Justice Ronald E. Nehring

Too big for words.
A life well lived.
Love: Lincoln, Jesse, Kyle, Kristina

Utah Supreme Court Justice Ronald Eldon Nehring (ret.) passed away peacefully on May 24, 2019, in Salt Lake City, Utah, from complications related to his cancer treatment.

Ron was born October 4, 1947, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan by his mother, Lillian Mae Nehring, following the death of his father, U.S. Army Major Eldon Nehring.

Ron’s academic and athletic achievements took him to Cornell University. He majored in History, distinguished himself as an All- American member of its track and field team, and competed on Cornell’s lightweight football team.

After college, he taught at the Tilton Academy in New Hampshire and continued his running career, competing as a member of the University of Chicago Track & Field Club. He represented the United States at the first Indoor USA-USSR Dual Track Meet and qualified as an alternate for the 1972 Olympic team in the 4 x 800 meter men’s relay. Although the half-mile was his specialty, he ran the 1972 Boston Marathon and finished with the elite group.

Ron moved to Utah in 1973 to reconnect with his longtime friend and future wife, Dr. Kristina Hindert. They married in 1974 and settled in Salt Lake City where they raised their three children, Lincoln, Jesse, and Kyle.

Ron attended the University of Utah College of Law, served on the Journal of Contemporary Law, and graduated in 1978. He worked for Utah Legal Services, representing low-income clients, and became the organization’s managing attorney. In 1981, he joined the law firm of Prince Yeates & Geldzahler and garnered a reputation as an outstanding litigator. While practicing law and raising a family, Ron continued to excel in competitive sports, including Ride and Tie—a sport that combines horseback riding, running, endurance, and strategy over a 50-100 mile course—where in 1984, he won Levi’s Ride and Tie National Championship.

In 1995, Governor Leavitt appointed Ron to serve as a trial judge on the Third District Court. His leadership and consensus-building skills were recognized by his colleagues, who elected him to serve as presiding judge. He also served as Chair of the Board of District Court Judges, as a member of the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct, and as a member of the Utah Judicial Council.

In May 2003, Governor Leavitt again appointed Ron to serve, this time on the Utah Supreme Court. His participation on Utah’s highest court was applauded by many, and the engaging court opinions he authored were read with special interest by judges, attorneys, and non-attorneys alike. He was elected Associate Chief Justice prior to his retirement on February 1, 2015.

In late 2002, Ron was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and massive radiation treatment. His friend, Dr. Gordon Watson, told him afterward, “The cancer won’t kill you, but the treatment probably will.” Indeed, the radiation so damaged his arteries that he suffered a massive stroke in 2008 and thereafter a series of complications from the treatment. But even after the stroke, Ron persevered, notably cycling 2400 miles from St. Petersburg, Russia to Venice, Italy in 2010; finishing the Boulder Mountain Tour ski race in Sun Valley, Idaho that same year; cycling throughout Tuscany in 2011; and completing the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in 2013.

Ron will be remembered for his professional and athletic achievements. But most of all, he will be remembered for his all- embracing humanity, his love of family, his humble nature, his loyal friendships, his intellectual curiosity, his turn of a phrase, his love of black dogs and horses, and his capacity to recognize the goodness and the potential in others. Ron’s amazing qualities will be carried on through his family and friends.

Ron is loved and remembered by his wife, Kristina Hindert, his children Lincoln (Alexandra Sundberg), Jesse (Jeff Johnson), and Kyle (Andrew Tredennick), and scores of dear friends. The family is grateful to the people at The Ridge Senior Living Center who cared for Ron and especially to his devoted and loving caregiver, Patsy Harris.

A funeral service for family and close friends will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, 4051 State Road 224, Park City.

A larger memorial service will be held later this summer.

Come one, come all to our continued celebration of Ron's life! We are tentatively planning July 21st 11am-3pm at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. We will have exact dates/times and will update this page and the event page by the end of May. You can get event information and RSPV at http://ronmemorial.rsvpify.com .

In lieu of flowers please make donations to “ and Justice for All” or any organization that reminds you of Ron.