Ronald "Rj" Allan Nation

RJ was born at Mercy Hospital in the afternoon on July 21, 1967, five weeks early but already 22.5 in. long and 5 lbs 15 oz. Mercy Hospital was in Denver on 18th Ave (overlooking City Park) and has since been replaced with high tower condos. Mercy was a good place to be born in those days as they were one of only two hospitals in the greater Denver Metro Complex that allowed fathers in the delivery room. Sister Kristiana was born in the same hospital in 1971. Mother Vicky and father Ron celebrated 47 years together in August.

RJ spent his daytime hours in the early years with his maternal Grandma Hilda Wiessner (George) and was doted upon by his first-time maternal aunts, Georgia Wiessner, Beverly (Richard) Voorhees, Carolyn Melick, Deanna (William) McDonald and an uncle, Vern Wiessner (Jami). As Vern was only six years older than RJ, they became best friends and grew up like brothers. Vern will be delivering the eulogy at the memorial service. RJ was also the first grandchild of Royce (Nell) Nation and Nelma Nation and first born of the next generation for his father’s siblings Terry Nation, Teddy Box and Camelia (Dan) Swift.

Starting school at the nursery school level, RJ quickly became accustomed to interacting with other children and adults. But one thing was always a constant—he could not wait for Mom to pick him up at the end of the day. After Toddle In, he matriculated through Cheesman Academy, Campus Middle Unit, Cherry Creek High School and some course work at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Many friendships were developed during these years that took on a life of their own and included MD’s, PHD’s, successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, scientists and persons without title but with a nature to succeed. He just knew how to interact with all types of people (except Dean Magnuson at Cherry Creek High School).

The ability to converse with persons at any level of an organization served RJ well as he became one of the most respected and successful sales persons in the U.S. for processing of credit cards. He along with one of his best friends, Jay Collins, took a sleepy company and made it the largest hotel processing company in the World. The client base included exclusive relationships with brands such as Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Four Seasons, Peabody, Holiday Inn, Interstate, Choice and many other high end hotels. RJ helped develop the systems that processed billions of dollars every month. His sister Kristiana supported many of his developments with her specific knowledge of accounting requirements for sophisticated hotels.

During this career surge, RJ married his high school sweetheart, Sheila Diane Small. They had four children. Michael (21) is professionally involved at IKEA and lives with his girlfriend whom he has known since high school as well. Sophia (19) is in her second year at Pacific University (the same school that RJ’s sister received her BA), serves as a RA and was awarded a near full scholarship for her expected four year stay. Veronica (14) was accepted at DSA (Denver School of the Arts) starting her freshman year, specializing in creative writing. Alexander (12) just started middle school and is doing all the expected boy things.

Two things were of special interest and fascination to RJ. First was music. During his mother’s pregnancy, she listened to the music of the day—not so quietly at times. This time period fascinated him his whole life and he had expert knowledge of the artists, why they wrote the music they did and how they structured the sound. Just a few of the 12,000 songs in his collection will be played at the memorial service. His uncle Vern was a frequent companion to various music festivals, especially New Orleans Jazz Fest.

His second special interest was four wheeling in the mountains. It was a joy and art learned from his Grandpa Royce Nation. They spent many days during his youth on “Shriner” trips that neither was ever willing to discuss when they got home. Think of things like racing a jeep on frozen Georgetown Lake with spikes in the tires, crashing through snow banks and you will get an idea of what they did.

RJ was a donor not only in death but throughout his life. Many times he helped those in need both financially and emotionally. His desire to help continues with a request of donations to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: 2111 Champa Street, Denver, 80205 for those that wish to express their condolences in that fashion.

Thank you to those that were truly his friend, came to see him in his final days and interacted with him during the last three months. You will never know how much you lifted his spirit. God bless you.

RJ liked to share. A good meal (he could cook anything—plain or fancy), a good story, friends (many of RJ’s friends are now close friends with each other), and music. While we can’t all write music, we can tell a story and we know how to eat. There will be a memory basket at the service for the stories and a box for recipes that will be assembled in his honor. Help us fill the basket and box or put your stories and recipes on the memorial web site.

Please join the family at a reception immediately following the service.