By THE ALASKA STORY
Ronald Gove “Ron” Arvin, a lifelong Alaskan known for his public service, work ethic, and devotion to family, died on Jan. 7, 2026, in Wasilla. He was 60.
Born March 31, 1965, in Sitka, Arvin’s life was rooted in the rugged beauty of Alaska and shaped by a love for family, food, work, and the outdoors. Friends and colleagues remember him as a man who lived fully, firm in his convictions, generous with his time, and warm in his relationships.
Arvin was active in public life and community service. He served as deputy mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2010 and ran for the Alaska House of Representatives in 2014. Earlier, he was a Port Commissioner for Port MacKenzie from 1998 to 2004, helping guide the development of critical transportation and export infrastructure in the Mat-Su.
His professional career spanned project management, international consulting, port operations, construction, and environmental services. His work history includes Senior Project Manager at Ahtna Engineering; Consultant with the American Institute in Taiwan for the United States Embassy; Director of International Business Development at Port MacKenzie (NPI, LLC), where he also served as COO; compliance work tied to the Jonesville Coal Lease; management roles at Port MacKenzie’s Multi-Commodity Export Facility and the Port of Valdez Wood Chip Export facility; Owner/Operator of RA Environmental, Inc.; and General Contractor for Overseas Building Operations with the U.S. Department of State from 2011–2012.
Arvin also contributed at the statewide level, serving on the boards of the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority from 2010 to 2013. He was a sector member of the Taiwan Alaska Trade and Investment Cooperation Council (2006–2008), served on the Mat-Su Borough Transportation Advisory Board (2001–2005), and was a member of the Mat-Su Borough School District’s Parental Advisory Council. Earlier in his career, he was a heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 from 1983 to 1994. In recognition of his leadership and impact, he was named a Top 40 Under 40 Alaskan by the Alaska Journal of Commercein 1998.
Beyond work and public service, Arvin was a true Alaskan at heart. He found joy fishing, cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Those closest to him say his deepest pride and greatest happiness came from his family.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Arvin; daughters Nova Arvin, Ayla Hahn, and Kyia Arvin; and grandsons Otto Nerup and Carter Hahn. He is also survived by sisters Shirlene Jensen, Ronda Anderson, Teresa Robinson, and Bonnie Patton; stepbrothers Roy Arvin, Tom Arvin, and Steve Arvin; and half sister Jennifer Erwin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Faye Berniel Arvin, affectionately known as Pat, whose influence remained with him throughout his life.
A memorial service for Ron Arvin will be held at 1 pm on Jan. 25, at 2050 N. Merciful Circle in Wasilla.
