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Ron Durham Obituary
He was even more passionate about making art experiences accessible to all public school students, and his friends and colleagues in the Arlington school district say that will be Mr. Durham’s legacy.
“He was sort of John Wayne as a ceramics artist,” said Anne Allen, director of the Arlington Museum of Art.
Mr. Durham, 61, died about 9 p.m. Sundaynov 26 at a Fort Worth hospice, where he had been admitted Friday. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in November 2005.
The popular administrator retired this month from a 35-year career with the Arlington school district, where he coordinated visual art for the 62,000-student system. Allen said Mr. Durham’s retirement party nov15 at the museum drew more than 500 people.
“I think we all laughed and cried all evening,” Allen said. Guests knew they were saying goodbye to Mr. Durham as well as honoring his tenure with the school district, Allen said.
Mr. Durham also attended son Cody Durham’s wedding Nov. 18 nov 18, said his wife of 38 years, Jan Durham.
Mr. Durham was born in Odessa and met his wife in high school in Midland.
“He was just a West Texas kind of guy, and he loved, loved, loved art,” said daughter Shay Stavenhagen of Phoenix. “He was always fun, kind of a big kid.”
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sul Ross State University in Alpine and a doctorate from Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
The Durhams moved to Arlington in 1969 from Big Spring.
Stavenhagen recalled many family trips around the state, inspired by her father’s love of Texas history, and how she and her brother enjoyed hanging out in their father’s art studio as children.
“He painted, did pottery and ceramics and made my mom’s first wedding band,” Stavenhagen said. “He was a big fisherman and liked to go to exotic places to fish. He even went to Canada and Brazil on fishing trips.”
Allen said Mr. Durham’s legacy will be fulfilled by the art opportunities he helped establish for Arlington’s children. He started a scholarship that enabled more than 100 students in Title I schools to go to art camps at the museum. His most widely known project began more than 15 years ago, when he established the annual Youth Art Encounters all-city student art exhibit at the museum. The exhibit puts the works of more than 3,000 students of all ages in front of the public.
Mr. Durham was named the Arlington STARS (Star-Telegram Awards Recognizing Service) Man of the Year for 2005 for his work bringing together the arts and education communities. He belonged to the Arlington Arts League and coordinated the school district’s Art Docent Program.
“He has done so much for arts education here in Arlington over the decades, making sure it stayed in the schools despite budget cuts,” Allen said.
Mitch Wilson, an art teacher at Gunn Junior High School, has also logged 35 years with the district and knew Mr. Durham when the future administrator taught art at Arlington and Martin high schools.
“Ron was a people person, and he treated all people with the same amount of respect,” Wilson said. “He had amazing wit and was articulate. He could speak on almost any subject at a moment’s notice.”
School Superintendent Mac Bernd had public praise and private memories of Mr. Durham.
“If art represents the soul of the school district, then Ron Durham was the perfect carrier of that flame,” Bernd said.
Bernd recalled an incident where Mr. Durham answered the call when Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum asked for an Arlington school district entry for an Easter egg decorating contest.
“Ron built this perfect Humpty Dumpty that sat on top of a motorcycle,” Bernd said. “I just cherish it. It represents not only Ron’s talent but his sense of humor as well.”
Memories and Condolences
for Ron Durham
Sponsored by Ron's Pottery Friends from TCC.
62 Entries
Kyke Durham
June 17, 2024
I never realized how much my uncle Ron kept family together but I think of him and all my family I miss so much every day when I see the Denver mountains
Paula Windyka
January 22, 2017
Dear Mr. Durham,
I had a dream about you the other day where I was climbing a very tall building to meet you at the top and I did and there you were smiling and encouraging me as you always did. My memories of you as my art teacher, my mentor, my guardian of sorts, will live on forever. Putting my hands in clay was the best part of all. Martin High School class of '85. I loved coming to visit your classroom long after I graduated and wish I had the chance to tell you how much you impacted my life so I'm saying it now. God bless you Ron. You were the most important person in my life during some very difficult times while I was in high school. Thank you for caring so much. You treated me like family and encouraged me to dump the hoodlum elements as you so put it. ;0). Wish you could see me now and perhaps you can! Great professional success and art all around me.!
