Ronald Barry
Ron passed away early Sunday morning, August 29, after a long battle with a “Parkinsonism” in the ALS family.
Regrettably, in May 2020 after several caregivers and I had been supporting Ron at home, he went to live in a nearby residential board and care. Ron, of course, did not want to leave home (yet our house is not at all handicap friendly), so I committed to visiting him every day, which I did for the 16 months he lived there.
His last few months and especially weeks were grueling so his passing was a blessing. Yet, the hole in our hearts will never mend.
However, we are at peace knowing Ron saw his life not as a journey to the grave intending to arrive in a pretty, well-preserved body but rather skidding in broadside, thoroughly used up, and proclaiming loudly, “Wow, what a ride!”
Ron was born in Grant, Nebraska on July 26, 1938. He was the son of Reva and Jack Barry and the youngest of six children. Ron attended the Perkins County Schools in Grant and excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track.
After high school, he attended Hastings College on three athletic scholarships and again shined in all three sports. Ron’s athletic prowess was later acknowledged when Hastings College inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame.
Ron earned a master’s degree in educational administration at the University of Nebraska. During graduate school, Ron played semi-professional football for the Lincoln Comets. After coaching and teaching for several years in Nebraska, he went to work with the Federal Job Corps in Washington, D.C.
Ron and I were married on June 15, 1968, and moved to California where we both had teaching jobs in the Buena Park School District. After just a few years in the classroom, Ron was promoted to principal. He served as an elementary and junior high principal in Buena Park for the remainder of his professional career.
He retired in 2000 but clearly failed retirement as, for six years afterwards, he worked as a substitute administrator in several neighboring school districts.
Ron and I have one child, Jeffrey, the light of Ron’s life. Ron was always there to support Jeff. He served as an Indian Guides, Cub Scout, and Boy Scout leader for Jeff’s troops and was supportive of Jeff earning his Eagle Rank.
Ron never missed Jeff’s high school tennis matches and drove him to tennis lessons and tournaments all over the state.
In addition to managing Jeff’s Little League and NJB teams, he also hosted many outings for Jeff and his friends (and me) to fly fish, ski, body surf, golf, sail and attend Angels’ and Lakers’ games.
As a family, we frequently vacationed in Cancun and Hawaii in summer, and skied many a mountain in Colorado, Utah, California and New Mexico during winter. Ron also ensured we regularly visited family in Nebraska; I often said my parents were fonder of Ron than me.
After I retired in 2008, Ron and I began to travel seriously. We had always traveled, but we made it our goal to visit every continent, which we did, some numerous times. Ron ranked our African safari, Antarctica expedition and his retirement trip to Paris as his all-time favorites.
Ron also loved Nebraska football and was a proud 50+ year season ticket holder...well, maybe not so proud in recent years. Yet, he remained a devoted Cornhusker fan.
A friend recently wrote me a warm note describing Ron as a true son of Nebraska: strong, honest and trustworthy. I’d add to that extremely hardworking, deliciously funny, downright nice and a husband extraordinaire.
Ron loved to laugh and we all delighted in watching his eyes crinkle as he did. He valued loyalty and was particularly fond of friends and staff who supported/stood by him through the years.
Because of Covid and the impending arrival of our first grandchild this fall, a celebration of Ron’s life will take place in early 2022. Meanwhile, Jeff, Jackie and I appreciate the many acts of kindness (floral arrangements, food, gift cards and loving tributes) we have received.
We are asking if any of you are so inclined, gifts can be made to the TGR Foundation (Tiger Woods) in memory of Ron.
Ron admired the work Tiger’s Foundation does supporting kids from under-resourced communities by empowering them to pursue their passions through education. To make a donation to the TGR Foundation in Ron’s memory, go to the TGR website and click Donate.
Ron is survived by me, his wife Sandy of 53 years, our son Jeff, daughter-in-law Jackie, and beloved Golden Retriever Oliver.