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RONALD THRASH Obituary
August 25, 1949 to August 12, 2012
Ronald Clifton Thrash, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2012 in Anaheim Hills, California. He was a remarkable husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher, coach and friend. Born in Bethesda, Maryland on August 25, 1949, Ron came to California in 1960. He excelled in sports, playing offensive lineman for San Diego State University during the Don Coryell years. Ron was a teacher and football coach in the Orange County Unified School District for 27 years and in the Santa Ana Unified School District for 12 years. He loved "his kids" and in turn they remembered him fondly. Ron was devoted to his family and riding his Harley with friends. He is survived by his wife, Patti Thrash; son, Matthew; daughters, Lindsey Van Rossum, Ashley and Katy; and grandchildren, Jacob and Olivia. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012 from Noon to 3pm at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the SDSU Athletics Football, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182-4311 or "Save the Children" www.savethechildren.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for RONALD THRASH
Sponsored by Lindsey Van Rossum.
Gheith Chakmakchi
August 22, 2024
Mr Thrash was my 6th grade teacher at crescent elementary I believe it was 1990-1991. I will never forget this man and in fact I was just talking about the impact he had on me when I google searched and came to find he had passed. It was the first year I got straight As and made principals honor roll. I love this man and will never forget his infectious smile. Gheith Chakmakchi
Brent A.
March 14, 2024
Mr. Thrash was my 6th grade teacher in the 87/88 school year at Crescent elementary. He was a nice man and he read the Hobbit to us every day. He was super-buffed out and when I heard he was in a body building magazine, I ran to the store, Hughes Market on Faremont and Santa Ana Canyon to see my teacher in it. Rest in Peace Mr. Thrash. We remember!
Juliana Agustin
August 20, 2020
Mr. Thrash was my 3rd-grade teacher in the year 2009-2010. He was by far one of my favorite teachers at Kennedy Elementary. He was very funny and was very kind to me. He was proud of how well I did in my academics as a third grader and he very much believed in me. I didn’t know it at the time but looking back, I can finally conclude that he was one of the first people to ever believe in me. Some of the memories that I carry of him were that he would always share his bag or can of cashews and almonds with me. I never knew what there beforehand, but I always enjoyed them. Now every time I see them, they always remind me of him. I also remember when students were sleepy or tired or trying to sleep in class, he would jokingly sing us a song. I don’t remember the lyrics, but it was about daydreamers. Our class always found it funny. I also remember a time when my friends and I were playing with the whiteboard. He came and painted my friend’s nails with the expo marker and sang. We were all laughing and giggling. I also remember being in his afterschool Math club. We all had such a fun time. He had competitions where the first person who solved the math equation correctly would win a prize. I remember I won twice and won two Hawaiian soda cans. Fast forwarding, a year later Mr. Thrash was going to retire. I remember he told me he would teach one more year if he had the chance to teach the same students, he had in 3rd grade. That always stuck to me. I wanted to have him as my teacher again too. Now fast-forwarding a year later, I was a 5th grader and I was sometimes able to see Mr. Thrash at school. He was a substitute teacher for the teachers who couldn’t come to school for that day. I remember I would always give him a big hug and would always talk to him when I saw him. Now fast-forwarding to the last week of school as a 5th grader, all the 5th graders were out in the field playing soccer, including me. At a distance, I saw Mr. Thrash with a lady, and he called me over. He introduced me to her, and I remember he told me that he wouldn’t be able to stop by at our promotion ceremony but came to say his goodbyes. That was very thoughtful, we had a conversation where I then gave him a hug and we said our goodbyes. That was the last time I ever saw him. I found out about his passing my 6th-grade year when I was at home. I was truly heartbroken. Now 8 years later, I am truly grateful to have met Mr. Thrash and to have him as my 3rd-grade teacher. He has been and always will be an inspiration for me, there hasn’t been a moment these past 8 years that I don’t think about him. So, thank you, Mr. Thrash, for every memory and having so much faith in me because of you, you’ve impacted my life and inspired me to become a 3rd-grade teacher. I just finished my first year in college and I hope to soon follow your footsteps. Thank you again, I miss you, Happy Early Birthday, and may you continue to rest in peace
Danny Ramirez
May 25, 2019
i wish i was a better student to you, i miss him and he comes across my mind a lot.
Kristie Hiatt Thompson
April 9, 2018
I am just now hearing about his passing and am sorry for the loss of this great man. He was a beloved and memorable teacher. He was my 6th grade (1991-1992) teacher in Orange Unified School District and was known for being harder on the boys and easier on the girls. Decades later, I became a fire inspector with the City of Santa Ana. When I went to go inspect one of the schools circa 2008, I saw a certain last name of a teacher on the school layout and thought, No, it couldn't be. I asked the office secretary if this teacher had a reddish complexion and looked like a body builder. They confirmed it was. So I made sure to stop by his classroom during the inspection to say hello. He immediately pulled me inside, said he remembered me (not sure if he did or not since he must have had thousands of students by then), and had me teach his class for a few minutes about how being a good student in school can lead to a successful career, etc. So I stopped by his class for the next couple years until our territories were changed and then we were taken over by another fire department so I was reassigned to a different department in early 2012. But before that, it was always special to stop by and say hello. One year, I did have the chance to ask him why he was harder on the boys and easier on the girls during one of my visits. He explained that boys need more discipline and girls need more understanding and compassion. I have to say I agree. :) He was unforgettable and will be missed. -Kristie Hiatt Thompson
Bob Thompson
January 18, 2016
I just learned of Ron's passing today, Monday Jan. 18, 2016 and I am stunned. Ron and I were roommates our sophomore year in college in San Diego. We reconnected several years later when he was my daughters sixth grade teacher. She was an above average student up to then. After a year with Ron, she was a straight A student all the way through The University of Washington. We owe it to Ron and the way he communicated with his students. Thank you Ron, you were a good friend, and you'll be missed by many.
