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Ron ATCHISON Obituary

Ron Atchison made his transition on Feb 13, 2014. He was a loving husband to his devoted wife Pam, a dedicated father to his children Patrick, Lila, and Sara and had a heart full of love for his faithful dog Henry. His music career in Sonoma County spans back to Rosie's Cantina in the early 70s where he and his partner Rick Concoff, were sure to create an atmosphere of unexpected humor and memorable music. He and Rickie recorded four albums of Israeli folk music and an album of original music with Jonathan Marmelzat. As Ron and Pam started attending the Center for Spiritual Living in Santa Rosa is the mid 90s, Ron's music began to mingle with his spiritual values. Pam and Ron shared a love of music and toured the county playing at other Centers. During this time, he also recorded two CDs of original songs that speak to the joy of life with his songwriting partner and friend Claire Victor. His passion for music is passed on to his talented children Lila and Patrick. His legacy also includes the many guitar students, both private and at Summer Waldorf School, whose lives were influenced forever. Being the people-person that he was, Ron also thoroughly enjoyed working with Pam running their family business, Hampton Court, a bath and body shop located in downtown Santa Rosa for 22 years. The shop eventually moved to the Internet and Ron became skilled working with product images in Photoshop. He will also be remembered and missed by his spiritual community, mother Betty, brother Michael and sister in law Kay, sister Dawn and brother-in-law Bill and his many long time friends. His gentle nature, sense of humor, and ability to draw the best out in people lives on in us all. He passed peacefully at home with Pam at his side. A musical tribute and celebration of Ron's life will be held on March 29, 2014, 2 p.m., at The Center for Spiritual Living. 2075 Occidental Rd. Santa Rosa CA 95403. Ron loved his garden and as a reminder of his spirit living on, please send donations for the Ron Atchison Memorial Garden to Pam Atchison at 1275 4th street, Box 173, Santa Rosa, Ca 94504 in lieu of cut flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ron ATCHISON

16 Entries

Steve Jones

March 10, 2021

Ron is on the other side but with all of us every day! We are all one together. Ron was a blessing to everyone who knew him and playing music with him was a true pleasure.

March 26, 2014

I met Ron along with his lovely Renaissance curly red curly headed wife, Pam when they were running their eclectic store, Hampton Court on 4th Street in Santa Rosa. I was a newly wed and was always thrilled to get as a gift from my husband, a pretty item for my hair, a piece of jewelry, or some luxurious item for body care. I admired Ron's love for his wife and how he worked long hours with Pam as a hard working team member, helping to run the store. I rather fancied and much enjoyed Ron's whimsical sense of humor and general gentle demeanor. I always loved hearing him play his guitar and sing along with his wife Pam at the local church. What a wonderful husband/wife pair they were in so many admirable ways! Pam knows she had a winner in Ron, and he was so very deserving of her fine love of him. Here's to fine memories and lasting love through out all of time, from his friends and family. So fortunate Pam and Ron were when conceiving their beautiful twin children, and I remember those stories around how they both worked hard at planning for those delightful young persons. Happy are we that Ron's legacy will live on in his talented children and many friends who loved him so very much.
~ Carol and Will Sloan

Marie Johnson

March 26, 2014

The world is a bit darker without the light of Ron's smile!

Jeanette McKenna

March 24, 2014

I knew Ron back in the early 1970s at Mt. SAC (So. Cal.) and during the anti-war years. My condolences to his family and (closer) friends. I will always remember his kind heart.

Jim Corbett

March 18, 2014

Great Teacher and Musician. A man with a heart of gold! Live on dear friend.

Kevin Hutchinson

March 18, 2014

I wrote this shortly after seeing Ron for what I thought was the last time, I did get to sit with him again one more time.

Sweet sadness fills my soul
I don't want to let you go
I pick up my old guitar
Let my fingers find the tune
Words come like falling stars
Resigned that you'll be leaving soon

Saying goodbye to too many friends
Leaving too soon, untimely ends
I don't want to start a list
Of the people that I miss
Their songs just can't be over
We haven't played through to the coda

I'll miss the sparkle in you eyes
As you let the puns just fly
You've launched so many, given sight
To music dreams and brought the light.
You made this world a better place
You hearts been a saving grace

Ron,We miss your earthly presence, but you live on in our laughter and our hearts

Robin Smith Sarran

March 18, 2014

His kind gental spirit and his easy going attitude will be missed. I am so greatful to have known him and partake in making music with him as a choir member. Everywhere was a better place with him in it. May his spirit now fly free in light and joy. Blessings to the family.

Susan Michaels

March 18, 2014

One of my favorite memories of Ron was of him singing "The Teddy Bear's Picnic". He itroduced me to that song and it subsequently became a favorite of mine to sing for my children when they were young. The gift of music that he shared so freely and joyously, has touched and will continue to touch so many. He leaves a wonderful legacy. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Ron backing me up... he Always did

Tom McCurry

March 18, 2014

Ron is one of the dearest friends I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. We met through our children, bonded through humor and shared the deepest camaraderie through making music together. Ron was, for me, a cheerleader, a support, a confidante, a musical brother, a sounding board, and my favorite comedian. It was a joy to play with him - whether musically or not. No wonder he was such a good friend!

I miss getting to hug this dear man, hear his guitar and see his smile. I'm looking forward to the day when he and I get to hang out in the great beyond, cracking jokes about ourselves and all the other souls passing through, and playing the best music we've ever played together.

Steve Jones

March 17, 2014

I have known Ron for many years. He was one of the most fun individuals to play music with that I have encountered in my life. He was always cheerful, had one of the funniest senses of humor and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was truly talented in many ways. I loved Ron dearly and will miss playing music with him, miss just visiting with him. He fought a good fight and always kept his chin up. Ron was also very present with the people around him. I can't begin to say how many nice compliments he not only threw my way but to others around him as well. A very humble man who touched my heart. I know he has a very strong family and I also had the pleasure of their company at the CSL when Ron was playing. He was and will continue to be in my morning thoughts until I join him in that special place where crazy, goofy, fun loving musicians go when the body decides that we have had enough of mother Earth. I am sure Ron is telling jokes or saying funny things right now. Love you Ron! Steve

Heidi Jones

March 17, 2014

It was a true pleasure to have known Ron. He was a wonderful man full of love, intelligence, humour and musical ability. My heart goes out to his family and friends, he will be greatly missed.

Melanie Brittain

March 17, 2014

Love.

Calvin Johnson

March 16, 2014

I only knew Ron peripherally, through the Music Team at the CSL Santa Rosa. The last time I saw him, at Christmas a few days before the Christmas Concert, he gave me such a big, wonderful hug, and held me in his heart with such tenderness and genuine affection. I told him how glad I was to see him, and he made a joke about how bad his hair looked. He was always so gently and warm to me and to everyone around him, so that I grew to just love him. I wish I had known him better. His bravery and generosity bespoke a power that he shared so effortlessly, and his blessed silliness permeated everything. I admired him, his guitar Godliness, and his ability to be the quiet center of things while making everyone else the focus. A bright spirit, a great man, and someone I was really, really honored to know. You can tell his greatness by the characters of his family and friends, all characters, and of the highest order. Safe travels, my friend.

Leon & Marjorie Geisberg

March 16, 2014

So grateful we got to know Ron and be blessed by his gentle nature and musical talents.

Steve Ferguson

March 16, 2014

Pam, I think it's wonderful that you had the opportunity to enjoy such a deeply rewarding and loving life with Ron and continue to be blessed by the love you live with your children. A great many people in this life are not as fortunate as you have been in knowing and growing in such love. I am happy for you because of this.

All good wishes,

Steve