Ronald Nelson Kilgore

Ronald Nelson Kilgore, age 88, of Richland, passed away January 19, 2025. He was born on March 7, 1936, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Robert Nelson and Marjorie (Brannan) Kilgore.

Ron graduated from Kalamazoo College and the American Bankers Association National Trust School. He started work at First National Bank and left there to start the trust department at Industrial State Bank. He worked at American National Bank for 19 years before starting the trust operations at Arcadia Bank.

In 1997, after Arcadia Bank was sold to First Michigan Bank then less than 6 months later sold again to Huntington National Bank he was approached by Bill Johnston. He wanted Ron to help create a new Michigan Chartered Bank that would focus on fiduciary and wealth management services only and not on deposit or lending products. Out of that relationship and collaboration was born Greenleaf Trust. What started out with 6 employees now has over 200. 

Ron served as Chief Executive Officer and Senior Trust Officer, Secretary of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Trust Committee for Greenleaf Financial and Greenleaf Trust Michigan. Colleagues recall Ron as the “Keeper of the Culture” and heart of the company. Upon his retirement in 2023 he was appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Senior Trust Officer Emeritus and Board of Director Emeritus. He was a man of high integrity and remained humble through his many accomplishments.

Ron was selfless and lived a life of service. He served honorably in the US Army and was heavily involved in community activities. He was affiliated with the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum (Air Zoo) since its inception. Ron served as trustee of the Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, the Suzanne U.D. Parish Foundation, and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation. He was past president of the Gull Lake Country Club and a member of the Kalamazoo Rotary Club, where he served as treasurer for many years. Ron also served in several other local non-profit organizations.

Ron was a self-taught and avid sailor which ultimately led him to compete many times in the renowned Chicago to Mackinac sailboat races. He was a passionate and qualified golfer, with at least two holes-in-one and shot his age when he was 75. He cherished competing in his golf leagues and his weekend foursome matchups with his lifelong golfing companions and all-around close friends. Ron lived at Gull Lake since the late 60s and wintered in Bonita Springs, a member of both the Gull Lake and Bonita Bay Country Clubs.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 46 years, Suzanne “Suzy” Kilgore and daughter-in-law, Lory Toornman.

He is survived by his children, Mark Kilgore of Kalamazoo, Julie (Martin) Ries of Kalamazoo, Chip (Belinda) Toornman of New Smyrna Beach, and Barry (Heidi) Toornman of Vicksburg; grandchildren: Jacob and David Kilgore, and their mother, Julie Kilgore, John (Jackie) Ries, Alex Ries, Brittany (James) Williams, and Barry (Tara) Toornman; great-grandchildren, Desmond and Sylvie; as well as a beloved cousin, Mary (Pat) Vallad, of Tipton, MI, dear friend, Sarah Way and lifelong friend and colleague Jennie Billings.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00am at Yorkville Community Church, 11523 E D Ave, Richland, MI 49083. Time for food and fellowship will follow at Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 W Gull Lake Dr, Richland, MI 49083.

Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Red Cross. Please note Ron donated to and participated with many charities. It would be his wish that you donate to the charity of your choice. 

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com