Ronald Bontemps

I only met Ron Bontemps one time. That was in early 1964 when I was interviewing as a college grad for a job at Caterpillar. Ron was a very energetic person and was excited to be working at Cat. It was only many years later that I learned what a great basketball player Ron was and had won an Olympic gold medal winner to boot. Ron never mentioned his playing basketball when we were meeting--obviously a humble person despite being a great competitor.

My father, Charles C. Powers served with Mr. Bontemps in WWII. I have pictures of them in the Philippines. Dad passed away in May of 2015. I grew up hearing stories about them during their time in the service. I am sorry for your loss.
Jay C Powers
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Sweet Mr. B! He was a great neighbor to have over the years. Our favorite quote from him was "I don't know I've never been this old before" when asked how he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Ron was my hero. I was in high school when I met Ron after he was a gold medal winner in the Olympics. He actually said hi to me and it blew me away. Later on we became Christians and he was asked to give his testimony of how that happened. As our friendship grew, since I signed as a pitcher in tha Baltimore Oriole's Organization we were asked to team up and go around giving our testimonies in different churches. That's when we really drew close to each other in the Lord. What an honor for me...

While working at Beloit College, I had the honor of coming to his house to interview him about his Olympic days. One of the nicest men, and also one of the humblest, I have met. He could have bragged on l day; he earned that right. Yet, the talk was all about how well the people in his company were doing. Class act.

I remember his energy, his laughter, his kindness and gracious manners and most of all his love for his family and community. Our deepest sympathies and love to his family.

Uncle Ron- you will be deeply missed! I have so many childhood memories of you. I remember I was fearful riding in the back seat of the station wagon when you drove. It was the first time I saw someone get up to 70 mph! I remember when you would take us down the big slide in the Dells- you always challenged me to put my arms up! So many Woodlake memories as well. Kathy and I loved playing waitress on the top of the boathouse and we would water ski for hours. I always have bragged about your...

Ron was an amazing man. So kind and thoughtful. Great husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Very humble and funny. I'll never forget him always calling me sis. Our deepest sympathies to the Bontemps family. Brenda & Richard Martin

He taught me to water-ski, gave us kids the highest under-ducks, and seemed to take the biggest pleasure in life when he was side by side with Norma Jean or any of his family members. He was a loving, humble man, as kind as they come. An Olympic gold medalist has passed on, but the true gold he left behind was the love in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him. Thinking of you all, Bontemps family