Ron and I grew up together. Our parents double dated in the ‘40s, attended church together, and had monthly pinochle parties. He was a fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor. He was a musician, playing the drum in the marching band and the LB junior concert band. He also played Goofy at Disneyland. Unknown to most, he also was proficient at Karate.
In early ’68, Ron and I went to Army recruiter together. He was classified I-A, and on the next draft levee and enlisted immediately. Not being on the next levee, I enlisted in the delayed entry program, reporting in June ‘68.
He wrote me many letters, telling me what to expect at basic training.
Ron, being a smart guy and marathon runner, scored very high on the mental and physical tests during basic training. Thus, the Special Forces came calling. This appealed to Ron, and he volunteered. He was trained at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Benning (Jump School), and Ft. Sam Houston, TX (medical training). He subsequently served in Vietnam, where he was decorated for bravery. While in the bush, he was exposed numerous times to Agent Orange.
After coming home, and being honorably discharged, Ron married and was getting on with his life. In ’75, he had been hired as a PA at a clinic in Lake Tahoe, and as a requirement for employment, he got a chest x-ray. He, being a PA, read his own x-ray and noticed some bad things; suspecting lung cancer.
His diagnosis was correct, and although he battled hard, he lost his life to multiple cancers. He was one of the early victims of Agent Orange.
Ron and I were at Stanford in Mr Welch's home room in the wood shop, and we had many classes together. He was a very funny guy. I am very sorry to learn he succumbed to Agent Orange cancers..he would have done great things. Rest in peace, my friend.
I remember "Ronnie" because he lived near me. It breaks my heart about Agent Orange because I lost my own husband to it. Thank you for posting your memories.
Randall Brown
Ron and I grew up together. Our parents double dated in the ‘40s, attended church together, and had monthly pinochle parties. He was a fun-loving guy with a great sense of humor. He was a musician, playing the drum in the marching band and the LB junior concert band. He also played Goofy at Disneyland. Unknown to most, he also was proficient at Karate.
In early ’68, Ron and I went to Army recruiter together. He was classified I-A, and on the next draft levee and enlisted immediately. Not being on the next levee, I enlisted in the delayed entry program, reporting in June ‘68.
He wrote me many letters, telling me what to expect at basic training.
Ron, being a smart guy and marathon runner, scored very high on the mental and physical tests during basic training. Thus, the Special Forces came calling. This appealed to Ron, and he volunteered. He was trained at Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Benning (Jump School), and Ft. Sam Houston, TX (medical training). He subsequently served in Vietnam, where he was decorated for bravery. While in the bush, he was exposed numerous times to Agent Orange.
After coming home, and being honorably discharged, Ron married and was getting on with his life. In ’75, he had been hired as a PA at a clinic in Lake Tahoe, and as a requirement for employment, he got a chest x-ray. He, being a PA, read his own x-ray and noticed some bad things; suspecting lung cancer.
His diagnosis was correct, and although he battled hard, he lost his life to multiple cancers. He was one of the early victims of Agent Orange.
I still miss him.
Randy Brown ‘66
Sharon Weeks (Maupin)
Thank you Randy for adding this information...I will make sure it is on the memorial page...
Donald Northcutt (Northcutt)
Ron and I were at Stanford in Mr Welch's home room in the wood shop, and we had many classes together. He was a very funny guy. I am very sorry to learn he succumbed to Agent Orange cancers..he would have done great things. Rest in peace, my friend.
Vicki George (Surges)
I remember "Ronnie" because he lived near me. It breaks my heart about Agent Orange because I lost my own husband to it. Thank you for posting your memories.