Ronald Wopsock

Ronald John Wopsock, age 72, passed away on April 8, 2025 at his home with his family by his side.

Ron was born December 18, 1952, in Ft. Duchesne to John and Leatha Harris Wopsock. He attended Stewart Indian School in Carson City, Nevada, and later in life was given the Alumni Recognition Award. He loved playing basketball and softball, practically living at the gym in his younger years. He won several championships across Indian Country and was later inducted into the Stewart Indian School Hall of Fame. After high school, he served in the Army Reserves from 1975 to 1988.

He married Cindy Chapoose on February 20, 2004 in Ft. Duchesne.

Ron served on the Business Committee as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Council Member for the Ute Indian Tribe for over 25 years. During his tenure, he championed multiple projects. He was instrumental in the reintroduction of the Bison in the Hill Creek Extension. When family members retired, or graduated, or had other significant events, he would often present them with a buffalo robe to honor them.

Ron strongly believed our children deserved a school that met their needs, but more importantly understood the culture, traditions, and values of the Ute people; because of this belief, Ron worked diligently to establish the Uintah River High School. He was an avid supporter of this school and would follow the basketball teams to their various games. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the University of Utah and was especially proud of a scholarship that was established in his name at the University of Utah.

Ron would often talk about his father, the late John Wopsock, asking “What have you done for your people today?” This instilled his drive to protect and fight for his people. He understood the value of water, prompting him to fiercely fight for Tribal rights. He was instrumental in the return of over 84,000 acres to the Tribe; often referred to as NOSR 2. He was a man of vision, pushing to establish the Ute Plaza, Ute Petroleum upgrades, the Bison corral, Veterans’ Memorial, MOU with the University of Utah, Revitalization Funds, and pushing to help the membership with homes. Ron had three unfinished projects: a gas fired power plant, marijuana farm, and casino. While visiting Rangley, Colorado, to pitch his casino project, Ron and his late brother, Floyd Wopsock, were called heathens, and told to leave the building.

Ron deeply loved and cherished his family. He loved spending time with his sisters, Merla & Lana, especially in Wendover. He was an avid hunter, and you could always find him in Hillcreek, or Rockcreek, with his family. During these times, he shared the history and significance of these locations. He loved talking about the times he spent in Rockcreek with his mom and family growing up. While in the hills, he taught his children how to hunt, where to gather Bear Root, Cedar, Sage, and other traditional items. He loved watching sports and trash-talking his sisters and daughter, Rosailea, about their team choices. His daughter, Cedar, and son, RedBear, took very good care of Ron and he would miss them immensely when they were not by his side. Ron anxiously awaited the crazy shenanigans of his grandson, Ernie, and he will be missed by his special friend and bodyguards, “Reme” and “Starla.”

He practiced his native culture and was a Sundancer for many years. He worked hard to support the Beardance, Pow Wow, and Sundance ceremonies.

Ron is survived by his wife, Cindy; children, Rosailea (Justin) Vanderhoop, RoneeK Wopsock, Mathius Wopsock, Trini Wopsock (Alex Uncapiuke), Red Bear Wapsock, Cedar Wapsock, 17 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Corina Tassitise, Merla Wopsock, Lana (Leslie) Myore, Johnny (Carol) Angel, Bobby (Vodne) Chapoose, Melvin Redcap; Tom Bactell, Rob (Trish) Thompson, Wade Large, Kay (Theron) Wells, Marion Serawop, Claria Pinnecoose; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Selena Wopsock, Ondee Wopsock, Anissa Poowegup; siblings, Dena Floyd Wopsock, Maureen Large, Roland Kermit Wopsock, Henry Wopsock, Jenny Murdock, Gloria Ann Wopsock, David Wopsock, and Raymond Cornpeach.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at the Ft. Duchesne Community Building. A wake will be held on Friday after 4:00 p.m. at his home.

Burial will be in the John Harmes Cemetery with military honors presented.