Ron Templeton could be easily forgotten, as he was only the second of our class to pass away (following Bruce Daly, the previous Spring) — early in our junior year. However, I have often thought of him over the past fifty-two years. Ron went through all eight years of grade school with me at Franklin, plus kindergarten. He was the pianist in the first dance band in which I played. As sophomores (while on our way to a gig), we talked about human mortality the night of my grandfather's funeral, held earlier that day. Then, just eight months later came his sudden death. I was actually waiting for a music-related call from him when I learned of the accident. For me, Ron's demise was an important and enduring lesson concerning the shortness of life...as well as the value of friendship.
David Clark
Ron Templeton could be easily forgotten, as he was only the second of our class to pass away (following Bruce Daly, the previous Spring) — early in our junior year. However, I have often thought of him over the past fifty-two years. Ron went through all eight years of grade school with me at Franklin, plus kindergarten. He was the pianist in the first dance band in which I played. As sophomores (while on our way to a gig), we talked about human mortality the night of my grandfather's funeral, held earlier that day. Then, just eight months later came his sudden death. I was actually waiting for a music-related call from him when I learned of the accident. For me, Ron's demise was an important and enduring lesson concerning the shortness of life...as well as the value of friendship.