I waited so long to say this because I said it to you at the funeral, and I just...needed time.  I love you, Uncle Ronnie.  I'm not sure I ever told you that.  I'm sorry if I was a disappointment to you.  I have no excuses; only reasons I acted how I did when I did.  Looking back, most of them make no sense, but again, I'm sorry if I caused you pain for all you ever tried to do was be a rock in my turbulent life; a father when mine was in prison or on the run or just plain missing in action.  What caused me to run wasn't the false accusations that were placed upon me.  I ran because I was a coward too afraid to face insurmountable odds.  It wasn't until far later I learned the lesson you taught me when I lived with you and we were alone: to never give up, to always face what ails you and to always attain what you desire.  You'll be proud to know I've learned that, and have done that.  Anyway, what I want to say most of all, beyond I love you, is simply this: thank you.  If it hadn't been for you I don't know that I would have ever stood on my own and become what I am today.

It?s taken me these few days to find any words at all?words can?t say enough how much Ron meant to me.I was attending college at Colorado School of Mines when my grandma relayed a request by Uncle Bud and Ron to have me come work for Francis Constructors.  I didn?t think of it as much more than a paycheck at the time.  As soon as I started, Ron was on my case about changing my career path.  Why would I want to be an engineer when I could be a project manager?  I smile now, remembering how matter of fact and obvious he was about his opinion.  It didn?t take me long to realize that Ron was right, I didn?t really want to be an engineer.Ron was so proud of me when I decided to transfer to CSU and change my major to construction management.  He fostered an atmosphere at FCI where I could learn and grow.  I learned how to do quantity take-offs. I ran bids.  I filed.  I archived files.  I read contracts.  I wrote change orders.  And I made a heck of a lot of O&M manuals!Every Friday afternoon, he?d hand me some cash and Beth and I would run over to the drive-thru liquor store.  We had strict instructions to get some beer, gin, and tonic.  We?d all hang out in the garage at the office, or back in the kitchen, and just enjoy each others company.  It was important to Ron that we worked hard, that we had fun, and that we were all a family.I worked for Ron for 3 ½ years before I ventured out on my own after college.  I felt like I needed to prove to the world that I belonged in construction, that I wasn?t just there taking shelter under Ron?s wings and hiding behind the Francis name.  Ron was certainly sad to see me go, but he assured me that I?d be great and wished me luck.I?d stop in every now and again to say hi to the FCI ?family?.  Every time I walked in that front door, Ron would drop everything he was doing to catch up with me.  He?d shut his office door, ignore the constant ringing of the phone, and ask me all kinds of questions.  He never failed to ask me if I was happy and had to know if ?that big company? was taking care of me.  When he was satisfied that he knew everything and that I was taken care of, he?d give me a giant hug, a squeeze of the hand, and say ?good to see ya kid.?Ron believed in me and pushed me to be the best I could be.  I would never have gotten here without him.As I sat in that little chapel on Friday, it dawned on me just how many lives Ron had touched.  It was quite evident with so many standing at the back of the room.  I felt more at home in that group of people, sharing our love of Ron, than I?ve felt in a long time.  Though he will be deeply missed, we all have amazing memories that carry on his legacy, and may we all look forward to the day we are reunited with him in Heaven and he says ?good to see ya kid.?Jennifer (Ryden) EngBud Francis? grand-niece

Ron, I know by now you're up there in heaven and have meet up with Bud Francis and Mike Davis and KNOWING the ""team"" you three were I can't wait to see what you're building up there for all of us!  Phyliss and Family, God Bless and keep you always. An Old Friend and Employee

Phyllis and Family,We were sadden to hear of Ron's passing.  You folks were such fun neighbors.  Ron was a special man and I know how much you are going to miss him.  Please know that you are in our prayers and God will comfort you.      God Bless,Pete and Carrie Miller and family

My girls and I send lots of love and condolences to the family.  We are very saddened to hear about the loss of a very extra sweet man. It has been a long time since we have seen you, even still you are always in our thoughts and conversations. Loss of a loved one is very painful, for this we pray for time, family and friend's love and care.  For that is all that helps heal the sorrow,  strenghtens the memories and happieness.There is no doubt that he will be missed to a lot of people, but most importantly very much remembered.We are very sorry for your loss.

