Remembering Ron Heck
1.08.2009
My Sunday school teacher while I was in elementary school, fishing buddy, and friend, Ron Heck, died this past Thursday. As I walked the mile between matatu stops journeying back from Westlands to Karen I reflected on Ron and 3 distinct memories came to mind:
- My family started attending the First Presbyterian Church of Broken Arrow when I was in the third grade and Ron and his wife, Mary Ann, were my Sunday School teachers from then until I finished fifth grade. I distinctly remember the first time I heard Ron read scripture to us and the first time I heard many Bible stories was from Ron's voice. I don't think I realized what a big impact Sunday School teachers for elementary age kids can have on someones life until I reflected upon this during the week.
- When my best friend Brad and I were Confirmed in the 8th grade, Ron took us both aside, sat us down, and gave us both a self help book that was a major part of his business success he told us. He also gave us both a pack of highlighters. Ron wanted to pass on his success to us, 2 8th grade teenagers. He didn’t want to keep it to himself. I love that he took interest in two 8th graders and treated us with respect and like adults. I believe this speaks volumes about his character.
- When I was in high school, Ron and our friend Thompson would take me fishing. They both taught me how to fish and I cherish the memories of the 3 of us sitting out in the middle of the lake in silence for hours and then talking for hours because we hadn't caught anything.
