Ron was introduced to Longwood Rotary by Tom Simpers and made the commitment to join the club in January of 2001.
He established himself as a regular at the ‘back table’ – arriving early to grade the setup of the room by the staff, and maintained nearly perfect attendance throughout the years. He kept this up throughout last year’s transition to ZOOM meetings; part of this effort was his dedication to Rotary, and part of it was making sure that his Rotary BFF Tom Simpers could log on, and make it to all the meetings on time (and then breakfast).
Ever committed to Rotary’s Service Above Self motto: he was an enthusiastic hands-on supporter of many Club service events; he volunteered at Anson B Nixon Park, Project Cure, Kennett Area Community Service, Holiday Parking at Longwood Gardens, Camp Dreamcatcher and End Polio Now by planting tulips in his garden, to name only a very few.
He was equally generous with his financial support for Rotary, both locally and internationally. Every annual Rotary Gala Fundraiser was supported by Ron and Edyie by hosting a table, donating a Sovana Bistro dinner in his beautiful garden and (one year) at Sovana Bistro with a live mariachi band. For his RI donations, he was recently awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Level 8 as a sustaining member.
Always in for fun; his vast array of fantastical hats, flamboyant shirts and socks were his signature fashion statement at every opportunity. As an example, he would wear his Starbucks outfit into Dunkin Donuts to greet his fellow Rotarian Teresa Sheehan who was the owner, or arrive at the Gala in a tux and an amazing technicolor chapeau.
Most recently, he was presented with the annual award for the Longwood Rotary’s Most Social Member, and had volunteered to serve the Club as the Director of Development to add his skills to organizing fellowship events and putting the ‘Fun’ in fundraising activities.
Ron’s energy, enthusiasm and creativity that he added to every occasion will be impossible to replace. He will be sorely missed.
Peace be with you Ron and our heartfelt condolences to your entire family.
Your Rotary Family.