Ronald O. Forsell

I met Ron when I joined KIRO-TV News as a film cameraman during the Worldâ€™s Fair in Seattle. Ron was their senior reporter. What a great time to be in TV news. In those days, the cameramen had to provide their own news car and all their own film and recording equipment. I remember experimenting with an old REA truck â€“ with the goal of making it into a motor home/ remote studio. I had put in an overstuffed rocking chair for the passenger/reporter. Iâ€™ll never forget the image of Ron trying to hold on as the chair rocked back and forth while scooting across the floor as we raced down Queen Anne hill. There was nothing holding the chair in place. I canâ€™t say that Ron relished those trips. (I wonâ€™t bore you by repeating the actual words!) That experiment was short lived.


Those were the Glory days of TV News. Our entire news/sports staff for radio & TV was small enough we could have staff family parties at Ronâ€™s home. Thatâ€™s where we learned how to play â€œHeartsâ€ and sing with a player piano. Ronâ€™s favorite song was about some Bimbo on a Bamboo Isle. 
Itâ€™s where we got to know Ronâ€™s wife, Jan and the whole family. In those days our families were part of the news department â€“ part of our work.


Without question, I learned almost everything I know about news and news coverage from Ron. Ron had an attitude about news I wish the reporters of today had. He wanted his news straight, simple, and to the point. 
Thatâ€™s the way he wanted it shot and thatâ€™s the way he wrote the script. 
When Ron finished a story, the viewers/listeners knew what the story was about and the Who, Why, What, Where, When, and How of the story. That foundation he instilled in me has served me well over the years.


We worked together at KIRO-TV for ten years. He as on-air anchor â€“ TV News Director â€“ TV Sports Director and TV Sports Anchor. I became Chief News Cameraman. He also broadcast Northwest Wrestling. I and everyone I knew tried for years to get him to admit wrestling was phony. A truly wasted effort. He didnâ€™t budge. Ronâ€™s most famous line was, â€œI donâ€™t like it â€“ Reverse it.â€ No matter where we were, when people saw Ron, they yelled at him, â€œI donâ€™t like it â€“ Reverse it.â€ That was a lot of fun â€“ and showed the audience loved Ron. Another audience pleaser was his mythical greatest golf course in the Northwest. Each hole was chosen from a different course. For the story, Ron played that hole with the local pro. Golfers wouldnâ€™t dare miss when those programs were broadcast.


I had been with KIRO-TV for about ten years when a combination of events gave me incentive to go out on my own. I wanted to get back into Film Production â€“ where I came from. Another, was a change to â€˜Eyewitness Newsâ€™ I didnâ€™t agree with the concept â€“ it made being a cameraman a lot less attractive. In addition, we were covering a lot of riots. It was time to leave â€“ and I did.


It took a few years to build the production business up to where I needed more help â€“ and the first person I wanted was Ron. Since TV was getting absolutely nutty, it didnâ€™t take a lot of persuasion before Ron joined me â€“ and did he make a difference. Our clients loved Ron and so did the investors. Everything Ron touched turned out well. We traveled across the USA shooting our premier Indian film, More Than Bows & Arrows. Ron researched and wrote the script. This one film changed the way Indian history is taught and understood in schools and universities around the world. It is still in use today â€“ 30 years after it was produced. We won the Western Heritage Award for this film from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Ron stood on the platform with me when we received the award from Roy Rogers while the Texas Symphony played. It was great.


We started a daily syndicated radio sports show, Inside Northwest Sports â€“ featuring Ron Forsell. It was broadcast all across the State. From stories he did on air, Ron got a lot of ideas for films. He met the San Diego Chicken and thought we should turn it into a film on economics. 
Chickenomics turned out to be the most effective teaching tool we produced. Weâ€™re still getting inquiries about it. Never Look Down starring Raymond Burr was Ronâ€™s idea â€“ he wrote the script and helped produce every scene.


We did a lot of religious films and videos â€“ which Ron also wrote. This included Beyond the Hills with Dr Bruce Larson. Ron wrote the script for Bruce to narrate. It was shot in Kenya, East Africa. Beyond the Hills and three other films in that series were distributed around the world by Word, Inc.


