Ron and I have been friends since the early 1950's. We went through Roosevelt School, Muskegon Heights Jr. High, Muskegon Heights Sr. High (1st semester of sophomore year) together. We then joined the Navy together under the "Buddy Plan" along with Dave Johnson.
We got to stay together through Boot Camp, but got separated after that. Ron went to Torpedoman's Mate school, Dave went to Enginemans Mate school and I to Electricians Mate school.
Dave got out after his 4 years, I got out after 7 years and Ron stayed 10 years.
The one thing that I remember about Ron in our early years was that he was way more athletically
talented that I. He was always 2-3 inches taller than I was and he could hit a baseball a mile. He was also really good at basketball. He had great hand-eye coordination and could dribble, pass, and catch the ball with great speed and accuracy.
He was a great friend through many, many years and I will miss dearly.
With a heavy heart, I told him that I would see him on the other side, the Friday before he passed.