in Germany, he and Sally loved getting to know the people, and exploring the cities, villages and surrounding countries. They returned home to Rancho Palos Verdes in 1985 and he retired in 1986. Four years after Sally's passing, Ron moved in 2003 to live with his son, Bret and family in Texas and later Colorado. In 2009, Ron returned to CA to live his final years in Oceanside near his son, Ralph.
A faithful Christian and devoted family man, Ron was involved in church and youth activities. He and Sally were founding members of St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Rolling Hills Estates, CA and served in various capacities. In 1964, he and his family moved to Camarillo, CA and became active members of Trinity Presbyterian Church. The family returned to Rancho Palos Verdes, CA in 1974 and joined St. Peters-by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church. Ron also served as a Scout leader, youth baseball coach, and supported the athletic activities of his children. Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing; reading, especially historical works, and traveling.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Scott; his brother, Willard; and his wife, Sally. He is survived and loved by his sister, Roberta Childs; and four children, Bret (Tracey), Scott (Sandi), Ralph (Jane), and Janet Devine. He leaves grandchildren, Lorijane Wallace (William), Nathan, Sarah, Joseph, and Jacob and five great-grandchildren.
Ron will be remembered as man of integrity, who valued hard work, believed in God, and loved his family. A graveside memorial service will be held at 10 am on July 21, 2012 at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association.




Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275