Ron stayed with us through a couple of economic downturns, but later, when it became apparent the production company would not survive, Ron went to Boeing and became their prized writer/producer. But we always stayed friends and wished for the day we could work together, again. His influence and impact lives on. He will truly be missed â€“ but not forgotten â€“ as a friend, a mentor, and a colleague. His genius is in every film or video he ever wrote.


Roy Williams
President, InstructoVision

I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  My deepest sympathies to Ron's family.  I had the pleasure of working with Ron at KIRO-TV for five years before I left the business. I switched from KIRO Radio News to the television side a the request of then news director, Jim Topping.  It was Ron who helped me learn the ropes of television news reporting.  He had a good sense of humor and was always willing to answer my questions if I didn't quite understand what the heck I was doing.  I will always remember him fondly.  He also gave me his tickets to the boxing matches at Seattle Center.  I'd go to the boxing match and phone in results to Ron so he could get them on the 11 O'Clock news.  It worked out well for both of us.  He was a good friend and colleague.  We hadn't been in touch in quite a while, but I will definitely miss him.

I was fortunate to get to know Ron through his son Greg, and got to spend several holidays with them, where he and Jan made us feel like part of the family.

Ron was a calm, smiling and friendly presence, apt to laugh before he got to the punch line of a joke (much like his son).  He always brightened up the room and made us feel so welcome.

He will be sorely missed.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Maya Angelou 

Ron was one of the nicest people I've ever met.  He was always in a good mood with a warm smile and he had a tremendous sense of humor.  He was so kind and giving.  Just thinking of his smile makes me smile.  

I only knew him for a few years but because I was a friend of his son he treated me like family.  Ron was a great man that built a good life for his family.

I will never forget Ron Forsell.  

When I married into the Forsell Family eight years ago I learned first hand about true love and the power of a strong family bond.  I immediately felt the warmth of Ron's kind heart and the obvious adoration between him and Jan. I loved spending time with them during our mid week dinners at their house and I found myself looking forward to our next visit even before we left their home. 

Ron had trouble with the virus software on his computer and asked if I would help him update it every time we were there.  He would always ask if he could take notes so he could do it himself when I wasnt there. But I didn't mind - as a matter of fact I secreatly hoped he would always need my help.  I looked forward to helping him in the same way he had helped me over the years. 

He spent countless hours in Chelan coaching me to waterski (from the dock) after several summers of my not being able to make it up (I blame the boat).  Have you ever had a water skiing lesson on dry land - he was the king at that?  He never seemed frustrated or irritated even when it seemed I would never get it.  I did get it and Ron was on the dock with his trusty camera ready to take a photo for my scrapbook.  He made me feel so proud of something that to him must have seemed so simple.

We both share a love of black licorice. I will forever be sad to know that the licorice jar on his bookshelf will no longer be filled with his favorite candy when I go to visit. But I will forever cherish the countless memories sharing 'exotic' licorice with Ron over the years. He always said it's an acquired taste.

A family member recently said "they dont make 'em like Ron anymore", to which I replied "they did, but I snagged the last one".  Greg is so much like his Dad, it's scary-wonderful.  Ron was a great father and raised an amazing man to which I'm proud to be married. 

Thank you Ron, for leaving such a wonderful legacy.  I'm so proud to have called you Dad-if only for a short time.  I miss you so much!

Ron was a second father to me. I have so many good memories of Ron and our families' times together that I hardly know where to begin. 

Ron and Jan are great friends of my parents and us kids grew up together. Going to Lake Chelan for the last two weeks of July every year was something I looked forward to from the time my parents made the yearly reservations. 

Ron and another family friend, Jim Borelli, taught me how to water ski and a couple of years later, Ron *very patiently* taught me the dock start. He never once rolled his eyes about coming back to the dock yet another time when I blew it. 

I remember weekend nights when the Forsells and Desilets would get together for any variety of things. Usually Ron and my dad (Lee Desilet) would play some pool with Ron winning more often than not! Usually there had been some minor wager on the game or series of games and my dad didn't come out on the receiving end very often. 

