Obituary of Ronald Adams Enright

Ronald Adams “Ron” Enright, 78, of Boise, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at his home, after a valiant battle with cancer. Military honors will take place on Friday, February 23, 1:00 pm at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home.

Ron was born in Newport News, Virginia, September 26, 1945, to Josephine Adams and Kenneth F. Enright, joining his brother Kenneth M. who was six years older. When Ron was 4 years old, the family moved to Colerain, North Carolina, to Josephine’s parents’ farmhouse and tobacco farm. Ron grew up with his mother, brother Ken, his grandparents, many Adams family cousins—and later his stepfather Thomas G. “Graham” Pierce. Like many Southern farm boys, Ron balanced going to school and being an excellent student, working hard on the farm, playing school sports (including basketball and football) and finding time for his lifetime sports of hunting and fishing. When Ron was in the 7th grade, he went t0 a social gathering to Colerain Beach. At this event, he met Marsha Purvis (from the nearby town of Ahoskie) and asked her to dance. They were to connect again—and dancing was always a favorite activity. Ron graduated with the Colerain High School Class of ’63 and its 24 students. He attended Chowan College in Murfreesboro, NC, where he earned an Associate Degree in 1965. In 1966, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and first was stationed in Texas. On Christmas Eve 1967, he married Marsha Purvis, the girl he had met at the beach. For their honeymoon, the newlyweds drove to Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas. When Ron got orders to Thailand, Marsha returned to North Carolina and attended Duke University School of Nursing. At Ubon Royal Air Base, Thailand, Ron was a Maintenance Analysis Technician, working particularly on F-4 Phantoms. Ron was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. Ron was assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base and completed his 4 years of service. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1970. Marsha had completed her nurse’s training, and she started her career at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. Ron continued his education at what was then Boise State College and graduated in 1972 with degrees in Health and Physical Education (last graduating class from BSC before it became Boise State University). Ron also enjoyed the outdoor local sports opportunities, including skiing and duck hunting.

Ron and Marsha moved to Salt Lake City where Ron attended the University of Utah. He earned his Master of Science degree in Health & Recreational Studies. Ron and Marsha’s first daughter Joanna was born in Salt Lake City in November 1974. The family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where Ron began his career as a recreational therapist. He was employed by the South Carolina State Psychiatric Adolescent and Children’s Hospital. Second daughter Jennifer Lynn was born in March 1977. Ron was awarded the hospital’s 1978 Outstanding Employee of the Year. In 1979, career opportunities for both Ron and Marsha and the love of duck hunting prompted the family to move back to Idaho. Ron was a recreational therapist from 1979 to 1986 at the Idaho State School and Hospital, where he worked with mentally and physically challenged adults. He was instrumental in the building of the wheelchair accessible therapy and recreational pool for patients. Ron continued his career at Northwest Passages Adolescent Hospital—working in mental health and assisting the underserved. Ron connected with teens in many endeavors, including as a coach or mentor. Joanna and Jenny often would receive praise about Ron from former patients or friends as how Ron influenced their lives for the better. Ron transitioned back to working for the State of Idaho as Regional Program Manager for the Council on

Developmental Disabilities. Although Ron retired in 2010, he continued making contributions to the community with various services. Ron and Marsha have served Project Haiti (Saint Alphonsus Foundation) for 25 years. Ron was a director for the Capitol Classic for over 20 years. In charge of the Start for the Children’s Race, Ron altered the course of the race. For many years, the runners ran from the grounds of the Capitol Building uphill on Capital Boulevard to the Depot. Ron changed the direction; the children ran FROM the Depot down the hill TO the Capitol Building… thus, children who were physically challenged could participate. Ron was an active member of Ducks Unlimited. He loved duck hunting—with many long-time hunting buddies and with 4-legged friends… his own three black labs—Blitz, Tar, Amos, and finally Turk (a chocolate lab)—all of whom he trained and who were his companions over many years. As a fan of classic rock and country music, Ron was an expert with lyrics and artists. If you were in a Music Trivia Contest and Ron was on your team, your team would win. Papa Ron liked to travel, and he took many special trips with his grandchildren. There was always an educational element to the big trip (Scotland, Basque Country, Yellowstone) or to a closer excursion or camping trip. Among Ron’s most memorable travel experiences were: watching the Scottish Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, experiencing the Fiesta Bowl win of the BSU Broncos over Oklahoma, camping and fishing at Warm Lake weekends, and seeing his grandchildren’s dance performances on the Basque Block. Ron enjoyed many sports—maybe NCAA basketball was his favorite. As a huge fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Ron enjoyed the rivalry with Marsha when it came to the many tight UNC vs Duke games. Ron was a long-time season holder for BSU football. He was also tolerant of the University of Idaho; his two daughters, one son-in-law and most of his extended family members are Vandals.

Ron never seemed to be in a hurry. He learned and remembered names, and he was a good listener who gave his full attention to the conversation. He was always ready to lend a hand. Ron observed and carried on many traditions. Ron & Marsha adopted their son-in-law John’s extended families, and they were ALL-IN for celebrating Basque events—some of which provided dance opportunities. Ron & Marsha loved to dance, and it was a pleasure to watch them because they were having so much fun. They also pulled their grandchildren onto the dance floor. Marsha & Ron enjoyed hosting, particularly at their home with amazing gardens. Often, guests enjoyed a BBQ dinner (meat from the grill) with elements of Southern cooking. Ron loved to cook healthy and meaningful dishes, including the best chowders. Ron believed he had the recipe for Blue Ribbon BBQ sauce.

Ron is survived by Marsha, his wife of 56 years; daughters and sons-in-law Joanna & Angus Wayne Park (Harpenden, England) and Jenny & John Aldape (Boise); grandchildren Ethan & Sophia Park and Josephine, Johnny & Jimmy Aldape; brother & sister-in-law Kenneth & Dolores Enright (San Tan Valley, Arizona); sister-in-law Gail Buie (Tampa, FL); brother-in-law & sister-in-law Gary & Sylvia Purvis (Morehead City, NC); and many Enright, Adams and Purvis nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions would be welcomed by the Oinkari Basque Dancers (PO Box 1011, Boise, ID 83701) and Project Haiti (Saint Alphonsus Foundation, 1055 N Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706).

Goodbye, Papa.