Ronald Gove "Ron" Arvin, 60, passed away on January 7, 2026, in Wasilla, Alaska.
Born on March 31, 1965, in Sitka, Ron lived a life rooted deeply in the rugged beauty of his home state and enriched by his love for family, food, work and the great outdoors.
After graduating from Sitka High in 1983, he was a heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers. He took classes at the University of Alaska Southeast and his professional career spanned project management, port management, construction and environmental services. He owned and operated RA Environmental Inc.; was a project manager at Ahtna Engineering; and a director of international business development at Port MacKenzie. He was deputy mayor of the Mat-Su Borough.
He was on the boards of the Alaska Energy Authority and Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, 2010-2013, and served on the Mat-Su Borough Transportation Advisory Board. He was named a Top 40 Under 40 Alaskan by the Alaska Journal of Commerce in 1998.
Ron is lovingly remembered by his wife Nina Arvin and their three daughters, Nova Arvin, Ayla Hahn, and Kyia Arvin, along with his two grandsons, Otto Nerup and Carter Hahn, all of Wasilla.
He also leaves behind his sisters, Shirlene Jensen of Juneau, Ronda Anderson of Sitka, Teresa Robinson of Juneau, and Bonnie Patton of Iowa; stepbrothers Roy Arvin of Nevada, Tom Arvin of California, and Steve Arvin of Nevada; and his half-sister, Jennifer Erwin, of North Carolina. Each of them carries cherished memories of Ron's humor, generosity, and enduring spirit.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother Faye Berniel Arvin—affectionately known as Pat—whose influence remained with him throughout his life; and by his stepfather, Paul Arvin.
A true Alaskan at heart, Ron found joy in the natural world around him. He had an abiding passion for fishing and cooking, loved traveling and was dedicated to his work.
Those who knew Ron will remember him as someone who lived fully—with strength in his convictions and tenderness in his relationships. His legacy is one of perseverance, love for family, appreciation for life's simple pleasures, and an open-hearted embrace of adventure.
"May Ronald Gove 'Ron' Arvin's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched," his family said.
Services will be 1 p.m. Jan. 25, at 2050 N. Merciful Circle, Wasilla, AK 99654.
