Ronald Allen Mahla

Ronald Allen Mahla

Ronald Allen Mahla, 54, of Seal Rock, Ore., died May 31, 2012.

He was born Dec. 17, 1957 to Lloyd and Regina Mahla in Fargo, N.D., where he began his lifelong love of theater and music. He received his bachelor’s degree in technical theater after study at both Northwestern University and Minnesota State University.

Ron moved to the Newport area in 2002 and was involved in many theater performances with both Porthole Players and Red Octopus, playing lead roles such as Daddy Warbucks (“Annie”), Alfred P. Dolittle (“My Fair Lady”) and Matthew Brady (“Inherit the Wind”), as well as graciously accepting supporting roles. His most recent performance was as Herod in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He also worked as a lighthouse keeper and a park ranger, sang with the Central Coast Chorale, and was an avid trivia buff. His trivia teams, The Super Naturals and The Usual Suspects, won many contests. Before arriving in Lincoln County, he lived for about 20 years in Las Vegas, working in elite casino settings, including the Mirage and the Bellagio.

He will be missed by his extended family and his many friends and theater fans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Regina Mahla.

He is survived by his sister, Kathleen Neumann; niece, Christina Leonard; and nephew, Tyler Sistad.

Friends are invited to celebrate Ron’s life at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at the Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W. Olive St. Those attending are asked to bring food to share at the potluck meal.