Marlborough – Ronald A. Stokes, 77, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 after being stricken ill at home Friday. He was the husband of Jayne (Mitchell) Stokes, to whom he was married for 28 years. He was born in Marlborough, the son of the late Albert K. and Lauretta (Lapierre) Stokes Cook, and lived there all of his life.
Ron was a graduate of Marlborough High School, class of 1955, and served in the Army National Guard before going to work as a salesman for many different companies in the snow skiing industry. He owned and operated the former Country Ski Shop in Marlborough for many years.
Ron had a zest for life, and loved sailing, skiing and motorcycling. He was a former member of the Jericho ski club and the Fort Meadow ski club, served as a lake commissioner, and ran a water ski school in the 1970s. He also had a great passion for his community. He served on many different boards and organizations in the city, including the former Marlborough JCs, 22 years on the board of directors of the Marlborough Boys Club, 12 years as a trustee for Hillside School, 48 years as a member of the Rotary Club, four years as a member of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, and six years as chairman of the Marlborough Board of Health.
Ron's greatest love though was his family and friends. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, and was devoted to the love of his life Jayne. He made friends wherever he went and was often described as “larger than life.”
Besides his wife, he is survived by four sons, Albert Stokes and his wife Irene of Marlborough, Anthony Stokes and his wife Lisa of Hubbardston, Troy Gipps and his wife Monique of Grafton, and Steve Gipps of W. Harwich; one daughter, Sarah Anderson and her husband Steve of Hubbardston; 12 grandchildren, Lori Meiners, Jennifer Eagan, Andrea Stokes, Alisha Stokes, Julia Stokes, Lindsay Carey, Ryan Stokes, Shaye Stokes, Derek Anderson, Rachel Anderson, Silas Gipps, and Hollis Gipps; one great-grandchild, Ryder Eagan; a sister-in-law Susan Stokes; two nephews, Michael and Richard Stokes; one niece, Kim Brogna; and many friends. He was predeceased by a brother, Carl Stokes.
His funeral will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m., in St. Bernadette's Church, 266 Main St., Northborough. Burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com) of Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen? St., Framingham, MA 01701 or Saint Bernadette's Church, 266 Main St., Northborough, MA 01532.