I remember the annual Chelan Open. Ron and Dad would go to the Chelan Golf Course for 18. The trophy was a highly-coveted piece of two-by-four, on which a triangular piece of two-by-four and a golf tee rested. I believe that trophy is still in the Forsell basement, on the bookcase across from the pool table. Nice going, Ron!

During our times at Chelan, most evenings would find all of us around a table playing hearts. Ron excelled at that, too, and got a huge chuckle after shooting the moon yet again, and succeeding. 

After my older brothers and Greg's older sisters moved out, Greg, me, and our parents went skiing on many winter Sundays. We'd crowd into one car or another, put all six pair of skis on top, and go up to Stevens Pass for the day. I remember cruising down the hill and Ron yelling, "Bend your knees! Bend your knees!" 

And can we ever forget the Chocolate Pancakes. 

Ron, you were truly a legend to me. I looked up to you always. I remember bringing my small kids to your and Jan's house one Christmas time in the late 90s. My little girl Sara laughed, and you and Jan looked at each other and you said, "We've heard THAT laugh before...it's you!"

You will be missed, great man. You will be truly missed.

LeAnne

I remember Ron to be the nicest, warmest, kindest, most humble guy in the newsroom at KIRO TV. He was an amazing person and skilled at television.
I was a kid then and he always encouraged me
and had this wonderful heart and soul. We who knew him are lucky to have known such a fabulous person. I am deeply sorry for his family and hope their many warm memories will help then during this sad time.

I enjoyed reading about the life of a man I did not know well. I would see Ron out walking when I came to visit my mom and knew he was trying to stay strong. It is clear he made a huge impact on all he met, and the family can be very proud of all he accomplished.  

I haven't seen the Forsell's in years but have thought of the family often.
My favorite memory of Ron was when I was a teenager and went to Chelan with the family.  Ron spent hours trying to teach me to waterski but I always ended up in the water.  As he was coming around in the boat to pick me up again, he laughed at me and told me to "try once again".
I always enjoyed being with Terry and her family. They were always so close and the love was evident.

My thoughts and prayers to the entire Forsell family!

Barb Beyers Bottman

A memory about Ron: While at KXLE, Ron knew that in my senior year in Ellensburg High, I was attending radio production class at the school. Ms. Argall, our teacher, was a stickler for detail. One day I was playing a jazz record on KXLE, rather than Guy Lumbardo. Ron poked his head into the control room and said, "Miss Argall might not approve of this. Did you check with her?" One time he was doing a live commercial for the So-dy-lisious Bottling company, which distributed Dr. Swett's Root Beer, he called it Dr. Presperation! Another time he was doing a commercial for the Rathburn Implement Company which mentioned an open house. He said "Come down for Rathbuns and coffee" He was great to work with!

I have video of Ron at KXLE in the 50's (part of the Ellensburg story). I would like to get it to the family for the memorial. Please contact me at 206-248-1306 (home) 206-243-7377 (bus.) or my cell 206-819-8200. Thanks. We are praying for God's comfort to the family.

Ron was always one of those people who was enjoyable to be around, he always had a smile and a look on the light side of things.  When Cathy & I joined the Stanton Golf Group in the mid 90s Ron was my first partner and he was great fun and a great golfer.  We played many times together over the years and one of the most memorable was at Seamount Golf Course on the south end of the Big Island in Hawaii in 2005.  We were somewhere on the back nine and teeing off. Ron was up and when he swung his driver there was the strangest sound followed by a thump next to us.  The head of the club had come off!  Ron looked perplexed for a bit but then joined us in a hearty laugh. He was always a great sport.
We will miss him much. 

