Ronald Abell Obituary

Abell, Ronald F. 79 Sept. 15, 1932 Feb. 11, 2012 With appreciation for Oregon's death with dignity law, Ron Abell ended his life on Feb. 11, 2012. He was suffering from leukemia, emphysema, and other age-related ailments. Abell, a journalist, author, writing teacher, and political activist, was born Sept. 15, 1932, in Los Angeles. He graduated from UCLA in 1954 and moved to Oregon in 1958. He earned a Masters Degree in journalism at the U of Oregon and was also editor of the Northwest Review. He started as a reporter for the Medford Mail Tribune. He also worked as a reporter for the Oregonian, the Whidbey Island News Times, the Pacific Palisades Palisadean Post, and the Eugene Register-Guard. He left the Guard to work on the 1968 re-election campaign of Senator Wayne Morse. Following that he went to work for the Associated Press at the 1969 Oregon legislature. He was a political reporter for KOIN-TV Portland, then worked on Neil Goldschmidt's campaign for the Portland City Council. He returned to the legislature in 1971, working for the Senate Democratic Caucus. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1972. In the early 1970's he was a prolific freelance journalist in the Portland area, and was editor of Oregon magazine from 1979-80. He published 20 short stories, and in 1985 his novel, Tap City, was published by Little Brown and Company. In the 1980's and 90's he taught novel writing at the Oregon Writers Workshop in Portland. In 1970 he made the mistake of restarting the James G. Blaine Society for which he got much more publicity than he ever wanted or could handle. The Society was a tongue-in-cheek organization that discouraged the overpopulation of Oregon. He always said he had a tiger by the tail and he was publicized, written about, criticized, and vilified by local and national publications. He is survived by his brothers, Art (Barbara) of Los Angeles and Bruce (Nancy) of Santa Fe; several nieces and nephews; and special companion Dinah (Dee) Cox of Tucson. Disposition was by cremation; no services are planned.

Published by The Oregonian on Feb. 13, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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It was good to know you, Ron, back in the 60s and 70s days of the Legislature and campaigns. Always admired your writing and savvy and love of Oregon. Great hiking with you on the Washington side of the gorge. You have that true Oregon individuality and frontier wiliness. He was a good man.

John Darling

September 6, 2012

Ron was a master of clear, direct, forceful prose. I worked with him briefly when he was Editor of Oregon Magazine and later profiled him for a local publication. His knowledge of his craft, singular voice, and acerbic wit are irreplaceable. You were one of best, Ron---R.I.P.

Paul Kibble

May 13, 2012

Sorry for your loss. May the God of peace help you all to cope with your loss
philippains 4.7.

Alyssa

February 28, 2012

CELEBRATION OF RON'S LIFE will be held Saturday, March 10, 2012, 3:00 pm, at the Goose Hollow Inn, SW 19th & Jefferson, Portland. Many in the guest book and elsewhere were wanting a time to share thoughts, memorabilia, whatever, about Ron so it has been pulled together. Please bring any memorabilia reflecting Ron's life you would like to share. RSVP 503-866-3487

February 25, 2012

Good writer, good teacher, good man. We occasionally discussed but never did get to a Dorsey High School reunion; if ever I do go, it won't be anywhere near as much fun without his kindly, caustic, perceptive comments on the world around him.

Bean Comrada

February 24, 2012

Ron became friends with my parents, Ray and Jan Lewis, in Eugene circa 1959. At the time, Ron was the editor of the U of O Daily Emerald, and my father had submitted an article (rejected), but Ron became aware of the fact that my mother was a pretty good cook. I believe that he actually lived with us in Corvallis for a month or two. I always considered him to be one of my "adopted uncles." In recent years, he was an occasional dinner companion, and he will be dearly missed.

Joe Lewis

February 24, 2012

Ron and I were alumni of the McGovern delegation to Miami Beach in 1972. Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean with Wayne Morse was definitely a highlight for all of us. Years later when Ron shared his early draft chapters of Tap City with me I quizzed him about poker playing and became intrigued with the game. Now I play poker for fun and a little profit for my retirement!

Judy Lee

February 20, 2012

I will never forget Ron's kindness and patience with a brash interloper from back East when I arrived in 1981 to take the job of Editor of Oregon Magazine when he decided to move on. He guided me through a crash course on Oregonia.

Harry Lenhart

February 18, 2012

Ron led us up Dog Mountain the first time we ever climbed it -- along with a crowd of young activists aching to make the city a better place. That was years ago, and many of the folks on that hike are now in public office or have recently left. They're mentoring the next crop of young activists. Things come full circle.

And the hike Ron began lasted many years - it became an annual event (though without him in the later years). But we never climbed Dog Mountain without his spirit with us. Our lives were enriched by knowing him.

Mary Ann and Dennis Buchanan

February 16, 2012

Ron had a caustic, though never mean sense of humor, the kind of loyalty to friends that caused him to take care of Ted Hallock in the last months of Ted's life, and dated some of the very best women I know. Great values, good taste and talent. One of life's originals.

