Ron Armstrong

It is with great love and appreciation that we celebrate the life of Kenneth Ronald Armstrong, who left this world on June 21, 2026, at the age of 84. Ron was born in Long Beach, California to Kenneth Armstrong and Edna Anderson Armstrong. Ron spent his life racing and improving engines as a dedicated engineer, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Beginning at an early age, Ron worked doing a number of different jobs, which included raising guinea pigs (having as many as 100 at one point) and courier pigeons, working at a bakery, a TV repair shop and even a morgue. After leaving California at the age of 15 to live with his grandparents in Utah, Ron attended his last two years of high school at American Fork High School.

After high school, Ron went to work in electronics with Sperry Rand in Salt Lake City for approximately four years. Although having very little formal education in electronics, Ron excelled in his position, and he became part of a small team of individuals overseeing a project with the U.S. space program. When that contract expired, Ron left Sperry Rand to further pursue his love of racing, having already obtained his first hydroplane race boat and a Studebaker racecar, both of which he completely rebuilt and modified himself.

In 1965, Ron moved back to California and in 1966 married the love of his life, Margene. He embraced his family life with Margene and his two daughters, Tenea and Nicki. The time spent with his girls was filled with laughter and love, as they painted his nails, styled his hair, and turned him into their personal canvas for beauty experiments. His generosity of spirit and kindness of heart made him a beloved figure by his children, grandchildren and all who knew him.

In the years following his return to California, Ron pushed the boundaries of innovation in racing. He raced for many years in events at the Bonneville salt flats, ultimately etching his name into the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club. He also won an amazing 32 events in a row with that first hydroplane boat, and the aquatic race world began to take notice of him. As a professional unlimited hydroplane driver, Ron raced boats for groups such as the Circus Circus casino in Las Vegas, Budweiser and others.

In 1984, Ron and his partner Spencer Eisenbarth created their company Racepak out of the garage of Ron's home in California. Racepak's groundbreaking data-acquisition software program revolutionized engine performance for all types of racing vehicles. Ron spent time building engines for a NASCAR race team, consulting with well-known drag racing teams and other racing professionals. Ron was known as a true mastermind behind the scenes. National racing magazines have published articles that credit some of the dramatic performance gains seen in drag racing to Racepak. For nearly 20 years, Ron attended almost every NHRA national event, providing on-site service to his many customers. Everyone at these events knew Ron.

After selling his company Racepak, Ron and Margene moved back to Utah to be closer to their beloved daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although retired, Ron never strayed far from the racing world, continuing to consult for various racing teams for several more years. He had a special place in his heart for his coral-colored '68 Ford Thunderbird, which he fully restored himself. Ron was often seen showcasing it at various car shows and parades, winning many awards along the way. In his later years, Ron loved spending time with family taking memorable vacations, including cruises to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Bahamas.

As a quiet achiever, Ron had a remarkable history filled with accomplishments that amazed those close to him. He had a great sense of humor, never failing to make others smile. Despite his competitive nature, he was a great winner and even more gracious in defeat, reminding us all that life's true victories are found in the relationships we build.

Ron was ultimately taken from us too soon, after being unexpectedly diagnosed with mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure in his younger years. Ron was a remarkable individual, and his legacy will live on through the memories shared by all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Ron's family includes Margene his wife of 60 years, his daughter Tenea (Doug) Clark and their children Taylor (deceased), Marindi, Tiffany and Kenneth, and their ten great-grandchildren; as well as his daughter Nicki Armstrong (Darwin) and their children Ashley, Avery and Sydney. And his dog Ziggy. Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at the Highland Country Club Ward, 5212 Country Club Dr, Highland, Utah, on June 29, 2026, at 11:00 am, following a public viewing from 9:45-10:45 am. Join us as we celebrate Ron and share stores and fond memories of him, and the love that had for everyone around him.