Remembering Ronny

Today I am sad.

I am reminded how precious life is and how we should cherish those that we love.

My sister (Diane) and brother-in-law (Robert) said goodbye to a life-long friend yesterday. Ronny was one of my brother-in-law's best friends for over thirty years. Robert met him when he was just a young man and Ronny became a very special friend that would stay very dear to his heart for the rest of his life.

Ronny was my sister's biggest fan. She said that he was "the man I should have married (only because I was always right in his eyes.....even when I was wrong". It's true, she could do no wrong in Ronny's eyes, he would always stick up for her no matter what. He was also intensely proud of her and the children, always talking about them with the sort of pride usually reserved for Fathers or Grandfathers.

Ronny was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was a shock and devastating news. After a few weeks in the hospital getting treatment, Diane and Robert brought him back to their home in Florida (from Rhode Island) to care for.

Ronald G. Plante (Ronny) 6/20/31-1/23/12

They brought in the New Year all together sat on the bed. In his last few weeks he was surrounded by people that he loved and who loved him so very much, a true tribute to the fact that you don't need to be blood to be family. He was Godfather to my Nephew, their Uncle Na Na and my sisters "Sunshine". She told me how his face would light up when she sang to him.

He sadly lost his battle yesterday with Diane and Robert at his bed side, holding his hands and telling him that they love him.



Ronny was one of life's good people with a wonderful sense of humour. He was the person that my sister and I called from Las Vegas a few years ago, drunk and singing Abba songs down the phone. Even though it was the middle of the night, he never got mad, he just laughed at us and played along. I could tell you many funny stories about this wonderful man but for now I will just say that Ronny will be in the hearts of all of those who had the honour of knowing him. He will be missed.

Rest in peace sweet man.