Dearest Dawn, We are so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. God Bless you during this time. Jan Wies
Our sincere sympathy to the the family of Ron Peterson, from Henry and Karen Goetz. Henry worked with Ron when he was in local 134, and they were both at Continental Electric. They became friends and when Ron had his own company, Henry occasionaly helped. As he read the stories, he remembered working a job,many years ago, where one new electrician turned his radio very loud, Ron turned it down for him and the young man turned it back up, After one more try, he walked back, took out his pliers, and snip, no more loud radio. There was always an answer to a problem. Henry is in his late seventys now and we did not see them often, but truly feel sorrow that his joy for like was cut short. He always had a smile, even with pliers in his hand.
Ron had quiet calm ways of dealing with the kids when they misbehaved. When Scott and Toby were in high school, they came home inebriated..and as usual, I was waiting up for them. I was so angry. Ron came downstairs to settle things by putting a hand on my shoulder and saying, "it's okay. They're home. They're safe. Go to bed." Then he looked at the boys and winked, "See ya in the morning, boys!" with that big smile of his.
The next morning at 5:00am. he turned on all the lights and dragged them out of bed to go clean the animal pens in the barn.
They were totally schooled, because each time they misbehaved it meant an early wake up and work on the farm.
Ron's sister Sandy and I were best friends starting in grade school when we lived in Edison Park, so I have many wonderful memories of “Race Car Ron” and his shenanigans. He made sure to win every Monopoly game, did his best to scare us at every opportunity, and always kept things lively and fun. I'll forever remember his kindness, incredible work ethic, quest to explore and live life to the fullest. My heartfelt sympathy to Sandy, Dave, Lyn, and Ron's family. We were all so fortunate to have Ron in our lives.
It has been many years since Ron and I worked together at Byron station during it's construction, but I remember our conversations vividly. When the project was winding down, I asked Ron what he was going to do next and he said that he was going to buy a Christmas tree farm! I said, you are an electrician not a farmer, are you crazy? Reading his obituary, it all makes sense now...he was truly a man that enjoyed the adventure and journey of life. May God rest his soul.