Linda Goff
April 18, 2013
I was surprised to see a placard on the wall at the Arlington Museum of Art, of my former Teacher's passing. What I remember most is he motivated his students indidually by their personality.. He yelled at me a lot :) ? He knew I was better than what I was doing... Thank you to his wife and children and family for sharing him with so many, for so long. I will never forget him.
Linda
Suzanne Farrar
April 16, 2010
Chris,
I am so sorry. I stopped by Northside this morning for a visit and heard about Ron. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'll see you when you get back to Florida.
Mary Lynn Perlow
April 23, 2009
Dear Ron, I was hired to teach art the same year you became my art coordinator. I was one of your biggest fans from the beginning. You worked like there was no tomorrow, and you encouraged all of us teachers in so many ways. You were an awesome mentor, and a great friend to me, especially when I lost my dear husband. Words can't say how special you were to me, and I don't think I ever told you, but I hope you knew how all of us teachers loved and admired you. You are gone way too soon, and you are so missed.
Steven Tardiff
February 27, 2009
Ron believed in me more than I believed in myself. We had some tough times together and I forced him to make some tough decisions. I regret taking his guidance for granted but eventually, years later got in to Parsons Design School which will forever remind me of those fancy catalogs we would browse in his class room. I owe much of my success to his tough love. Quite an amazing dude.. I'll never forget him.
Kirk Edney
February 16, 2009
I worked with Mr Durham at AHS from 1975 - 1978, and he taught me MUCH about professionalism & dealing with a diverse student population. I still have a story or two I tell about him; told one just the other day at my mother's funeral at First UMC. Mr Durham did things RIGHT!
Jana Jordan Shaw
February 1, 2009
I wasn't in Ron's classes, but knew him at AHS and when he had a studio in Lillian. I moved to "Burleson" just 3 miles from Lillian during high school and visited Ron at the studio some and he would make me feel at home to just sit and talk or watch him work. It helped me because I missed AHS and the people I'd attended school with from 1st grade, but he & I talked of Arlington, AHS, and the people & students as well as pottery and art. Sadly, he wasn't in Lillian very long and he wasn't here with us near long enough! I'm sorry I just now found out he'd passed, but know that I remember him, his big heart, and kindness to all!
Cody Durham
January 4, 2009
Miss you every day Dad. I see so much of you in my little RBD. I know you are there watching over her every day. I pray every day that she knows what an impact you were on all of our lives. I miss you and love you more than you will ever know. All my love.
Scott Stavenhagen
November 27, 2008
I miss you and love you!!!
Sheri Prejean (Wilson)
January 8, 2008
Mr. Durham was my art teacher 1974-1975 for quite a few classes. One was pottery and because he taught me the same passion I continued to Stephen F. Austin and pursued a Fine Arts degree with pottery and painting as my majors. I loved Mr. Durham, he was such an awesome man. After he opened his studio my mother would go and purchase his pottery. We still have several of his pieces. He will be missed greatly.
Terri Quiroz
November 30, 2007
Yes, another year has passed us by and somehow we have muddled (no pun intended) through knowing your ever present spirit is making the rounds with all whom you loved, and who loved you, too. I smile and hold back tears at least 3 days a week thinking about you, Ron. My daughter, Danni, is now attending classes at TCC NW...AND YOU'RE NOT THERE! You were so considerate and welcoming of her when she was a mere 6 years old needing to attend night classes with ME sometimes and allowing her to play in the clay and learn a LOT in the process. She, too holds very fond memories of you, all of the other students who were also so kind and considerate to her, and Mayfest. What an artist she became and with such a passion for ceramic arts. Thank you. Thank you, Ron, for your guidance and wisdom, your expertise and willingness to share it; thank you for your inclusiveness and encouragement, your humor and your life and, again, your willingness to share it. Thank you for allowing us to try and be there for you as you struggled through the illness which eventually took you from us and being there for us and sharing what you were going through and still teaching, especially the art of humility and of being humbled, still finding small ways to laugh when everything is too serious and intense. You are so very missed every day. Still planning to go to Kathmandu...and looking forward to it! Save me a seat...
Rachel Bates
November 28, 2007
I can't believe it has been a year either - my gosh - but Ron is constantly with me - in my studio - at my wheel - talking me through designs - hollering at me to BREATHE! He lives in so many hearts and in so many works of art. What a great legacy.
