NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Ronald George Tophane was born on Oct. 18, 1944, at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook, Neb., and passed away at the age of 74, surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones, on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte. Being a McCook native, Ron graduated from McCook High School in 1962, then was inducted into the United States Army later that same year. He was stationed in Germany and served until 1965. After his discharge, Ron returned to McCook where he worked for Safeway Grocery, then later drove for Hinky Dinky out of Omaha, delivering to Omaha and parts of Iowa and South Dakota. After moving back to the McCook area, Ron worked for the Cornbelt Chemical Company, and moved his family to North Platte in 1985, where he managed North Platte Bonded Warehouse. After retiring, Ron and his wife purchased a Mountain Man Fruit and Nut route and he became known as “Mountain Man” to many people in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado. He finally retired in 2014. On Oct. 28, 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Gail Bryan. Together they started a family of their own, raising two children, and celebrated over 51 years of marriage. Ron was a member of Valley Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering with the North Platte R.S.V.P. at the Golden Spike Tower and Visitors Center. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of North Platte; son, Michael Tophane of Lincoln; grandchildren, Charles Tophane, Brycen Tophane and Justeena (Jesse) Dobbins; great-granddaughter, Chloe; two nieces, Reesa (Jerry) Davis and Krista Beverly and their families; as well as other family and friends. Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamara Tophane; sister, Patricia Williams; and his parents, George and Ruth Tophane. Cremation was chosen. Ron’s final resting place will be in McCook at the Riverview Cemetery. Graveside service with military honors will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2019, at Riverview Cemetery with Dale Heimer officiating. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The memorial book may be signed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.