FORT BENTON — Ronald S. Jovanovich, 67, a retired high school history teacher and former manager of Signal Point Golf Course, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A celebration of Ron's life will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Signal Point Golf Course in Fort Benton.

Ron was born April, 1, 1947, son of Vlado and Louise Jovanovich. He attended Billings Senior High and graduated from Montana State University. Ron married his wife, Gerry in 1968, and they moved to Fort Benton to start his teaching career in Jan. of 1970. Along with teaching and coaching, Ron contributed to the Fort Benton community for over a decade as a member of the Fort Benton city council, as well as serving as mayor. Ron retired from teaching in 1998, but retained his job as athletic director until 2006. In 2004, he was hired as the manager of Signal Point Golf Course, retiring in the fall of 2013.

Ron was a dedicated man to all his professions, always doing a job better than was expected of him. His pride in his work showed at every level and was respected by many. Ron is survived by his wife, Gerry, of 46 years; son, Michael (Ginger); granddaughters Taylor and Grace of Tulsa, Okla; daughter, Tina (Kate); granddaughters Sarah and Erin, of Wells, Maine; sister, Sharon (Elwood) Hahn, of Billings; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florence Dedman Animal Foundation and Shelter, P.O. Box 1051, Fort Benton, MT 59442 or Peace Hospice of Great Falls