Ronald "Ron" Allen Lints Sr., 81 of Traverse City died Mar 24, 2019.
He was born August 23, 1937 in Elberta, to parents Julius and Marie (Stecher) Lints.

When Ron was a young boy, he and his family moved from Frankfort to Traverse City, where he would spend the rest of his life. In his younger days he honed his skills as a fisherman and a hunter, providing for his family. Through his life Ron was an avid whitetail and rabbit hunter. He told stories of running contraband (candy bars and cigarettes) to the residents at the State Hospital as a side hustle.

Ron graduated in 1956, from St. Francis, where he was an infamous "terror" on the football field. He was the first four-year varsity letter player to go through St. Francis. The summer of his graduation Ron wasted no time marrying the woman of his dreams, Antionette "Toni" Louise McManus. She was his yellow rose of Texas.
Ron worked hard for Traverse City Iron Works (where Hagerty Insurance now stands) for several years. He and a work friend, Ivan Kalchik decided they had enough of the foundry and started a business venture on their own contracting cement flatwork. He was easy to spot in his 51' Ford pickup. Ron remained proud of his Traverse City heritage, and really was a TRUE local. He never left his Traverse, even when the city saw some of its darkest days. He never gave up, worked hard, and pushed onward. Ron was forward and honest, you always knew where you stood with him.

After the untimely death of his wife, Ron had to learn how to move forward. One of his greatest joys was taking the Algoma Central Railway to Trout Lake in Ontario, Canada. He loved riding up there in the boxcars, leaving a trail of cigarette smoke on his way. Trout Lake is where he would catch BIG brook trout and enjoy nature and solitude. Later, he would build a cabin off of the railroad, which he treasured.
Ron was skilled at smoking meats in his custom hand-built smokehouse, especially fish, turkey and chicken. He was passionate about this, but even more so about teaching others how to enjoy the process.

Ron spent countless hours fishing East and West Bay with his sons, grandsons and good friends. He was a master creek fisherman, going after Brook and Brown Trout. He was a local legend in many respects, and is already missed by us all.

Ron leaves behind his children Renae (Steve) Gallagher, Ronald (Mary) Lints, Patricia (Val) Estrello, Sheila (Tom) Sophiea, Patrick (Tracy) Lints and Brenda (Paul) Hubbell; 18 beloved grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; brother George (Barb) Lints; sister Edith White; cousin Richard White; many extended family members; dear friends; and his loyal friend and canine companion Bandit.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife Antionette "Toni" Louise (McManus); granddaughter Amaya; nephews Jason and David Thompson; and brother-in-law Pat McManus.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, June 7, 2019, 11AM, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union, Traverse City, MI 49684. Visitation from 10AM-10:45AM, a tribute will be shared at 10:45AM. Ron will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Old Mission Peninsula. "Hope to see you there!" -Ron.

Ron would love for memorials to be directed to the St. Francis Athletic Department, 123 E. 11th St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Ron and his family are being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and cremation services.