Wilmer Nestor Ruona, Jr.

Wilmer Nestor Ruona, Jr.

May 24, 1964 - October 11, 2025

Wilmer “Willie” Nestor Ruona, Jr., a devoted son and brother, passed away on October 11, 2025.

Willie is survived by his loving sister, Tricia Flake (Edward Flake); his nephews, Tyler Ruona (Camille Briski), Preston Flake, and his niece, Marina Flake; and his great-nephews, Kaston Flake and Breck Flake. Willie was also loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Willie was a master carpenter who worked with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He spent many days building beautiful furniture for his family. He also worked as a corrections officer and a building inspector. He was a firefighter and fire engineer in Kitsap County, WA. Even earning the prestigious title of “Firefighter of the Year” in 1992. He continued to serve his community as a firefighter/ EMT in Colorado as a volunteer for multiple agencies. His commitment to serving his community has been an inspiration to other family members, who have also entered careers in the Fire Service.

In his free time, Willie enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, bowling, gaming, shooting pool and throwing darts! He loved his neighbors and socializing in his community. He frequently could be found hosting game nights!

Willie was the son of the late Lucia Bonilla Ruona and Wilmer Nestor Ruona, Sr. He is preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Carol Ruona, who he was joyfully married to for nearly two decades.

After the passing of his mother, Lucia, Willie continued to support his lifelong best friend, and father, Wilmer, by becoming his caretaker and watching over him for the past few years. A role he held steadfast in, all the way to his final day. Willie and Wilmer were the kind of father and son team that did everything together. Whether it was winning competitions shooting trap, building a successful construction business, winning long driving competitions at the local golf course, or even racing motorcycles across the desert… the duo was inseparable. Other activities Willie enjoyed with his father were boating and fishing in the oceans, watching football on the weekends, and exploring the country on road trips.

Willie was always the life of the party at social events and family gatherings. Always smiling, laughing, and quick with the jokes. He was able to make any room light up with his quick wit and genuinely kind personality. He was the kind of guy who could make friends with anyone. There wasn’t a judgmental bone in his body. He cared for his fellow man, and those lucky enough to have known him in life are better for having done so.

Willie will surely be missed, but never forgotten.

The family is planning a combined Celebration of Life service for both Wilmer, Sr. and Wilmer, Jr. in Colorado in March 2026.