CRESCENT CITY, Fla. — The family of Ronald George Herron, age 60, is saddened to announce his tragic death in a swimming accident at Crescent Beach, Fla., on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009.
Born in Queens, W.Va., on Feb. 26, 1949, Ron grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio. He earned a BA from Eastern Michigan University in 1974. A lover of the ocean and of the outdoors, Ron moved to Key West, Fla., in 1976 and spent the rest of his life as a Florida resident.
Ron gave his life to public service and to the protection of those less fortunate than he. Starting as a Child Services Counselor, he became the Director of Youth Services for the Monroe County Juvenile Court System in 1978. In 1983, Ron became Regional Program Administrator with responsibility for all of Monroe County’s State Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services programs. From 1989 to 1994, Ron served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Key West, which included six months as Interim City Manager. During that time, he was instrumental in initiating many major projects to protect the character of Key West, including acquisition by the city of the Key West Bight Marina and creation of the AIDS Memorial at the White Street Pier. From 1994 to 1999 he was Executive Director of AIDS Help, Inc., Monroe County’s largest private, non-profit social service agency. From 2001 to 2005, he served as Pretrial Services Director and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Monroe County, where his work earned an award from the Florida Supreme Court.
In addition to his work responsibilities, Ron donated his time to numerous public service organizations. He was twice appointed by the Governor to the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District (1995-1999), served as Vice President of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter (1995-1999), Treasurer of the Area Health Education Center (1995-1999), Chairman of the Emergency Food and Shelter Board (1995-1999), Treasurer of the Key West AIDS Memorial Committee (1995-1999), Board member of the South Florida Health Council Advisory Board (1988-1992), Board member of the Citizens’ Advisory Task Force (1998-1999), Board member of the Lower Florida Keys Health Systems Board (1998-1999), Vice President of the Key West Art and Historical Society (1991-1994), Member of the South Florida Monroe County AIDS Consortium (1994-1999), President of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Monroe County (1982-1984), Member of Region 28 Education Coordinating Council (1987-1989), United Way Campaign Chairman (1982-1984), and Healthy Start Coalition (1993-1999).
Ron will be remembered as a loyal, outgoing spirit, with a love of celebration and an ever-ready joke. He was there to help anyone in need and treated every person he met with courtesy and respect.
Ron is survived by the love of his life, Ruthie Adams; daughter, Robyn Hafner (Brian Burau); granddaughter, Tasman Burau; sister, Janet Slay; sister, Kimberly Miller (Scott); brother, Michael Herron (Deborah); sister-in-law, Sandra Herron; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by his mother, Betty Herron; father, George Herron; brother, Richard Herron; and nephew, Scott Slay.
In Celebration of Ron’s Life, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at 11 a.m., at the Ashtabula Pentecostal Church of God located at 2201 Cook Road, Ashtabula, Ohio. The Rev. Michael W. Legg, of the Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene, will conduct the service.
In honor of Ron’s commitment to public service, his family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation of your time or resources be made to a charitable organization of your choice.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com