I have read many of cards and letters from friends who had the honor of knowing my favorite uncle for some years.  I am fortunate to be able to say I have known him my entire life.  I will always remember his sparkling eyes and his giant hugs.  Shaking me as he would say ""Tara Dean, I don't know about you.""  I can cry today missing him, yet smile and say that he was my family.  Someone that I could be proud to call my uncle and my friend.  It has only been days since his departure from us, and I sit and wonder how will I be able to move on.  I can then laugh because I know that he is telling me with his loving smile and warm embrace that it will be alright.  I will always remember the wonderful times that we had together, knowing that there were many.  Uncle Ronnie, I miss you so much and will always remember the love you had for all, no matter the person.  Thank you for all you have done for me and my family.  I love you.  Your niece,Tara

My dear Phyllis, Danette, Ross and families, Heidi, Renee and LisaThe heart appears to be fragile, yet it remains intact after seemingly being shattered when only God's love and grace appear to remind you that he has picked the most beautiful flower from my garden of friends and rain from the tears to nurture the rememberance of the greatest friend God gives.  Fifty years ago God found three straggly, struggling teens and meshed them together to form the most beautiful garden and now he plucked the stronger one and left the ones he knows will protect the love and memories so we may have a protective eye over his family.Words cannot express my sorrow.Arlene ""Art""206A So. Olive StreetMaquoketa, IA  52060

Aunt Phyllis and family,I am lost at words.  My favorite uncle is now gone.  I used to go and stay weekends with him and Phyllis.  It was such a great place to get away from everything else. Ron and Phyllis always made you feel welcome in their home. Uncle Ron made me laugh when things were not going right. One day, he started calling me Mary Ellen.  I could not figure out why but one day I figured it out.  The next time he called me Mary Ellen, I said ""what every you say John Boy"". Every since then, that is what we called each other.  I will miss that. He will always be in my memories and my heart.  He is a man that was loved dearly and will be missed.  My thoughts and prayer are with the family always, Phyllis, Danette, Brian, Baker, Alex, Ross, Margo, Dillan, Zachary, Alyisa, and Kaylen.  I love you all.Mary Dockins KinselLyman, Ne.

Ron and Phyllis and family have been friends of ours for several years now and Ron will be greatly missed by us. I know the rest of the family will stay close to us in the coming years and that means a lot to both of us. We were honored to be a friend of all of the family and they are all great people. Ron and family considered us to be a part of their family. We attended the services for Ron and Ross and Dannette did a wonderful job It took great strength to do what they did and we are proud of them Love to all of the family

We were saddened to read about Ron's death.  Jim always enjoyed working with him when we lived in Grand Junction.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sorrowful time.

Dear Phylis and family,    Am so sorry to hear about Ron's passing. Doesn't seem that long ago that we talked over the phone. Was great to talk to him. As you probably know, Ron and I spent a lot of time growing up together. We are only one year apart in age but he was always there to take me under his wing. I remember when you two were dating years ago in Denver. Please feel free to call me if you ever want to talk. Would love to meet all the family. Ron and I traveled a lot of miles together and I always looked up to him. Please give all the family our sympathy. God bless you all in our Lord Jesus's name and keep all of you in his grace.   With all our prayers, Larry and Nita Choate

I will miss Ron?s boisterous laugh.  I respected the way he conducted business ? straight forward ? no games ? honest.  He is someone I was honored to say I worked with and a person I would have been happy to work for.  He truly cared about how your day was going when he asked and would have you laughing by the end of your conversation regardless of how your day was.  He will be missed.

Dear, Phyllis, Ross, Dannette and Lisa. I want to express how much Mr.Choate ment to me. I started to work for Francis Constructors Sept. 1993. Ron is the only man that ever called me Ronald except my father he was always there for me with the caring and understanding of a man that truly cared for me and my wife. Dureing medical problems with Linda he was understanding and supportive. He was a mentor to me and a man that I respect and admired. I will miss him. Respectfully, Ron Black

I was so looking forward to Ron getting better. I know both Don Bingham and I were wanting to come to Loveland again to attend the Denver Gun Show with Ron. Phyllis you and Ron made me feel so welcome to your home a couple of years ago when Don last attended the show with Ron. We are going to miss Rons humor and wit. Our prayers are with you and your family.

