On Monday, April 18, 2022, Ronn “Coach” Brigham, loving husband, father, Papa, veteran, coach and
patriot, passed away at the age of 75.
Ronn was born on April 30, 1946, in Key West, FL to Arthur and Lavonne Brigham. He received his engineering degree from Troy University and proudly served our country in the Air Force from 1965-1969. Ronn and his first wife, Jan, raised two children, Justin and Tabitha. Ronn and the children later relocated to Albuquerque, NM where he met Cindy, remarried, and raised a third child Jaymie, Cindy’s daughter.
In 1993 Ronn and Cindy’s employment was transferred to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, in Ridgecrest, CA. Ronn spent most of his career as a Flight Test Engineer on multiple weapons and software programs for the United States Navy. For two decades he worked with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX9) developing realistic operational test events for multiple weapons systems on the F/A-18 aircraft. His efforts in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation increased the capability and lethality of Naval Aviation’s Strike Fighter community. He took enormous pride in his work. His camaraderie and esprit de corps were infectious and boosted the morale of everyone who interacted with him. He left an indelible mark on Naval Aviation, and his legacy continued to live on even after he transferred to Albuquerque, NM.
Ronn was a central fixture in the Joint Navigation Warfare Center at Kirtland AFB NM since 2011. Although he worked diligently to project the image of a surly curmudgeon, he was widely recognized as a generous and quick-witted man with a remarkable sense of humor. A natural mentor, he was always available to share the benefit of his many years of military operations experience, an almost limitless knowledge of test operations and his far-ranging insights into the intricate nuances of government bureaucracy. He also harbored strong opinions regarding political machinations and was never one to let facts mar an
otherwise lively and entertaining story.
Ronn had many passions. He dedicated his life to supporting our soldiers, sailors and airmen. He has traveled the world in support of that mission. He loved anything America “Merica”, the military, anything Cajun, cooking absolutely anything from scratch, to coaching and mentoring, and last but certainly not least his beloved football team, Alabama! “If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, Roll, Tide, Roll.” -Paul “Bear” Bryant.
Ronn was known for his intelligence, he knew everything about everything. His ability to recite any historical event (with names and dates), lack of political correctness, wit, humor, unique coaching style and the incredible ability to captivate an audience with his knowledge, jokes, and his thick southern accent. He did it his way.
In Ronn’s free time, he coached football and baseball/softball for Justin and Tabitha in Pensacola and later for Jaymie’s various sports in Ridgecrest, CA. He has mentored many athletes/teens throughout the years that are still thankful to him for steering them in the right direction.
In what time was left, he was cooking meals for anyone who came by the house. He was an expert at throwing together a big party with gourmet cooking in a couple hours all the while telling Boudreaux jokes.
He was a wonderful, faithful, supportive, loving and caring husband and father and was adored by his wife and children.
Ronn was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lavonne. He is survived by wife Cindy Brigham of Albuquerque; son, Justin Brigham (wife Megan); daughter Tabitha Brigham (fiancé David Rogers); stepdaughter, Jaymie Brigham; grandchildren, Angel Creel, Caiden Stone, Lexie Brigham, Addison Brigham and Lauren Rogers; brother, Robert Brigham (wife Gina); and brother Thad Brigham (wife Bethena); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A ceremony will be held at the Santa Fe National Veteran’s Cemetery to honor Ronn and his service to our Country on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 9 o’clock am at, 501 N. Guadalupe, St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.
A celebration of life with a Mexican food buffet and a cash bar will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 from 4:00 – 6/7:00 pm at Enchanted Falls Event Center, 3771 NM-528, Albuquerque, NM 87114.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.