I remember Ron as my best buddy at Aldersgate Church every Sunday.  I never knew how brilliant he really was until reading all those life's accomplishments.  He was just one of the guys trying to have fun with the rest of us.  Little did we know at the time. 

Ron and I met at St. Louis Park High School, probably in a German class with Herr Russell. We hug out a little bit, playing tennis, or going to Embers to eat. Ron could eat a whole lot!I remember Ron's tennis game included a huge powerful serve. He enjoyed hitting the ball as hard as possible, as did I. We went to his family's lake cabin to fish one summer, with Jim Cohen. I was not much of a fisherman (and haven't gone since), but enjoyed the company.  There was a lot of teasing and pointed sarcastic humor all around.  I remember conversations with Cathie McElroy, my then girlfriend and later wife, about finding a nice girl for Ron. We would also attend Gopher basketball games with a group of friends.Ron would talk about astronomy, physics, Carl Sagan, and later mused about how to get college students enthusiastic about physics. He was always an avid learner and sought to promote his learning ethic and science education in particular. Ron would bemoan the lack of resources and the inadequate promotion and emphasis that science (physics, in particular) received in the curriculum. He later became a most revered, honored and dedicated educator.I remember Ron's goofy smile and chuckle. He enjoyed laughing and having fun. He was an optimist, clever, genuine, and curious. He was humble and not self-impressed, despite his substantial accomplishments. I will always treasure our friendship.