Thanks Ron.
Scott Stavenhagen
November 26, 2007
I can't believe it has been a year. There is not a day that goes by that I dont wish you were here. A trip to get coffee, a cruise in the boat, a hunting adventure, a trip to Cabelas, life itself has not been the same without you. I miss you and love you more than you know.
Karissa Sasser
January 18, 2007
May Ron always be with all of us as I speak because I indeed am a Great Niece of Mr.Ronald B Durham. I love him dearly and the best thing he could give to anyone was the gift of love, laughter, and the gift of encouragement. I love you and all the Durhams and I with all knowing I am only his great niece I love him. I know he is with me in everyday life and when I think I'm about to get hurt, he is the one to save me. Now to let you all know I am only 11 and I have a mouth full of words about this wonderful man. I shall say no more for you all would find me a pest. But I love Uncle Ron with all my heart and that will never change.
Ryan Sawicki
December 29, 2006
He was my firt basball coach and was an and was an inspririation to all of us, my prayers and thoughts go out to Cody and the whole family!
Sue March
December 25, 2006
A great neighbor and a wonderful artist - that's what I knew about Ron Durham. Today as we celebrated Christmas, our family shared our memories of how you touched each of our lives. Some just as Shay & Cody's dad - or, a friendly guy in the neighborhood - others as their teacher either in school or just by example in the art he created and displayed at his gallery.
We are saddened by the loss of this wonderful man, yet celebrate the life he lived.
Jan, Shay & Cody - we all hope you will take comfort in knowing how many people loved Ron on many levels and for many varying reasons.
May God bless and be with each of you.
A Holly Hollows Neighbor,
Blessie LaScola
December 24, 2006
Dear Jan and Family,
It was John and Diane that knew Ron the best in this family, so far away in California. What I have are childhood memories growing up on Aunt Maude's farm. What I and Ernie, Peter and Teresa do have are the many ornaments and different art forms that Ron has made us over the years to express love and family. We have these to remind us of him and all of you. We send our love and prayers to each of you; there will never be another to replace him in your lives. His memories stay alive in you. May God be ever present to you and may you know God's embrace. We love you.
Ernie and Blessie LaScola
Shay Stavenhagen
December 22, 2006
Just thinking of you Dad and missing you more than you could know! I love you THE MOST!
Cody Durham
December 20, 2006
I miss you Dad, and love you more than you could ever know.
Caren Cook Lee
December 17, 2006
What fond memories I have of Mr. Durham at Martin H.S. I always looked forward to his class because as a wanna be artist, I enjoyed what I learned and I just liked being around him. I followed his many accomplishments since he taught at MHS and always felt a sense of pride when I read them. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Love & Hope
Caren Cook Lee '87
Lori Thomas
December 14, 2006
Jan and Family,
I have been reading the notes here on the guest book and realize that the stories about Ron are all my stories. He touched so many people's lives. What a happy person! I strive to be the teacher he was to me. I'll never forget the day I met his dog. I loved that dog instantly and asked him what kind it was. He told me it was a "doot-de-de-root" from South America. Everything was from South America to him. He also told me his mother was always confusing him with his twin brother "Don". So it was never clear if he was really "Ron" or "Don". That was a 10 minute story that I believed for the duration of my clay class. He was a real character. He is greatly missed and always will be. Your family is in my thoughts.
the McConnell family
December 12, 2006
We were saddened by the news of Ron's passing... Our thoughts & prayers will continue to be with you... Love in Christ, Larry, Debi & Amy
Steve and Terri STAVENHAGEN
December 10, 2006
We love you and miss you very much.
Tina Rushlow-DeVincenzo
December 8, 2006
Dear Jan and Shay, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Having known Ron as a teacher when I attended Martin High School to being lucky enough to know him as a parent when I taught Shay at Ditto, I always thought about all of you as the kind of people that made Arlington look good. My deepest sympathy with the hope that God's arms will wrap around you and comfort you during this difficult time. I am sure he looks great with his new wings.....until we meet again. Sincerely, Tina (Rushlow) DeVincenzo '86
Mark Geuy
December 7, 2006
May you rest in peace Ron.
May the Lord Jesus look over your friends and family during this time of grief.