I will always treasure my time spent with Ron.  I know that he loved his family very much, treasured his employees and he was kind and soft at his core.  I really enjoyed Ron when he was in his element- funny, larger than life, a bit over the top.  I will never forget that intimidating handshake which softened over the years as we grew to know one another.  Ron was my friend.  I will miss our playful chiding, his authentic, genuine manner and most importantly the conviction with which he engaged the world.  Ron was a Marine, a Patriot and an American success story. My deepest condolences to the Choate family, the folks at FCI and everyone else that knew and loved Ron. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

It's hard to put all my feelings into words.  Ron has been part of our lives since 1995.  Ron is a great man.  He has touched so many lives - you always knew when he was in the room, because everyone would listen.  He always looked out for the best interest of his employees and family.  Ron is like a second father to us, and that will be missed greatly.  Ron will always be in our hearts, prayers, and memories.Phillys, Ross, and Family.  We are greatly sorry for your loss.  Ron is in a great place, and he will still be watching over us. Rob Lawrence

Dear Phyllis, Ross and Family - My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  I will truly miss talking with Ron - he was an exceptional person and a wonderful boss.  I will always remember his laughter, conviction and enthusiasm - he brought so much to so many, and he made the world a better place.With deepest sympathy,

I am so sorry for your loss. My Prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Phyllis, Ross and Danette,Jodie and I wanted to share with you are best wishes and let you know you are in our thoughts. I will always beleive Ron and I had a special relationship years ago and I will always remember how freely he offered his support and encouragement to and for me. I will always remember his laugh and smile and as mentioned today, his devotion to family, friends and his extended family at FCI. I would like to share a particularily funny moment I had with Ron; Shortly after he moved his family to Denver from GJ, we were in the office just north of 120th Ave in Westminster. I think I had actually teased him because his hair was hanging near his ears. He looked at me, said he knew I lived here for awhile and asked me if I knew of a good barber? I looked at Ron with a smile of my own and said Ron, do I look like I would know of a good barber? With that answer I got a big pat on the back and his customary booming laugh and we both turned around and went back to work. I will always remember the good times with Ron, including visits by the family to the Longmont office, and of course, my dance with Ross at his wedding. Please stay strong, be happy and remember, you have a lot of freinds and family to enjoy and cherish.Best wishes, Tom and Jodie Homer

Dearest Phyllis, Ross and family:  I only knew Ron a brief time, but he was truly one of the most honorable men I have ever had the privilege to work for.  My deepest sympathy to you all.

Phyllis,I am very sorry for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Sandy

To the Ron Choate Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron's smile and humor will be missed by all that knew him. We send our sympathty, love, Roger and Susan Tree

Phylis and family  So sorry I am not able to make it to Co.  My deepest sympathy are with all of you, along with all my loveMarian Hesser803 Deer Trail Ct #4Baldwin City, Ks 66006Ph # 785-594-2950

Our deepest condolences.  He will be deeply missed by all.

My condoloences to the family of my good friend Ron Choate, he will be missed by his friends.I am fortunate to have known him and can call him a friend

The Balm Of God's Loveby M.S.LowndesWhen we lose someone we loveThe loss seems too great to bearGod sends us friends to comfort usTo show that He deeply caresBut in the dark hours of the nightWhen there?s nobody else aroundWhen we feel the saddest and loneliestIt?s there God?s love can be foundIt?s like a soothing, healing balmTo soothe our broken heartsThe healing oil poured over usThat flows into every partWe can rest secure in God?s loveAnd know He?s by our sideHe holds us when we feel as thoughA part of us has diedWe can know that God will listenWhen we just want to talkAnd when we feel we need to cryWe can share it with the LordFor He is always waiting thereReady with arms open wideAs we pour out the hurt withinHe pours His love insideOur Father above loves us so muchAnd will never leave us aloneHe will not forsake us in our needTo face this on our ownHe comforts us and strengthens usAnd rubs us with His balmAnd as the dawn breaks through the nightWe?ll awake in His loving arms.

Dear Phyllis, Neither I nor my brother Larry or either of my two sisters, Linda and Suzy have had the distinct pleasure of meeting you but we are all Choates and were raised with Ronnie and his siblings in Council Grove. We will always remember Ronnie lovingly, both in our prayers and in our memories. God Bless you and your family at this tragic time in your lives. Gary, Larry, Linda (Toyne), and Carolyn (Ragsdale) Choate.