     I have great memories of my grandpa.  My first great memory came when I was a around 4 years of age.  At Lake Chelan, he took me and some others for a boat ride and I so clearly remember him looking over and asking, "hey Brian, do you want to drive?"  Driving a boat was a big deal to a young boy.  So he sat me on his lap and let me steer the wheel. I felt like I was driving a race boat and that I was important.  The thrill has never left.
      When I was 11 years of age, he taught me how to golf.  I remember he and grandma used to take me golfing in Chelan and afterwards we would go for some ice cream at Pat and Mikes.  
    I remember my grandpa skiing on Lake Chelan with his noseplug on throwing up a big spray of water as he would go from side to side over the boat wake.
     He was generous with the blessings given to him.  The cabin was always open for friends and family to enjoy.  The boat, and skis were there for everyone to use.     
     Most of all, I remember how much he loved his family and friends.  I could tell he loved us by all the pictures he took during gatherings.  There are pictures all over his house of his family.  I could tell he loved us by all his smiles, laughs, generous gifts, and jokes.  
     What a wonderful grandfather.  My life is blessed with memories and excellent examples of kindness, gentleness, love, and generousity.  He is greatly loved and missed.        
      
     



             

    

Ronnie had such a GREAT sense of humor, and a MARVELOUS smile.  Allison and Aaron and I will always have memories of playing hearts with my folks and Ronnie and Jan (with a double deck of cards of course!)  A gracious man with a special way of making people happy.  We'll miss him.  Chelan and Shoreline won't be the same.

Ron was a very special guy and, upon reflection, a huge influence on my life and my family. He was certainly a person who shared the the gift of giving. He seemingly was one of the people who consistently made lemonade from the lemons and who's ability to have fun was contagious. He taught me that you can certainly have fun doing the silliest things and that there is no embarrassment in trying to do anything. He taught me that laughing at ourselves is fun and healthy.
And in very special ways he shared his immense love for his wife and children with everyone he encountered. All great things...

And

Who can forget Championship Wrestling?
I'm still afraid to watch TV after that...

He was, at a younger age, perhaps the most beautiful water-skiier on the planet and was responsible for teaching countless people to ski. His patience and love of that sport is a huge memory for me. If they still have that old Super 8 movie footage of him, skiiing at the lake, I would suggest restoring putting it on disc. He was amazing! And there is proof!

I remember playing Hearts for hours at the lake and loving every minute of it. 

I remember marshmallows and beer and singing "You Are My Sunshine" loudly, with Ron, to Jim Borellis mandolin accompaniment around the campfire at the lake.

And I just have great memories of the lake, all punctuated by moments with Ron and Jan and Kathy, Terry and Greg.

Cath and I were at the lake, staying with with friends at Wapato Point last October, and I couldn't help but remember riding out with Ron to pick up flotsam and logs from the mill set adrift by an overnight windstorm. All this so that EVERYONE could waterski.

...And there we were staying where the mill had been. A little time reflection here...

I remember those giant Navy life jackets that we would go out and swim in the wind in when it got stormy at the lake. Talk about a goofy thrill!!!

I remember the music and just how much he loved it.
I remember being amazed at his "record" collection and the variety found in it.
And Jazz!!!
I remember watching the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in his living room.
I remember many, many piano rolls and that player piano and the sing-alongs we had in the basement.
He may have been an influence in my love of music... Ya think?

I also remember the taffy pulls and New Years eve at the Forsells, whether in West Seattle or in North City. Great fun!

I only got to snow ski with the Forsells a few times but Cath and I both remember Ron just gliding...

And that image kind of punctuates my memories of Ron.

Gliding.

Very special... Love that guy.

Jan and family, 
Cath and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know in your hearts how much we care.

May we all meet again!

-Gary 

Receiving the Western Heritage Award from Roy Rogers with Roy Williams and Conrade Denke.

Not only did I lose my dad last week, I lost my hero. Growing up as Ron Forsell's son was more special than I can express. He seemed larger than life to me. It seemed he could do anything. I grew up watching my father on TV while we ate dinner. I guess that has a way of making you think your dad is amazing.

But one of dad's greatest gifts to our family was his tremendous humility. We live in a world where so many want to shout how great they are. They demand respect before they have earned it. Even with all of his accomplishments, awards, and fame, dad never lost his focus on what was important - his family. He never abused the power that was given him. I am sure that was one reason so many people love my dad. He was such a kind and genuine person.

As an adult, I know how hard he worked to accomplish everything he did in broadcasting and later as a writer/producer. But he always made me feel like being at home and with his family was more important than work. That is an incredible legacy.

My dad taught me almost every sport, and was so thrilled to see me excel at many. He always had more confidence in me than I did in myself. I remember his kind and heartfelt words of encouragement like, "Wow, that was great Greg" and a simple "Impressive" as I got back in the boat after a ski.