Shari (Wynn) McWilliams
December 7, 2006
Dear Durham Family,
I never took Art Class in high school because Mr. Durham would have laughed at my inabilities! He was such a striking figure walking down the hallways - his height and appearance in such opposition to all the other teachers - made such an impression on all of us in the 70's. He was cool!
I remember his numerous pieces of art work everywhere in the classroom. He was such a talented, skilled man! He inspired alot of students to go forward with their talents.
May you find comfort and peace in the long days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My loving, husband (48 years old) was killed in a tragic, freak farming accident at our cattle ranch in October. I know/share the emptiness you are feeling.
Life is so short and uncertain. It's so unfair to loose such a fine person as Mr. Durham.
Arlington High School
Class 1978
Carolyn Adkisson
December 5, 2006
My first pottery class was a non-credit course at TCC with a teacher who was still a student herself. I was so discouraged I almost gave up but someone suggested I go to GDRA (now LMRA) and take a class from Ron. Naturally, he had me throwing the very first class and I was hooked forever. That was 13 years ago and I am so grateful to Ron for his gift of pottery. Every time I remind my students to "Breathe!" I remember Ron. He will be missed by many but his influence will live forever.
Susan (willkins) Parks
December 5, 2006
My sympathy to the family of
Ron Durham. I worked with his wife, Jan, and I know they were a close, loving family. God be with you in your grief.
Sarah Strawn
December 4, 2006
I will miss Mr. Ron and Chilifest will never be the same without him. Thank you for spirit, enthusiasm, and your daughter who has been a true inspiration to my life.
Rachel Bates
December 4, 2006
I took my first pottery class from Ron 13 years ago at Lockheed Martin and continued taking classes as I began my journey through undergraduate school at Tarrant County (Junior) college. I now have a fine art degree that started with a pottery class.
How many times do I remember him yelling across the room to "PUSH!!", or "BREATHE!!!". It sometimes sounded like a delivery room. For those of us who were fortunate to be formed by the great potter Ron Durham, we will forever remember the Wobbly bat demos and the first pot out of a new batch of clay demos, the kiln gods, and Katmandu, the cracked pots and "fish houses" thrown into the lake at the end of each semester, the many margharitas, Mayfests, and "Ron" stories that we have told and retold - I still tell many of them when I teach.
Over the past week, he has popped into my head and into my heart - I find myself talking to him like he is here with me - strange, but I think he is, guiding my hands and living through my work. His legacy to me, a memory in clay.
sherry bonner-donaldson
December 4, 2006
I will miss you Ron Durham, you are the obijan, captain, wamba the clay boy, the one true clay prophet, and our world will never be the same. There is a small corner of heaven, you are sitting at a wheel, surrounded by cherubs watching you give your wobbly pot
demo, and you're telling them a fish story, it might or might not be true, but that's ok. When you finish, you will pick up your rod and reel, and cast your line, in the wildest deepest waters, and catch that fish you were just telling them about. Everyone you've ever loved who went before are with you, and we are not far behind. we love you.
sherry, pottress and kiln goddess.
Carole Standridge
December 4, 2006
I met Ron in 1988 when he did a workshop at GDRA (then, now it is LMRA) pottery activity. I did take a semester or two at TCC-NW, and hired him as instructor at LMRA when John Logan no longer taught there. Ron taught classes on Tuesday evenings for many years - making many new friends and training a lot of wannabe potters. The late John Logan always said that "Ron, is the best instructor EVER!" and we all agree with that. The many videos that I took of Ron's classes will now be more precious than before. It was always amazing to me for Ron to teach someone how to throw the first time they sat down at the wheel. Yes, Ron will be missed by all that knew him, but he left a wonderful legacy for all of us to remember to be a tidy potter.
Kurt and Helen Freed
December 2, 2006
Ron helped me to overcome my fear of the wheel. After taking a class from Ron I was much more comfortable while throwing. Kurt took the class and with Ron's help he took to throwing quickly. Ron made a big difference for both of us.
Carole Lofton
December 1, 2006
What an awesome privelege to be in Ron's presence! His smile, his spirit, his love for life, family, and friends will be a constant memory of his goodness, of his gift of unconditional love and respect. My heartfelt prayers to you Jan, and to the family.
