January 14, 1934 – April 4, 2025
A Good Man Gone Home
It is with a heavy heart, though filled with reverence, that we lay pen to paper and bid farewell to a man of uncommon character in these all-too-common times. On April 4, 2025, the world lost a quiet kind of hero—the sort that walks humbly, works honestly, and gives generously. Rodney “Grandpa Rhino” Lynn Steele left this world peacefully, surrounded by loving family, to go dance with his sweetheart “Tezzy” once again.
Born January 14, 1934, in Salina, Utah, he was a man carved from the sturdy timber of small-town America, where handshakes still mean something and a name is only as good as the work behind it. He married his sweetheart Montez July 17, 1953, in Loa, Utah, and they spent 64 loving, adventurous years together.
Whether he was helping a wayward camper at Buckeye Reservoir, where they spent many years as beloved camp hosts, or cooking up his famous Christmas breakfast-open to anyone in need of a warm meal and a kind neighbor—he lived a life devoted to the service of others.
He was a man who mastered anything he set his mind to, and he set his mind to much. A gifted athlete from the start, he earned titles in boxing and stood out on both the baseball diamond and basketball hardwood. His natural talent, fierce determination and relentless work ethic made him a force in every arena, whether it was sport, work or life.
Ron was never one to shy away from hard work, but carried an entrepreneurial spark that always kept his mind turning towards something greater, always dreaming about what could be made better with his own two hands. Early in his career, he found himself tackling electrical jobs in mines across the west, shoulder to shoulder with grit and danger, ensuring his family was always provided for.
Then, as if to balance the scales of strength and intellect, he studied the law—driven not by titles, but his belief that a man ought to understand the world he lives in. And when it came time to build something of his own, he did just that-founding a business grounded in skill, trust and pride.
Through wires and circuits, he brought light not only to homes and buildings, but to the lives of all who knew him. A Master electrician in title—and in every sense of the word.
As a Freemason, he did not simply wear the square and compass, he embodied them. He climbed
the sacred ladders of both the Scottish Rite and York Rite. He held the highest honors a Mason can
achieve, he was a member of El Kahal Shrine, a longtime supporter of Shriners Hospital. He even earned his 50-year pin from the B.P.O.E. He did these things, not for glory, but because he lived each day by a higher code, in service to others, and in constant search of truths.
He loved his family, fiercely and fully. As a husband, father, grandfather and even great-grandfather. His family was the center of his world. The reason he rose early and stayed late. Through countless ballgames, concerts and recitals, they were the source of his deepest pride. In their eyes he wasn’t just a provider—he was a protector, a teacher, a guiding light.
Wherever he walked, he made a friend. Not by trying, but simply by being who he was—a man whose word was bond, whose laughter warmed a room, and whose company made life seem a little easier to bear. He was a lantern in the fog. A compass when you were lost. The kind of fellow whose advice came without judgment and whose help came without strings. Whether it was serving as County Commissioner, supporting community athletic programs or just being a number-one fan, he was always finding ways to serve and invest in others.
To say he was respected would be an understatement. He was admired. He was trusted. And most of all, he was loved—by his family, his friends, his community and by all those lucky enough to have crossed his path. In his passing, we have lost a pillar. But the foundation he laid—in family, in work, in character—will hold strong for generations. So we do not mourn as those without hope. We remember. We honor. We give thanks that such a man walked among us. And if ever the world needs reminding of what decency looks like, we’ll tell them his story, in true Ron Steele fashion—over a cup of coffee and with a heart-warming smile, and we daresay the heavens have gained not only a good man, but one hell of a neighbor.
Ron is survived by his five children: Jeanie Robinson (Eric), Mike Steele (Janet), Julie Ing (Wes), Pam Lopez (Rick) and Jeff Steele (Michelle). 16 grandchildren; and 40 great-grand-children.
His sweetheart, Montez; his parents, Harry and Zell; his brother, Jack; and his sister, Carma; preceded him in death.
A graveside service will be held April 19 at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery including Masonic Rights. With a celebration of life and light luncheon at the Moab Valley Inn at 12:15 p.m.
The family would like to thank, first and foremost, his daughter Julie for the loving care she provided. Thanks also to CNS and Jeanette, his wonderful hospice nurse. They would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the friends and community for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:
El Kalah Shrine Transportation Fund
650 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
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