Julie Williamson

February 16, 2012

Ron had many interest and was always a great conversationalist.
One time he told me a story about a doctor visit involving a finger injury. The doctor administered novocaine and then proceeded to carve out what was causing the problem.
Ron asked him, "How long will the novocaine last?" and the doc. replied "Not long enough."
I will miss him.

Bob McCarthy

February 16, 2012

Ron taught how to write by example and with truly helpful comments. I was very lucky to be the beneficiary of some of them back in the initial year of Willamette Week. In a world where self-centered ambition too often trumps talent, Ron Abell shared. I am sorry he has left us.

Cathy Wood

February 15, 2012

It seems like every time Julie and I went to the Goose in the early 70's, Ron would visit with us and exchange the latest news and opinions - while drinking his black coffee. In later years he has become a closer friend and frequent visitor with his dear friend, Dee Cox, who brought him much joy. The James G. Blaine Society was a stroke of genius. We are privileged to have known him.

Charlie Williamson

February 15, 2012

Ron was a good friend to my family and a very highly valued employee to my father in the late '60s. RIP Ron.

Joel Brooks

February 14, 2012

Ron was an old and treasured friend, dating back to graduate school days in Eugene and continuing through many years in Portland. We will miss him.
Dianne and Don Sichel

February 14, 2012

I loved both Ron's journalistic abilities and his great, quirky sense of humor when we worked together many years ago at the Eugene Register-Guard. During his time there, he wore a Beatles wig while covering the Beatles' arrival in Portland and once drove 8 hours to Reno, won $200 at blackjack, got back in his car and drove back to Eugene -- one of his many strange adventures in the world of gambling. Ron was a true original, and I'm sorry we didn't stay in touch in our later years.

Don Bishoff

February 14, 2012

To the family:

May you find comfort in God, the "Hearer of prayer", during this difficult time. (Psalms 65:2)

February 14, 2012

I remember Ron fondly. I can't say I knew Ron well, but I knew him well. He would always greet me and ask about my family. I appreciate the time we spent talking. He is and will be missed.

Paul Schwabe

February 14, 2012

Ron was my writing teacher in the early 1990s. I still remember the joy I felt heading off to his class every week. The book I worked on there got me an agent, and I'm still writing and publishing, 13 books later. I would occasionally see Ron at the grocery store or the library, and he always took pride in my accomplishments. I will always remember his voice - low, rough, edged with sardonic amusement. He was a wonderful teacher.

April Henry

February 14, 2012

I met Ron at Willamette Week in the mid-'70's, then we were part of the same poker group for several years. He managed to be idealistic & cynical at the same time, but always with dry humor. Tap City is one of the great poker books. Goodbye Ron.

Michael Wells

February 14, 2012

Ron mentored a lot of us. RIP lad. Peace

Russell Sadler

February 14, 2012

So like Ron to want no public service. He was that kind of guy. We met in the late 60's while I served as Asst. to Oregon's Senate President. and he was a reporter for the Medford Mail Tribune. We hit it off. After those days so long ago, after Ron moved to Portland, we had lots of wonderful conversations about politics, the environment, and just about everything else. He was an Oregon treasure. I will never forget him.

Loyd Hubbard

Loyd Hubbard

February 13, 2012

From his office at The Goose Hollow Inn, Ron was a good friend, my journalism mentor and a clear-headed observer of society. I treasure the time we spent together and will never forget this fine man. Thanks to OPB for getting him an advance copy of the Oregon Experience program on Wayne Morse that airs later this month and features Ron. He watched it and approved.

Jiim Swenson

February 13, 2012

Ron was a deeply valued friend from the early 70's; always supportive, especially during the years I grieved over my father's death. I remember fondly his times of writing and supporting Wayne Morse and Neil Goldschmidt, allowing me to lend my thoughts to his final edit of "Tap City", and of course his participation in the infamous James G. Blayne Society. He was pivotal in my receiving the position of Office Manager with Oregon Magazine in 1980. I will truly miss him and his rare way of seeing and processing the world.

Katie Schmidt

February 13, 2012

Wound up on some of the newsbeats with Ron, when I worked for the Oregon Journal. He was an intense, friendly guy whose company I enjoyed. We shared an occasional laugh over some of the nutty things we observed while watching state and local politicians.

Kurt Engelstad

February 13, 2012

Ron was my journalism prof at Lewis & Clark in 1972-73. He was a great teacher of clear, concise writing. Very professional. Very tough. Very fair. He made me want to be a journalist.

Ken Goe

February 13, 2012

Ron was a customer and friend. I was his barber for some years and I always enjoyed our time together. I bought his book "Tap City", and he autographed it for me. I still have it and will re-read it again.

Bob Eaton

February 13, 2012

Ron was a most gifted writer and an overall inspiration in the way he poured himself into everything he pursued. He pursued much, and always with commitment and passion. Thank you Ron for all that you gave us through your writing and your personality.

Mike Alesko

February 13, 2012

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