John Hardy
December 1, 2006
I first met Ron about 19-20 years ago, our boys played little league baseball together. Ron was a true gentleman and sportsman. His love for the game and the boys was evident. My wife and I came to know Ron, Jan,Cody and Shay through the years. His was a model family. May he rest in peace with the Lord. He will be missed and remembered.
John/Loretta and Bryan Hardy
Surprise! Welcome Back, Ron!
November 30, 2006
Ron & Terri Q at TCC Party
November 30, 2006
Scott McCall
November 30, 2006
Ron was an amazing artist as well as the best art instructor that I ever had at Martin High School. He allowed us to explore and find ourselves in our art and creativity, which allowed me to follow my dream of being an artist. Thank you. Ron will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Dorothy Spriggs
November 30, 2006
Thanks to you and yours for everthing you did for life and art. I will miss you! Fellow art educator of 50 years. Dorothy Spriggs
Terri Quiroz
November 30, 2006
To the Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Ron Durham:
It was a true blessing to have met him and been a student of his at TCC-NW. His talents extended far beyond the repetoire we only thought we knew, his kindness, compassion, and generosity even further. Although this world will never be the same without him in it, he left it a much better world because he was in it. His light will shine on in the many lives he touched, some harder than others. I feel as though he really never left us, per say, he is just waiting for us all to meet him in Katmandu. Peace be with you all.
Love,
Jeanene Spencer
November 29, 2006
Dear Jan, Cody and Shay,
Ron was one in a million--a loyal friend and confidant with a brilliant mind, a huge heart, wonderful wit, and a very generous spirit and soul. I've known Ron since 1982 and will always remember how entertaining it was just to have a conversation with him and to be in his presence. It feels like there is a huge hole in the universe now that can never be filled. We have lost a real jewel but Heaven is even sweeter today because he is there. Ron was an inspiration to all and will be missed beyond measure but remembered always. Much love and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Mike Burns
November 29, 2006
Took Ron's art class my junior year at Arlington High. I was a football player at the time and I had never been intimidated on the football field as I was the first time I met him and heard his big booming voice and physicl presence. I knew I was home because he always pushed me to be a better student. My prayers go to the family.
Anita McDowell
November 29, 2006
To The Family of Ron,
I met Ron in 2003 at TCC, I was a student of his, very shy and quiet. Ron was one of those guys who made you laugh even when you didn't want too. The news had come to me as a suprise today as I was browsing looking for my neighbor that had pasted away and there I saw my ceramic teacher. I was in despair and at a lost of words because I knew that face was the face of the man who made me laugh so many days in class. The last time I saw Ron was in May of 2003 and I was expecting with my 2nd child at 25 and I really didn't know if I would be able to move foward with school afterwards. I never told Ron about what I was feeling but on the last day of school Ron told me that I could do anything I put my mind too and to never give up. And on that note to the family, don't give up. Ron was an inspiration to my life, even today. And if he would give a student advice to keep going foward I'm sure that he would want the same for you. He's in a better place now so stay strong and keep him close in your hearts. My prayers goes out to the family.
Sincerly,
Anita McDowell
David Reardon, MD
November 29, 2006
Jan and family,
Ron battled this disease, with the help and love of his family, very bravely.
The thoughts and prayers of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke are with you.
My best,
David A. Reardon, MD
Duke University Medical Center
Ernie Stripling '72
November 29, 2006
Legends live forever.... Ron's "life teachings" through art were building blocks for his students. His spirit lives on in each person he encountered.
Becky Lankford
November 29, 2006
Dear Jan, Cody and Shay,
What a sweet, dear man Ron was. He kept us laughing during our times and vacations together. He will be greatly missed.May you have comfort during this time of grief knowing how loved he was and we will all miss him and his zest for life.
We love you,
Tony and Becky Lankford
Larry Cure
November 29, 2006
We lost a giant of a man, a giant of a heart, a giant of an artist, a giant of friend and a giant of a soul. My heart goes out to Jan and Ron's beautiful family. Ron was truly one of a kind. Teaching with him at Martin was one of the most fun and inspirational times of my teaching career.
