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RONALD FORCIER Obituary
RONALD ALBERT FORCIER
Died on February 15, 2016 in Savannah, Georgia, where he lived the last two years of his life. A long-time Maryland resident, Ronald raised two daughters in Montgomery County, from where he commuted to work as an environmental lawyer for the armed forces. During a career spanning 30 years, he kept a string of generals on their toes with his pink shirts, beard, and sound legal opinions. Born on January 2, 1949 in Pawtucket, RI to William (Pete) and Louise Forcier, Ronald was the fifth of seven children. His childhood was busy with extracurricular activities, especially Scouting, and he was the youngest Eagle Scout in his troop. He went on to study sociology at Boston University (class of 1971) and earned his JD from Brooklyn Law School in 1975. Ronald had a voracious appetite for all life''s pleasures, with a particular love of fine food, the arts, the ocean, and the sun. He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Forcier Patterson and Kathleen Forcier, their partners and three grandchildren, as well as five siblings. Family and friends are invited to a memorial in honor of Ronald''s life at Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, on Sunday, March 20 at 9:30 a.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for RONALD FORCIER
Mike Whittington
February 17, 2024
I was just thinking of Ron a couple days ago. It must have been a subconscious recollection of the time of year.
To paraphrase Magnus Magnusson quoting from Old Norse, cows die, kinsmen die, so a man must also die. But he is never dead as long as friends remember him and tell stories of his life.
Friends remain who will keep Ron alive in our memories a while longer.
Frank Patterson
February 16, 2024
Thinking of Ronald and his family these days,a true gentleman.
May he rest in peace.
Bill Bowen
May 8, 2022
Ron was such a delight to know and work with. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and may I have the pleasure and privilege of meeting you on the other side.
Mike Whittington
March 21, 2016
A great legal mind and someone who was always willing to share his vast knowledge. May we meet again on that distant shore, my friend.
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March 18, 2016
So earnest and enthusiastic. So warm and engaging. Such a broad palette of interests. Essentially irrepressible. Sui generis. I will miss you much, my friend.
Laurence Groner
Steven Lucas
March 14, 2016
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend... you were a rare gem and will most certainly be missed...
Iris Miranda-Kirschner
March 11, 2016
Ron was larger than life and death will not diminish. It was my honor to know him and a privilege to work with him when I was at JACL. Your family is in my prayers. With Love -
Joe Miller
February 29, 2016
My sincere condolences to Ron's family. In honor of Ron's joie de vivre and his flair for words:
Know all persons by these presents:
WHEREAS, Ronald A. Forcier has delivered incomparable service of the highest caliber to the United States; and
WHEREAS, Ronald A. Forcier has selflessly devoted countless hours expanding the worldly view of all souls who crossed his path; and
WHEREAS, Ronald A. Forcier has tirelessly contributed to the spiritual appreciation of Mother Earth's bountiful natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Ronald A. Forcier has tenaciously defended the preservation and conservation of America's historical treasures, riches and accoutrements; and
WHEREAS, Ronald A. Forcier has personally cultivated and nurtured the growth of budding colleagues;
THEREFORE, be it solemnly assured we will long remember you, our faithful comrade-at-arms and dear friend.
Rest well, mon ami; be ye ever at peace.
John Smith
February 25, 2016
During my time working with Ronald, he was always full of joy and always brought a smile to those around him. A tragic loss for all who knew him, our condolences to his family
Frank Patterson
February 24, 2016
Ronald brought sunshine and laughter into the lives of all who knew him.He adored his daughters Kathleen and Jennie,our dear daughter-in-law.We share his family's grief and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.
In the words of a Gaelic poet:We shall not see his like again.
Bill Love
February 24, 2016
What a great smile, with the personality to back it up! I knew Ron while I was assigned to JACL in Rosslyn. Always cheerful and helpful in every way. I was glad to have known him. We are diminished by his absence.
Chris Carey
February 23, 2016
So many have said it more eloquently than I can that I won't try. I enjoyed having the office next to you for many years and hearing the stories you told about your girls with obvious pride, your generosity in sharing your food and our wagers on things that matter like whether it would rain or not. Speaking of that, I think I owe you an RC Cola.
