JUNE 17, 1958 – NOVEMBER 14, 2020
Ronnie was born on June 17, 1958, to George Hiroshi Matsushima and Lillian Yuriko (Uchida) in Denver, Colorado. He was raised on the family farm along with his brother Larry and his sisters Debbie and Carol. He was a member of Future Farmers of America and a state-qualifying wrestler at Valley High School, where he graduated in 1976. He also was a drummer for Valley’s renowned marching band, traveling with them to Hawaii and continuing to perform with the Pride of the Valley Alumni Band.
Ronnie married Karen (Toyota) on August 25, 1990 at the Denver Buddhist Temple. They built their home on the Matsushima farm, where they raised their three children: Kirstie, Stephi and Drew. Ronnie loved coaching their sports teams and traveling to their many games where he could be found at the top of bleachers, in press boxes or climbing ladders so he could film their games and distribute copies to all the coaches and players.
Ronnie’s countless hobbies and interests were a catalyst to his ability to connect with family, friends, and his community. Ronnie “had a need… a need for speed” (a quote from his favorite move Top Gun). He reached the top of his field racing three-wheelers around the country and was a lifelong car and truck enthusiast.
An expert skier, Ronnie was easy to spot being one of the smoothest on the slopes. In addition to teaching his kids how to ski, he enjoyed sharing time on the slopes with friends and family. Ronnie loved to help organize family golf tournaments and could always make time to hit the greens to test out the latest clubs that were going to improve his game. He also played in various volleyball, baseball, basketball and softball leagues throughout his life.
Ever the diehard sports fan, Ronnie especially loved attending Denver Broncos home games with his cousins and friends and even traveled to New York for Super Bowl XLVIII. He loved going to Colorado State University’s Ag Days with his Uncle Johnny and a host of cousins.
Ronnie loved gatherings with food and especially loved his Auntie Oki’s cooking. Going to restaurants with family and friends was a favorite pastime, and very few people ever beat him to the punch when the bill came.
These are but a few of Ronnie’s interests, but he was best known for his love, commitment and dedication to family and friends. He remained close to the many cousins who spent summers on the farm working hard and playing harder, often traveling to California to visit the Uchida and Onishi families. Reunions were a cherished tradition started by Auntie Margie Miyoshi. Ronnie loved joking with her and teasing his Auntie Sach Katayama. Many of his fondest memories were in hosting everyone at the farm for various gatherings and celebrations.
In addition to running the Matsushima farm with his brother Larry, Ronnie worked for Amoco Oil, McLane Company, and Xcel Energy. He was an active member of the Fort Lupton Buddhist Temple and Fort Lupton Japanese American Citizens League, and was deeply involved in the community at large.
It is an impossible task to mention all those who touched the life of Ronnie Matsushima. We truly appreciate all the family, friends, coworkers and community members who have reached out to us and kept us in their thoughts. A memorial service and reception will be held in the future whenever it is possible. Please help celebrate Ronnie's life by sharing a photo, a memory or a personal reflection.
