Ronald WHITCHURCH

WHITCHURCH, Ronald H. died unexpectedly on May 25 at the age of 78. He was born in South Bend, Indiana and graduated from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia in 1971. He practiced as a CRNA for 50 years, including North County Hospital in Bemidji, MN, Mease Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL and St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. Ron and his wife, Lonni, moved from Bemidji to Tampa Bay in 1987. They founded and owned "Lonni's Sandwiches, Etc." for two decades. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Lonni; and loving daughter, Julie; along with three grandchildren, Michael, Madisen, Matthew; and son, Andy (Beth); and granddaughter, Olivia. Ron was very proud of the book he published this year, "50 Years in the O.R." It contains 120 medical stories from his career, some humorous, some poignant, all showing how much Ron valued his patients and loved his work. Randpa Gon, as he was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren, was a bright light in every life he touched. He was an animated story teller, with sometimes colorful language, and people gravitated to him whenever he was around. Donations can be made in Ron's memory to: Emotional Rescue, P.O. Box 521, Hastings, MN 55033 or through their website: emotionalrescuedogs.org. A private service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN on a date to be determined.