Ron Meng

February 6, 1954 — August 22, 2013

Ron Meng, founder and owner of Islands Marine Center, Lopez Island, Wash., passed away peacefully Aug. 22, 2013 after a three-year battle with cancer. Truly a self-made man, Ron started IMC some 40 years ago, literally from the trunk of his car, servicing what was then a sizable fishing fleet on Lopez.

Gradually, he and his wife Jennifer purchased waterfront property, developed a full-service marina and shifted their emphasis to recreational boaters as the commercial fishing industry waned.

Ron was a skilled mechanic and an avid fisherman, two traits that he blended successfully to design and bring to market his own brand of northwest-style boat: the Ocean Sport Roamer. Coming up on hull No. 100, this unique brand was a source of great pride for Ron, as he actively engaged his favorite pastime – fishing trips to Barkley Sound.

Ron was born Feb. 6, 1954, in Seattle, Wash., to Godan and Florence Meng. He spent his youth in the Normandy Park neighborhood of Seattle, moving to Lopez Island in 1972. The next year, Ron married Jennifer Collman, also of Lopez. The couple started their business, Islands Marine Center, the same year.

Ron is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jennifer Meng, his daughter Christine Meng, his granddaughter Madeline Anderson, his niece Amanda, his parents Godan and Florence Meng, his brothers, Eric, Dennis and Bob, his sisters Lori and Karen, and many, much-loved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at Woodman Hall on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Friends of Woodman Hall, P.O. Box 424, Lopez Is., WA 98261.

— Family of Ron Meng