Fran Goodwin
November 29, 2006
I met Ron a couple of years ago at the Art Gala. (Mitch Wilson is my brother) He shared our table. I had heard about him from Mitch so I knew he was a very talented and interesting person. I learned that evening just what a wonderful person he was. I have kept up with his health problems this past year from Mitch and remembered him and the family in our prayers and he was on the prayer list at our church. Our continued prayers are with you all. Fran Goodwin
Marian Brown
November 29, 2006
I am so sorry for the loss of Ron. He was so fun and entertaining. I used my pottery pitcher he made & gave to me just this Thanksgiving. Of course I thought about him. I know you will find peace in your hearts and his memories you will cherish. Peace, Marian & John Brown
Marie Nachman
November 29, 2006
I knew Ron as a fabulous pottery instructor - the guy with the great stories and even more talent for bringing along fledgling potters. The TCC pottery classes will never be the same without his wit and patience with all us idiots trying to center a blob of mud. He built a community there and never talked of all the accomplishments noted here at his passing. He is someone I'll never forget and feel very privledged to have known. He gave me the gift of clay at a time when I really needed to get my life centered. My condolences to his family, but even more my joy that you had this wonderful man in your lives! He was one of a kind and will be missed by many many people, including all the Alpha Females from the TCC Saturday class!
Charlotte Sowers
November 29, 2006
Jan & Family, I had the priviledge of working with Ron at the old Bowie High School. He was such a fine man. Anytime he walked through our office he always had a smile and a greeting. My sympathy goes out to all of you. May God ease your pain and grief.
Donna Winborne
November 29, 2006
This "gentle-giant" of a man gave so such of himself to everyone he met. He will be missed by many,especially by his family. Jan, Cody and Shay, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Donna and Barry Winborne
Peggy Bentley
November 28, 2006
Jan and family,
Deepest sympathy to all of you on your loss. As long as I have known you since our days at Pope Elementary, I have heard Ron stories. What a great man he was and he enriched so many lives.
Blessings to all of you. His legacy will live on in all the lives he's touched.
Marsha Stateham-Bender
November 28, 2006
Dear Jan, Cody and Shay,
Through Diana and girls I have known you for so long. May you find comfort in knowing you are in
my thoughts and prayers. May God bless and keep you in such a time of grief and sorrow.
Love, Marsha
Jim Saxon
November 28, 2006
No one on this earth enjoyed life and having fun like my friend Ron Durham. He taught me how to take one day at a time and enjoy every minute of it.
Jim Turner
November 28, 2006
I had the fortune of meeting Ron two years ago on a quail hunting trip near Trikham, Texas. The rainy weather made for a poor weekend of hunting but Ron's colorful stories and life experiences made a life-long impression on me and the others in our group. You did not need to know Ron for very long to know what his passions were. He will be missed by many.
Gennie Eaton (formerly Claunch)
November 28, 2006
Mrs. Durham, Cody, and Shay, I am so deeply saddened for your loss. Mr. Durham was such a kind and loving man, and I only have wonderful memories of him from my childhood days! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love,
June Pace
November 28, 2006
Jan, Cody, and Shay. Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am for your loss of a great wonderful husband, father and boss. I have really enjoyed knowing and working for this magnificent man. I have the utmost respect for him as a boss and most importantly a person! I will always remember the great times that we both shared here in the office and the astonishing talks that we had. Ron Durham has taught me alot the years that I worked for him. If I did not know the answer to something, Ron was always there to give me the answer. It may not have been the right answer you were looking for however, Ron always had an answer though. My life has been greatly improved from knowing Ron. Ron will be greatly missed, but remembered always. Ron, I love you and will miss you tremendously.
Marilyn Mego
November 28, 2006
To my dear friend Jan, her son and daughter and Dutch--Men like Ron are rare--a big guy, with an even bigger heart and a great love for life! Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am for your loss.
I hope all the beautiful memories you have built together will sustain you during this most difficult time.
You and Ron's family are in my prayers.
Ron was a precious, precious man and will be missed greatly but remembered always.
God bless you.
Jean Richerson
November 27, 2006
Arlington's art world has lost a great artist and supporter, the school district has lost a fabulous teacher/administrator/mentor who cared deeply that students learn about art, and I lost a good friend and valued colleague. I truly am in awe of Ron's brilliant mind, his creative genius, his ability to teach his love of his craft to others, and his devotion to life, family and his students. My life as been greatly enriched by knowing and loving Ron. I pray for him and his family during this time of great loss.
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