Ronald Dean Sande

Ronald “Ron” Dean Sande, 84, of Elk River, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Ron was born to Per and Frances Sande on July 3, 1942, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1960 and went on to attend the University of Idaho and Washington State University. In 1964, he married Arlene Reis, the love of his life. This began a marriage and partnership that would span more than six decades.

Ron earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1966 and went on to earn a Master’s degree and PhD, becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. He began his career at the University of Utah Medical School before returning to Pullman, Washington, in 1968 to join Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

From 1973 to 1995, Ron directed the Division of Clinical Services and oversaw the Department of Veterinary Radiology at WSU. He was a respected teacher, researcher, mentor, and leader in veterinary medicine. His work included research on animal models of human bone disease, cancer, and diseases of salmon in Norway, among many other projects. He mentored 18 graduate students, authored more than 100 publications, presented more than 160 papers, seminars, and short courses, and received numerous professional awards and honors.

His career took him across the United States and around the world. In 1992–1993, he taught and conducted research at the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine. Wherever his professional life took him, Ron insisted that Arlene accompany him, because to him, life’s adventures were meant to be shared with the person he loved.

But as accomplished as Ron was professionally, he never considered his degrees, titles, or publications to be his greatest achievements. He once wrote that despite the capital letters behind his name: DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACVR—the only important ones were DAD, and later, PAPA.

Family was the heart of Ron’s life.

He was a devoted husband to Arlene, a loving father, and an extraordinarily proud grandfather. He loved each of his grandchildren for the individual people they are and made sure they knew they were each, in his words, “my favorite.” He wanted every one of them to know how deeply he loved them and how proud he was of their individual strengths.

The outdoors was a huge part of Ron’s life. It was not just a hobby; it was his way of life. He loved spending time in the mountains and loved sharing it with his children and grandchildren even more. He taught them how to hunt, fish, and backpack, and his love for the outdoors will be passed down to the generations after him. Some of their best memories with Ron were made in the mountains, around a campfire, or out on the water. As Ron once said, “Every day you spend fishing is a day God does not hold against you.”

Ron had a clever sense of humor and a wonderful zest for life. He loved to laugh, tell stories, tease the people he loved, and make memories. He was intelligent and curious, but never took himself too seriously. Those who knew him well will remember not only what he taught them, but the laughter, conversations, adventures, and moments they shared with him.

After he retired from WSU, Ron and Arlene made their home in Elk River, Idaho, where they enjoyed the life they had built together, surrounded by family, friends, nature, and the simple pleasures of life.

Ron’s greatest legacy will not be measured by his degrees, publications, awards, or professional accomplishments. It will live on in the people he loved, the students he mentored, the family he cherished, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, the adventures he passed down, and the lives he touched.

Ron was preceded in death by his son, Aaron, and daughter, Michelle.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene; son Bjorn and his wife, Azira; son Perrin; and seven grandchildren: Cierra, Kjora, Ashley, Taylor, Karina, Soren, and Per; and his sister JoAnn Sharrai.

The viewing and Rosary service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 3 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 440 NE Ash St., in Pullman, WA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A reception will follow the Funeral Mass from 12 noon – 2 PM in the churches Parish Hall. Corbeill Funeral Home, Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.