Ronald Reid Strain

1935 - 2015

Strain, Ronald Reid July 3, 1935 to November 16, 2015 Passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015 in Naples, Florida after a courageous battle with melanoma. Survived by the love of his life, Laura (Nee Russell), his bride for 59 beautiful years. Beloved father of Bret and Deanna (Tillisch), caring father-in-law to Vanessa (Torres) and Eric and cherished grandfather (Papa) to Reid, Kayla, Kasey and Morgan. Also survived by siblings Edward Jr. and Virginia (Zorman) and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his younger brother, Tommy, father, Edward, and mother, Ernestine. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 3, 1935, Ron was the third of four children. Cared for by not only his parents, but also grandparents Mable and Tom Strain who gave Ron the confidence to believe in himself. He attended Indiana Central College, now the University of Indianapolis, where he met Laura Russell and created a partnership that would span six decades. Ron had a richly fulfilling and highly successful career, retiring from Miller Brewing Company as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in 1993. While at Miller, Ron served on the boards of Mount Mary University and Milwaukee Urban League. Prior to joining Miller, Ron spent 17 years at RCA holding leadership positions in finance, including plant controller in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He also served as chair of the Society for the Advancement of Management. His commitment to the Milwaukee community continued after moving to Naples in 1997. A true philanthropist, Ron with Laura have been strong supporters of the Medical College of Wisconsin, the United Performing Arts Fund, Children's Hospital, Cardinal Stritch University and Mount Mary University. He was proud to be the lead funder of the Ron & Laura Strain Education Center at Froedtert Hospital, which serves a venue for physicians to share leading-edge cancer treatments, and for the public to access health information. Ron was committed to his alma mater as a trustee of and donor to the University of Indianapolis. His legacy lives on through the Ron & Laura Strain Honors College at UIndy. As a true Hoosier, Ron had a deep passion for fast cars and racing, having attended 65 Indy 500s. He was a graduate of Skip Barber Racing School and treasured his Corvette. Retirement in Naples allowed Ron to continue being active as a member of the Port Royal Club, Classics Country Club and Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church. Family and friends admired Ron for his integrity (putted everything in), loyalty, generosity and compassion. With an intense love of life, Ron embraced travel, golf, tennis, movies, great food, fine wine and special times with family and friends. Up until the end, he created and documented beautiful memories that will provide comfort for those now grieving. Ron epitomized how one should lead an enriching and multi-dimensional life by raising a family, building a career, having deep faith, giving back to those less fortunate, sharing his wisdom with grandchildren and dedicating his life to his best friend, Laura. Heaven will appreciate his humor, "love pats" and calm demeanor - all of which will be greatly missed by those left behind. Fortunately, his family knows that this is not goodbye, but rather see you later. Services will be held on Saturday, December 5, 11 AM at Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Drive in Naples, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron's memory to the University of Indianapolis Ron & Laura Strain Honors College, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227 or the FAL Archangel Fund, 553 Galleon Drive, Naples, FL 34102.