Ronald H. Wilson of Oak Harbor passed away May 2, 2010, from complications following a stroke. He was 77.

He leaves his wife, Karin Ostrom; daughters Julie Forest and Krista Colon; son Eric “Xubi” Wilson; stepdaughters Elizabeth Bassat and Jennifer Brooks; his brother Russell Wilson; and six grandchildren.

Ron had a distinguished career as a research physicist with General Electric after graduating from South Dakota State and receiving his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Among his notable accomplishments were debunking claims of cold fusion, developing pioneering laser-based computer memory technologies, and advancing fuel cell designs.

He had a long history of community involvement, including the founding of Better Neighborhoods of Schenectady, N.Y., and more recently, driving patients to medical appointments for Senior Services of Whidbey Island.

At his request, no services will be held, but his ashes will be scattered at his childhood home in Belle Fourche, S.D.