I think the two activities I will always associate with dad are pool, and golfing. Dad bought a pool table when i was around 13. Almost every night after dinner, we would go down and play 8-ball. Best 2 out of 3. I still have score sheet that recorded those games. Like everything, dad was VERY good. I would get so mad when I lost. I remember once going into my room and crying I was so mad. As it turns out, I'm a little competitive! But he made me want to be better. And like everything, he was proud when I started beating him more. I can still picture his victory dance with the cue over his head.

From about the age of nine, I started golfing with dad. He was so patient, and encouraging. As usual, I wanted to be just like him. But he always seemed to get a bigger thrill out of my good shots than those of his own. Being a father myself, I now know that thrill. I couldn't wait to get home after each high school match and tell him how I did. My favorite golf memory was seeing him hiding in the trees during the final round of the Metro League Tournament. He didn't want to make me nervous, so he tried to secretly watch. Nice try dad. A six-foot celebrity skulking about the woods tends to draw some attention. But words can't describe how good it felt to know my dad would take time out of his busy workday to go hide in the trees just to watch me golf. I ended up having my best round of the tournament that day. We spend so many days golfing together. I will forever cherish all those afternoons where I learned as much about life and being a man, as I did about hitting that little ball. You will always be on the course with me dad, watching from the trees.

Thank you for all the examples you gave me. Thank you for making me feel special and loved. Thank you for your humor and youthful enthusiasm. I loved you and was more proud of you than I probably ever adequately expressed. I would give anything for one more round of golf, one more of those tired old jokes, or one of those great hugs.

I will join you on the back nine someday dad. You will always be my hero. I love you, Greg.

We are very sorry to read od Ron's death--we not only enjoyed seeing him on KIRO but fondly remember him from our time at WSU and the Phi Tau Fraternity-several radio speech guys lived there and we enjoyed how they would practice enunciating words-very funny  Ron was a great guy and a special person in my life-our prayers are  with his family

We were saddened to hear of Ron's death.  He was a valued member of the sports community and well respected by all of us in the broadcast business.  When I came to Seattle in 1968 to become the Sports Director at KOMO he made me feel welcome and I'll always thank him for that.  It was enjoyable working in the Seattle sports market with someone like Ron . . .  he was always a gentleman and will be missed by all of us who knew him.

My sympathies to the Forsell family. Ron sounds like an awsome person. I was born in Seattle in 1955 and my parents grew up in Hoquiam. I am 54 years old now and a lifelong Seattle resident. Growing up in Seattle I always looked forward to summer and the hydros. Ron did an outstanding job making them more enjoyable for me with his coverage of the time trials and races.
I will always remember his football predictions on TV with his awesome "I don't like it reverse it" saying when he didn't agree with the other experts predictions. He was years ahead of his time doing that on tv. I was sad when he left the sports dept. at KIRO but, I have great memories of Ron. He came across the tv as a genuinely nice person who wanted you to enjoy sports events and have fun with them.  I was lucky to have grown up in Seattle with cool people like Ron on tv (along with JP Patches and Gertrude). Many blessings, Scott Stubberfield   

  Before I ever met any of the Forsell family, I had prayed for 9 months and asked God if He would bring the woman into my life that I would marry.  I met Ron and Jan's daugher, Terry, at a W.S.U.   dance.  Could this be the girl that God had for me I thought?  We started to date and we fell in love.  When I met Ron and Jan I could see the love and happiness they shared in their marrage and family.  The qualities that I loved in their daughter were right there in their marrage.  What I saw was joy, respect, devotion and love and that made me feel good.  I could see how much Terry loved and respected her dad and mom.

  When I asked Ron for his permission to marry Terry, he asked me just one question, "Do you love her?" my reply was that "I love her very much", to which he replied, "that is the most important thing".  I didn't even have a job at the time. 

