Ronald "Ron" Wayne Obendorf

Ronald Wayne Obendorf died on August 25, 2024, in Idaho Falls after a well-fought battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 78 years old. Ron's passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family members and many friends. Ron was a father figure to those who knew him best and he made friends with so many of the people he met during his 50 years of operating the Sandpiper Restaurant in Idaho Falls. He considered the Sandpiper staff to be his family. Ron was well-known throughout the community for his kindness and generosity, ever-present smile, world-class chuckle, and over-the-top enthusiasm.

Ron was born on December 21, 1945, in Boise, Idaho, to Orville Wayne Obendorf and Marjorie Jean Welbourn Obendorf. He had a wonderful childhood, including time spent on his grandparents' farm in Parma. At a young age, Ron was curious and adventurous. That spirit remained with him as he graduated from Borah High School, attended Boise Junior College, and graduated from Boise State University.

Ron would often joke about how long it took him to finish college, partly because of his adventurous spirit. One of his favorite memories was interrupting his studies to hitchhike to Alaska, where he worked on a railroad crew. Ron's curiosity led him to try different jobs over the years. Those included being a golf caddie, ski instructor, elementary school teacher, and an aerial fire spotter for the Boise Interagency Fire Center.

That adventurous spirit and curiosity led him to California. Ron loved his time living on a sailboat at Newport Beach while working at Slocums Restaurant. During this time, Ron sailed solo to and from Santa Catalina Island.

Ron found that the restaurant life suited him and he helped open fine dining establishments in several western states. Ron found a home when he moved to Idaho Falls to open the Sandpiper on the Snake River in 1974.

Twenty-three years ago, Ron met Dawn at the restaurant. They went on one date and have been together since. Ron and Dawn enjoyed several adventures together, many of which included their mutual love for fishing.

Ron was proceeded in death by his son, Travis Raymond Obendorf (2013). He is survived by his wife, Dawn, who cared for him with exceptional kindness and tenderness in his final years, sister Janice Westrum and stepsiblings Russell and Robert Saul, and Kaye Saul Felt.

Per Ron's request, no services will be held. Instead, he asked that everyone honor his memory by being kind to each other and helping wherever you can. As Ron said, it truly makes a difference. Dawn would like to thank Brio Home Health and Hospice for their loving assistance.