Ronald Mason Grogan

Ronald passed peacefully into heaven on December 7, 2015 with his wife, Gracie, at his side. Ron was 64 years old and had fought a 15 month battle with Esophageal cancer.

Ron was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 25, 1951 to Ronald Earl and Donna Jean (Mason) Grogan. Ron graduated from Rochester-Adams High School in 1970. Ron earned his Associates Degree of Applied Science from Macomb Community College in 1977 and his Bachelors of General Studies with a minor in Industrial Health and Safety from Oakland University in 2000.

Ron served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1974 during which he achieved the rank of BU2 (Builder Petty Officer 2nd Class). Ron was a SeaBee, a member of the construction battalion. SeaBees work as carpenters, plasters, roofers, concrete finishers, masons, painters, bricklayers, and cabinet makers. BUs read and interpret blueprints and prepare sketches for projects, and make estimates of material, labor and equipment requirements. During his time in service to our country Ron was awarded the National Defense Service Metal, M-16 Qualified Marksman, and First Good Conduct Metal. Ron completed Basic Military Requirements, BUA School (carpentry/masonry apprentice), BUC School (construction mechanic), Military Requirements for PO3 (Petty Officer 3rd Class) and PO2 (Petty Officer 2nd Class) , NTC (Naval Training Center) for BU2 (Builder Petty Officer 2nd Class) and BU3 (Building Petty Officer 2nd Class), and a Defensive Driving Course. During his four years in the Navy Ron was stationed at the Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, California, Naval Support Facility on the island of Diego Garcia, and the Naval Station in Rota, Spain. Ron received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1974.

Ron was employed by Ford Motor Company for 30-1/2 years, retiring in 2000. While working for Ford Motor Company Ron obtained his qualification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, held the position of Total Waste Manager, and served on their Emergency Response Team. After retirement from Ford Ron worked as a contractor in Ford Motor Company for BFI/Progressive Waste Solutions, Allied Waste and Integrated Site Solutions. Ron became fully retired in 2008.

Ron enjoyed life and being active. He was an avid photographer, woodworker, scrapper (metal scrap), liked to travel, enjoyed attending festivals, art shows, special events, and liked watching college football and auto racing. Ron was an artist, member, and volunteer at Alice Moore Center for the Arts in St. Clair and Studio 1219 Art Gallery in Port Huron. Ron also has artwork on display and available for purchase in Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Port Huron, Knowlton Ice Museum in Port Huron, Everything Classic Antiques in Port Huron and online at Fine Art America. Ron was a member of the Blue Water Shutterbug Camera Club, the St. Clair County Eagle Watchers, and the Blue Water Photo & Video.

Ron was featured in the Port Huron Times Herald for his photography of eagles in "Wildlife photographer tries to be in the right place" published February 14, 2015. His photograph "The Blue Water Bridges" has been published in Moon Michigan by Laura Martone. He has had many photos of the blue water area in Discover the Blue Visitors Guide and the Chamber of Commerce Regional Membership Directory. Ron participated in the Michigan Nature Association Sanctuary photo contests and in 2011 won Third Place in Landscapes for his "Spring Woods" photo taken in Jasper Woods and in 2012 received the Judges' Choice Award for "'The Stairs" taken in Alton D. McGaw Sanctuary near Avoca, Michigan.

Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gracie L. Grogan; daughter Patricia M. Kacso of Florida from his first marriage; daughter Caroline L. Kelch of St. Clair, son Patrick R. Grogan of Newberry, sister Catherine Balten (James) of Sterling, Michigan; brother James Grogan (Linda) of Ferndale, Michigan; sister Martha McNamara (Bill) of Glen Carbon, Illinois; Sister-in-Law Diana Grogan of Providence Forge, Virginia; and six grandchildren: Austin Kelch, Corbin Kelch, Alexandria Sampson, Kiley Grogan, Kae-Lee Grogan and Madison Gordon. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Donna Grogan, brother Michael Grogan, and a grandson, Patrick R. Daugherty-Grogan.

Ron will be buried with Naval Military Honors on March 4, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan. In compliance with Ron's wishes there will be a Celebration of Life to be held at Studio 1219 in Port Huron on March 6, 2016 from 1-4 pm. Attendees will be able to view a display of Ron's photography, a slide presentation showing photographs of Ron, and view other memorabilia. Ron's wishes are that in lieu of flowers friends and family purchase his photographs. Proceeds will be divided between Studio 1219 and his family.






Arrangements under the direction of National Cremation Society Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, MI.