  I can easily describe Ron in one word, Giver!  He gave his time to me. I spent more time with him than with my own father.  After he retired, we spent our vacations with Jan and him every year at lake Chelan.  Ron put thought into the gifts he would give you and always wanted me to enjoy the activities he enjoyed like golf, snow and water skiing.  Terry and I were not even married a year, when we took a vacation.  Ron and Jan had just bought a new car and ski boat and they trusted me to take it on vacation to Chelan.  We had a wonderful time.

  Before Terry and I were married and still students at WSU, and hadn't known each other for very long, I was on the WSU wrestling team.  Ron came to a match while working for KIRO. He brought a camera crew and they filmed me wrestling and then I saw myself on the evening news which made me happy.  At the time, he had hardly knew me.

  When Terry and I were missionaries for 8 years, Ron and Jan gave to our financial support team and he also saw to it that his mother made a monthly contribution as well.

  You see God not only blessed me in answering my inital prayer, I was blessed beyond what I could ever hope, dream or pray for in the role model Ron passed onto me.  Ron not only gave me his precious daughter, he taught me how to love her as well. I've been watching you Ron.

  Thanks for your patience, gentleness, quiet humble spirit and all the fun and joy your life gave to us.  I thank God for you. 

   I will always and forever remember you, Phil

I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  My heart and prayers go out to you, Jan, and your children. 

My family had known Ron most of my life.  He and Jan's relationship with my parents, Bill and Marie Hanning, goes back to the days when both Ron and dad worked for KXLE in Ellensburg, WA.  Ron came to Seattle to work for the "new television station" KIRO TV, and my father followed to become one of KIRO's first broadcasters. 

I remember Ron as being a very nice man who had a great smile! 

Our love to you, Marie, Linda, Lee, and Anita Hanning
 

     Our family began collecting fond memories of "The Forsells" when they and their friends spent summer vacations at our family's "Chalet" cabins in Chelan during the late 1950's-mid 1970's.  We all looked forward to their visit...lots of waterskiing, stories over s'mores at the firepit, sunbathing and much laughter.
     A favorite memory of mine was of afternoons under the shade  tree in front of their cabin.  Ron would be busy all morning, take a rest, get the daily paper from town (reading everything in the sports section), and then FINALLY, all the kids would gather around with matchsticks or toothpicks for the betting.  Ron would go to the horse race section, pick a race, and read off the names of the horses.  We kids would all bet on a horse, and then - the fun part - Ron would "call" us through the race...who's in front...who's on the rail...who's coming on fast...finally announcing the winner as it had been reported in the paper.  We all had a shot for a couple of races a day, all at about 4:00 on a sunny afternoon at the lake.
     The Forsell's friendship with our family has brought us much joy over the years.  To the Forsell Family...may the beautiful memories we have of Ron become keepsakes of our hearts.
        Miles and Diane (Longanecker) Drake

  I'm Ron's oldest daughter.  I wish I was a good writer like my dad for then maybe I could adequately express what my dad meant to me and how proud I was to be his daughter, to be one of the lucky ones he loved.

  He was the one who used to carry me on his shoulders and took me along to ride on his golf bag as he pulled it around the course.  Among other things he taught me to water ski, drive a boat, play hearts, to honor my committments, to do my best, to love much and enjoy life.  But most importantly he taught me what a husband should be.  He loved my mom for over 59 years.

  I'm so thankful to have had him for my dad.  He was patient, gentle, quiet, kind but also very funny and fun to be with.  There were many times we laughed until it hurt.

  My heart aches over the loss of my dad.  I will always miss playing hearts and watching Mariner games with him, going to Cougar football games together, just sitting and talking and spending our vacations at Chelan with him.  But most of all I will miss his big hugs and soft words, "I'm so glad to see you."  I can't wait for that first embrace and those words when I see you in heaven, dad.

  I think the measure of a man is not how much he accomplished but by how well he loved his family.  Dad you were a gaint.  I love you dad, always and forever,  Terry

  

We golf with the Stanton Group, have spent time with Ronnie and Jan at their Chelan cabin during golf weekends and seeing them regularly at our monthly golf outings. Celebrating Ron's birthday at Farelli's after golfing The Home Course,  just saw them at the Christmas party at Monroe. We loved Ronnie and will miss him terribly. Our love and prayers to Jan and the family. 