Elizabeth Lee-Zamora
August 25, 2013
Mr. Trash was my colluege at Kennedy Elementary... We both taught 3rd grade, it was a joy working with him. What i loved the most about Mr. Thrash was that he was easy to talk to...He called me Mrs. Z... I sure do miss him, we all do at Kennedy... U will never be forgotten...
Lindsey Van Rossum
August 25, 2013
Happy Birthday Dad! "We Love You Infinity"
Duwayne Marcolesco
July 9, 2013
I am not sure I qualify to say this, but from the entire Cerro Villa Junior High 1982 varsity football team....thanks for the memories!
November 20, 2012
You pass and tuaght all of us the leal Sisters. you became the role modle , our teacher, hero you were good at what you did the passion you had when you taught all those children.. you will always live in our hearts and you inspire us to go college and keep the learning going on . we love you and miss you papa red..!
September 4, 2012
Ron was one of the people I looked forward to seeing at our high school reunions and I was never disappointed, that wide welcoming smile ever-present with a joyful and welcoming heart.....my prayers are with his family....Joan Beck de Montenegro
,
August 27, 2012
MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY,MY 10 YR OLD GOES TO KENNEDY AND MY 6YR OLD TO AND MY DAUGHTER 13 NOW GOES TO SIERRA THEY ALL REMEMBER RON ALWAYS SMILING AND BEING NICE TO EVERYONE.HE IS AN AWESOME TEACHER AND MY KIDS LOOKED UP TO HIM.HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.RIP RON
Tony Flores
August 26, 2012
Life well done Ron.
Norm Black
August 20, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. As a teacher, you touched so many lives. Well done
Crawford HS '68 classmate.
Kristi Lacy
August 16, 2012
You have left a hand print on every heart you touched! Thank you for being YOU!
Lori Rosenfeld
August 16, 2012
Mr. Thrash was my son's 5th grade teacher at Crescent Intermediate. He was always soft spoken, approachable for parents and students alike, such a gentleman and a gentle man. He always remembered the kids names long after graduation. He will truly be missed.
Mitchell Holmstrom
August 16, 2012
Was a student in his 5th grade history class. He made it a lot of fun. Definitely one of my inspirations to this day.
Barbara Wainer
August 15, 2012
Mr. Thrash was my 5th grade teacher at Crescent Intermediate in 1994/1995. He was such a great person and teacher. I will never forget the day that he picked up one of his students after the student being hurt to rush him to the nurses office . We thought he was Iron Man, because he was so strong!. May he rest in peace! He will be missed...
Christi Smith
August 15, 2012
You will be missed Mr. Thrash! You were such a wonderful teacher. May God bless your family.
Lara Montano
August 12, 2012
Thank you Mr.Thrash. My boys are so fortunate to have had great 5th grade years thanks to you so long ago. Wonderful teacher and and all around great example of a quality human being. One of my favorite memories of him will always be when picking up my sons, seeing this big strong man carrying a pretty backpack and cute lunch pail with a happy daughter skipping along side. i wish strength to his wonderful family and will be forever grateful
Dan Heller
August 12, 2012
I knew Mr. Thrash for 35 years. He was my teacher, coach, role model, mentor and most importantly, my friend. I thank God for every day I knew him, and hold the lessons and values he instilled in me close to my heart. He was a great man and I will remember him, always.
Rest in peace, Coach Thrash.
August 12, 2012
Ron and I attended Crawford High School, class of '68. He was terrific at football, was always smiling and laughing. What a loss we all share and missing him will be painful. I am thankful for those Crawford years and after knowing him. My heart to Patti and family. Much love. Susan Weetman Belair.
chelsea deterding
August 11, 2012
Mr. Thrash was one of my best friends fathers, he was at almost everyone of the swim meets cheering on his daughter, i spent a good amount of my high school years with his daughter Katy at his home, he will be missed by all.
rest in peace,
Mr. Thrash - retirement party 2011. Julie, Kelly, Mr. Thrash, Me.
Terry Ludin
August 11, 2012
Mr. Thrash was my 5th grade teacher, introduced me to actually reading a novel and the originator to me for "thinking outside of the box". Helped me through the passing of my mother when I was in 6th grade. So glad I got to see him recently. Rest in Peace.
kevin benjamin
August 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ron's family. Ron was a friend from the gym, i met years ago and truly a good man...He will be dearly missed. May God bless his family,in Jesus' name i pray...Amen
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