rick_bostrom
Onda Kattan Racing
We are lucky enough to live in the right place and at the right time in history where human life probably has more value than ever before. We try to balance the need to be productive with a desire to fill our lives with fulfilling experiences and rich relationships knowing our time is finite and the end will come at a time not of our choosing. Ron was able to achieve a better balance of those than most living a life full of professional and personal experiences and success. In the end Ron didn't give up easily. He fought long and hard but the end finally came as it will for all of us.
Sometimes it is easy to let the momentary sadness of his passing overshadow the celebration of a life well lived. He was one of a disappearing generation who "did things". He raced cars. He worked corners. He was President of the IRDC. He collected historical pictures, memorabilia, and parts. He raced motorcycles. He was a shooter. He was a professional musician in a major municipal orchestra. He had a much deeper wealth of experience than most people know - I was constantly surprised when he would tell me about something he had done and I don't think I even scratched the surface. He gave of himself and helped anyone who asked. He chose to do things that weren't easy and did them well. He was goofy and treated close friends and strangers pretty much exactly the same. He talked too much, he laughed to much, and was unfailingly welcoming. He managed to concern himself with both history and the future. He had strong opinions and beliefs yet was always respectful of the opinions and beliefs of others. He never said a single word to me that made me think he felt sorry for himself. He was a rare example of genuine friendship, selfless service, and uncompromising integrity that will sorely be missed.
Give a thought to Bonnie, his wife. They had time to make their peace with this and she is strong but it can't be easy. I choose to celebrate Ron's life and think about the positive effect he had on so many people. He will be remembered and missed by many and had a wife who loved him deeply - that is a pretty good legacy in my opinion.
Close your eyes and think about Ron right now. Can you even picture him sad or is he waving and calling your name with a big smile on his face? If you have a fond memory of Ron, please take the time to share it below. As long as we remember him, a bit of him is still here.
Sometimes it is easy to let the momentary sadness of his passing overshadow the celebration of a life well lived. He was one of a disappearing generation who "did things". He raced cars. He worked corners. He was President of the IRDC. He collected historical pictures, memorabilia, and parts. He raced motorcycles. He was a shooter. He was a professional musician in a major municipal orchestra. He had a much deeper wealth of experience than most people know - I was constantly surprised when he would tell me about something he had done and I don't think I even scratched the surface. He gave of himself and helped anyone who asked. He chose to do things that weren't easy and did them well. He was goofy and treated close friends and strangers pretty much exactly the same. He talked too much, he laughed to much, and was unfailingly welcoming. He managed to concern himself with both history and the future. He had strong opinions and beliefs yet was always respectful of the opinions and beliefs of others. He never said a single word to me that made me think he felt sorry for himself. He was a rare example of genuine friendship, selfless service, and uncompromising integrity that will sorely be missed.
Give a thought to Bonnie, his wife. They had time to make their peace with this and she is strong but it can't be easy. I choose to celebrate Ron's life and think about the positive effect he had on so many people. He will be remembered and missed by many and had a wife who loved him deeply - that is a pretty good legacy in my opinion.
Close your eyes and think about Ron right now. Can you even picture him sad or is he waving and calling your name with a big smile on his face? If you have a fond memory of Ron, please take the time to share it below. As long as we remember him, a bit of him is still here.
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