My sincerest sympathy to Ron's family.  It has been my great pleasure to get to know Ron in the last few years as we lunched with other former KIRO employees.  He was always very friendly and easy to talk to.  I had remembered watching him on KIRO years ago and thinking he was very personable and approachable, qualities not all on-camera people share, unfortunately.  He will truly be missed.  But, my experience is certainly brighter for having known him.

What a shock to learn of Ron's passing! Ron attended the KIRO-TV lunches and the broadcasters luncheon and was always a pleasure to talk with. We shared memories of working at KXLE together and "Ms. Argall" the high school radio teacher. We will hold his family in prayer asking God to comfort them in their loss.

I was very saddened to learn of Ron's passing this morning. I began work at KIRO radion in 1966 and the first remote broadcasts I engineered for KIRO radio were with Ron. He did play by play for the Seattle University basketball broadcasts. I always enjoyed working with Ron, a very nice man and professional. Rest In Peace.

I am saddened by the unexpected passing of your dear husband.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

The Longanecker family sends their sincere sympathy to Ron's family.  We have so many wonderful memories of Ron from The Chalet at Lake Chelan.  My favorite will always be those post times on the deck outside your cabin where Ron would take the daily paper and call horse races for the enjoyment of all the guests at the resort.  His smile and joy will live on forever in my heart as I hold you all close at this sad time. 

Our thoughts and love are with you always.

We know Ron best from our association with the Stanton Golf group.  Ron kept our scores and was he ever particular about how we submitted them to him.  We have enjoyed the hospitality in Chelan and Jan's  famous pies.  Ron sure loved those. We will truly miss him.

Ron with his parents. Graduation day at WSU.

Ron (on knees) as Lancelot Gobbo in Merchant of Venice at WSU. 

 Easter with Kathy, Lyndsie, and Terry (2007).

 The annual family Christmas photo (2003).

 Still dancing with his girl at Brian & Carly's wedding. 

Dancing with the "Prettiest Girl on Campus" (WSU Senior Ball-1950) 

Went 200 MPH in the Miss Pay 'n' Pack with Billy Schumaker.

 Old friends Des & Elaine, Jim & Shirley, and Ron & Jan.

Greg with Ron & Jan. Chip of the old block.

 He will forever be with us at the cabin.

 The King on his throne with his trusty paper.

 With Elaine Desilet at the Chalet resort in Chelan. 

 Lounging in the Pool with LeAnne Desilet at Chelan.

Even with a pulled hamstring, Ron takes Greg for a ski with the new boat (1972)

 Ron & Jan's 50th Wedding Anniversary Party

 Winners of "Most Years Married" at Brian & Carly's Wedding

KIRO Alums Harry Woppler, Gary Justice, and Ron

 Ron saw his Cougs play Michigan in the 1998 Rose Bowl.

Ron pulled I don't know how many of us water skiing...many of you (us) for our first time... and he was very patient, but always...(and I loved this)...with a sense of humor and a smile.
He added to our lives and I hope someone will say that about me someday...   

My memories of Ron mostly come from when I was palling around with Greg in the late 1970's and early 1980's.  When you are young, parents of your friends can be intimidating, or eccentric, or absent.  Ron was present, and he was damn funny.  I still remember a line from a joke he told about "Russian hands and Roman (roamin':) fingers" while flirting shamelessly with Jan. While I recall Ron's great humor and hearts playing at Chelan, the pleasure he took from being in love with Jan is what I will remember most.  You have a wonderful family, you guys; hold on to eachother. 

Although I spent several summers as a guest at the cabin, I have a couple of other memories to share.  My family always watched Eyewitness News, so I knew who Ron was even before Greg and I became acquainted at Thomas Hunt Morgan Jr. High....in 1973! Greg had recently joined the symphonic band, and the first thing I said to  him was, "Is your dad Ron Forsell?"  

Sometime later, between 7th and 9th grade, Ron came to our school to do a story about one of our classmates, who was quite a musical prodigy on saxophone.  My memory is a little faded, but I believe this was the first time I actually met Ron.  And it was a thrill to see Ron's story on the news that night!

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ronald O. Forsell

16 novembre 1928 – 24 décembre 2009

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service