Carol Schafer
February 22, 2016
I worked with Ron for about 5 years or so, starting back in the late 80s, when we were at HQ USAF/JACE in Rosslyn, VA. When I moved onto the Navy, we kept our friendship going for several years. I practiced Environmental Law, he practiced Real Property Law. But he and I didn't have to practice anything when it came to our friendship, as we became closer over the years we knew each other. He introduced me to NYC and his family for whom it was a second home: Zabar's, H&H, Katz', the "Goog", the Met, bialys, how to score cheap tickets, brisket, Marjory and Sam, and how to magically summon a parking spot on the street by simply being patient, and circling, and circling , until voila, a space would appear. He deepened my interest in the Impressionists, he brought me his leftovers - his eggplant stew was incredible (always with the just the right hot Italian sausage), and on Tuesdays it was cinammon roll day - he would stop at a modest looking bakery in Germantown, buy one of their incredible rolls, and then he'd split with me with the same wonderfully skewed logic, every time. Something like: "Hey Schafer, ya gotta help me out here - I can't eat the whole thing, so you gotta help me not let your share go to waste." I never objected. I'll miss you Ron - you were the greatest friend, and someone who opened new horizons for me. I'll never forget you.
Wayne Wisniewski
February 22, 2016
A gentleman,legal scholar, and willing consultant on a variety of issues, Ron was a part of the glue that kept our Air Force team together--despite the miles and distance. Colorful, unique and special, always think of him at this time of year. You can bet he is looking down from the good seats.
Terry Negron (nee McDevitt)
February 22, 2016
Ronald, always a delight. You are a shining example of how to live a life. We will miss you my friend.
February 22, 2016
I worked at Langley AFB and worked with Ron on several environmental issues over a 20 year spand. He was fun to be around and was always ready to go dancing and dining! He loved his family and loved life. He will truly be missed. Dianne McCord
Chuck Killion
February 22, 2016
Ron was an unstoppable force...he was a legal guru in the best sense of the word, and more importantly he was a joyful, engaging, charismatic mentor to so many of us who were fortunate to know him. Peace and grace to you my friend and to all of those you loved.
Vicki Weekes
February 22, 2016
I remember Ron, his sense of humor, and his antics from my time in JACL 1994-1998. I missed him when I PCSed. I miss him again today. My condolences to his family. My rosary tonight will be for the repose of his soul.
Walter Roberts
February 22, 2016
My condolences to Ron's family. Ron was a caring co-worker, great lawyer, and a good friend. I still use and teach lessons taught to me by Ron. I had many discussions with him about life, love, God, and family that have influenced and helped me. He will be missed tremendously.
Bryan Davis
February 22, 2016
This is truly a sad occasion. Ron was a joy to be around and I will miss him greatly.
Mary Enges
February 22, 2016
To a once-young environmental attorney, Ron was witty, wise and a wonderful mentor. He earned respect - he never commanded it. The world has lost one of the great ones. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Eric Eklund
February 22, 2016
Ron was one of the nicest and most colorful individuals I've ever known. It was a pleasure knowing him, working with him, and I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing.
February 22, 2016
Please except my condolences. May the God of Creation give you comfort and strength. I know Mr. Forcier will be deeply missed.
John Vento
February 22, 2016
I'm just so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. What a delightful and fun guy. My condolences to his girls. They were the pride of his life.
David Hoard
February 22, 2016
Ron was one of the most charming and delightful persons I've had the pleasure of working with. His wonderful smile always lit up the room, and when he smiled, everyone smiled. We've lost a very good man.
Lauryne Wright
February 22, 2016
This is heartbreaking. Your were a kindred spirit Ron. A happy circumstance in a not-so-nice world. I wish I could have been there for you.
Sam Rupe
February 22, 2016
Ron was always such a great person and so vivacious about life. I have missed his smiling face and quick wit. The Almighty now has one special person who will brighten the heavens.
thomas curtis
February 22, 2016
This is a hard loss for all of us who worked with Ron over the years. He was a free spirit and someone I was always happy to see. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children & in the quality of his work. I'm sad that he's been taken from us too soon. Godspeed my good friend.
February 22, 2016
am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I worked with him for the Air Force and no one knew property law better than him. With sympathy, Mike Cianci
David and Nancy Ris
February 22, 2016
We were deeply saddened to learn of Ron's passing and the horrible circumstances. We are so very, very sorry. (You may recall, Kathleen and Jennie, that we were your neighbors on Bountyfield Ct. all of those years ago). Dave ran into your dad on Metro several times; he was always so friendly and smiling.
Floyd Russell
February 22, 2016
I will always have fond memories of sharing food and discussions about art with Ron. I especially will miss his "joie de vivre". He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Debbie Finamore
February 22, 2016
Ronald was always a joy to be around with his quick wit and love of food - he will surely be missed! RIP my friend.
Jay and Elizabeth Smith
February 21, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Greenwood
February 21, 2016
I was very sorry to hear about Ron's untimely death. He was a work colleague, and a friend of many years. My heart goes out to his two beautiful daughters, about whom he bragged every time he was given a chance. My heart goes out to Alice as well. This is sad news indeed.
john squire
February 21, 2016
No one was more fun-loving or caring.
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