Ronald De Waal, the son of John and Marjorie De Waal, was born in Salt Lake City on October 23, 1932 and passed away peacefully of natural causes on July 3, 2018.
He worked as the humanities Librarian, Associate Professor and Exhibits coordinator at Colorado State University in Fort Collins until his retirement when he moved back home. He wrote several books and numerous articles about his childhood hero Sherlock Holmes for which he received awards, and also kept a journal of his own life. He was a member of the Deseret Gym, the Marriott Fitness Center, the Central City Gym, the Baker Street Irregulars and the Sons of Utah Pioneers as well as enjoyed classical music, dancing, reading, black and white movies, walking, and being with his wife, son and grandchildren. He valued his player piano above all his other possessions and played it often. His favorite song was "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." His epitaph was "The Holmes and Dance Man."
Ron was a member of two churches: the LDS Church and the Unitarian Church- one for its emphasis on spirituality and the other for its intellectualism, and he believed that Love is the true religion. His great-grandfather Andrew H. Burt, was the first marshal (Chief of Police) of Salt Lake City and Bishop of the 21st ward, Ensign Stake.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert De Waal, and granddaughter Lacee Marie Esquibel. He is survived by his wife Dorothy V. Pocock, son Les De Waal (Lisen), sister Linda De Waal (Remi), granddaughters Sadee Nielson (Corey), Samee De Waal, stepchildren Jeff Pocock (Becci), Beth Hoover, and many great grandchildren.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 9, 2018 at the Salt Lake City Cemetery located at 200 N Street, Salt Lake City. Followed by a luncheon held by Les at 638 12th Avenue.
