Astoria - In Loving Memory of Ronald "Ron" Philip Hoxie

February 14, 1933 - July 5, 2024

Ron Hoxie, devoted attorney, building preservationist, cherished friend, and respected

member of the community, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, at the age of 91. His passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Born on February 14, 1933, in Salem, Oregon, Ron was the only child of Lloyd E. Hoxie and Ruth B. Hoxie (Barrett), both born in 1904 and raised in Nyssa, Oregon. His father worked for Standard Brands, Inc., while his mother taught elementary school in Malheur County and later worked in retail with the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The couple

married in Portland and eventually settled in Salem, where they raised their son.

Ron, affectionately nicknamed "Red" as a child, attended Salem elementary schools and graduated from Salem High School in 1950. He continued his education at Oregon

State College (now OSU), Willamette University, and the University of Oklahoma. In 1953, he began his studies at Willamette Law School but paused them for two years to serve in the U.S. Army during the draft, followed by several years in the Army Reserves.

While in the Army Ron was stationed in Germany and played on the Army Golf Team.

He was awarded the Army Occupation Metal (Germany); the Good conduct Metal. After his honorable discharge he returned home and graduated in 1958, the same year

he was admitted to the Oregon State Bar.

His legal career spanned several cities—Salem, Portland, Lake Oswego, and ultimately the North Coast in Astoria, Oregon. In 1962, Ron married Susan Brandley. A business opportunity with his uncle took them to Texas, followed by a move to New York, where Ron earned a Master's Degree in Federal Tax Law from NYU Law School. Though the marriage ended in divorce in 1964, Ron remained focused on his education and

professional growth.

Ron never remarried, though he would later say he wished he had and started a family. Still, life brought him meaningful and enduring relationships. He is credited with helping numerous acquaintances start small businesses by offering mentorship and financial assistance. He met his longtime friend and companion, Antonia "Toni" Dexter, in 1962.

Though their paths diverged for a time, they remained in touch and later reconnected after Toni was widowed, spending cherished years together in companionship and

travel.

Ron also formed a lifelong friendship with fellow attorney Donn Bauske in the 1960s in

Portland. The two shared a love of golf, pool, poker, and adventure. Their decades-long friendship was marked by memorable travels especially to Mexico. It was Donn who encouraged Ron to purchase the 10th Street property in Astoria in 1973, a historic building that Ron lovingly restored and which now houses several thriving businesses.

While Ron continued to practice law on occasion, his later years were dedicated to real estate development and historic preservation. He had a remarkable eye for revitalization and contributed to numerous local residential and commercial landmarks, including the Duane Street building (now Clatsop County offices), the Bond Street apartment complex, and the former Moose Lodge aka Beacon Hotel building in Seaside—now a vibrant venue center, sports pub, and retail space. He also renovated a Bond Street home later sold to the Rescue Mission, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful development and civic pride in the community he loved.

Beyond his professional life, Ron was an avid golfer and a man who deeply valued friendship, loyalty, and good conversation. He was thoughtful and witty, with a gift for listening and making others feel seen and supported. He carried himself with quiet strength and humility and lived with intention and principle.

Throughout his life, Ron shared his home and heart with three special dogs: Toby in his childhood, Pete during his time in Texas, and Buddy, whom he adopted after the passing of his friend Al. Ron and Buddy were inseparable until Buddy's passing—another testament to the deep care and loyalty Ron brought to all his

relationships.

A memorial service will be held on July 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Barbey Maritime Center (2042 Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103) to celebrate Ron's life, honor his

contributions, and remember the many ways he touched our hearts. His cremains will be placed with his parents in the family plot at Zena (Spring Valley Cemetery) in Polk County, Oregon.

Ron Hoxie was a man of quiet impact—a principled attorney, a passionate businessman, a loyal companion, and a true friend. He will be deeply missed and

forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lower Columbia Hospice.