I will remember Ron for his kindness and generosity.  I will also remember his feeble attempts at gruffness with ""the girls"" at FCI.  Hard to be gruff when your eyes are twinkling!  My respect for him was great and I will miss knowing he's ""there"".

My condolences for you loss. Ron was a great man and well respected. His knowledge and personality we second to none. Rest in peace my friend.

I spent many years as Ron's travel agent while working at All About Travel.  I too saw past his attempts at ""gruftness"" and thouroghly enjoyed his sense of humor.  He was a sweet, caring man and I was sorry that I didn't know him better.  I hope that your memories of him help carry you through this difficult time.

I will always remember Uncle Ronnie as a man larger than life.  He was always there for my mother (Juanita) and the rest of his family.  He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.  God bless Ronnie; may you rest in peace.

I had the privelege of knowing Ron since I started with FCI in 1994, and yes, his ""gruffness"" was his trade mark but it didn't take long to see his caring side.  I will miss joking with him via email, especially during snow season and always getting a hug when he would visit the GJ office.  Ron was a very special person and will be greatly missed.

I had the priviledge of working with Ron since 1993 while he was building and leading FCI.  He successfully recruited and retained more than his share of top graduates from the Construction Science and Management program at Kansas State University.  Ron was a man of his word and he always took good care of his people and showed his appreciation for their hard work.  Many a student would walk on hot coals for Ron...he was just that kind of leader.  Underneath his ""gruff"" cover was a heart of gold.  I always enjoyed seeing him in our home town of Council Grove, KS where he enjoyed being amoung family.  Ron was always pushing forward and had the philosophy that if you weren't ""living on the edge"", you were taking up too much space.  He will be missed by his fellow constructors, but heaven got a good professional builder, husband and father.Dave FritchenDept. Head and ProfessorDept. of Architectural Engineering and Construction ScienceKansas State UniversityManhattan, KS  66506-2903

Ron has been a friend for many years.  Those of us who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him will miss his jovial good nature and wit as well as his wise counsel.

From the very first time I met Ron, I knew he was a man to be trusted and to trust. He grabbed my hand in a firm handshake, pulled me in close and looked me directly in the eyes. If there ever was a ""genuine article"", he was it. It was my privilege and honor to feel part of the family when Heidi and I announced our marriage plans. Ron immediately pulled me aside and asked (in that way that only he could) ?So you are going to marry my daughter?? ?Yes, sir.? ?Is that right? Just make sure you take care of her.? Ron, you will be missed but are in our minds and hearts always.""Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of."" ? Jonathan Swift

To all of Ronnie Choate's family,My prayers and thoughts are with you and I just wanted you to know that I share in your loss.With sincere sympathy,Kim Sample

I want Phyllis and the Choate family to know that I grieve with them, and will also miss their beloved Ron. He was a great boss; you always knew what was expected of you and you tried your hardest to never let him down. He responded in kind, he so wanted to stay around for his family and friends and employees. I admire the bravery, determination and perseverance he demonstrated in his final months. I will never hear him say ""Good Morning Terri"" again, but I will always remember the sound of his voice and his smile as he said it.

Ron was a great friend and a proud Marine He leaves this world a better place for having been here...Doc

I have known Ronnie for many years and he was a great friend. He will be missed.  We are thinking of all the family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My dearest Ron, you will always live in my heart. Your sweet voice saying hello will be missed.

Phyllis, Ross, and family, I too am heart-broken with the loss of Ron in my life.  Please allow me to share some of your grief.  Ron was the best mentor and boss I have ever known.  His guidance was invaluable to me, and his memory will never leave me.  Thanks for the opportunity Ron, I will never forget you and the time we worked together.

Phyllis, Ross, and girls,I am so sorry for your loss!  Ron left such a mark on anyone he spent any amount of time around.  I remember when I was a small girl and we would visit with you all at Grandma and Grandpa's in Kansas.  Ron seemed like a giant to me and a bit intimidating. But, then in only a voice identifiable as Ron Choate he would cheerfully say, ""Hi Barbi,"" and give me a hug.  Barbi is a nickname I have not allowed many to be privileged enough to use.  I will always remember the stories and the happy times our families shared.  Take care!

Were truely sorry for your lose.Our prayers are with you all.

For Ronnie's family,Although I don't know each and every one of you, I do know a lot of you, and I knew Ronnie. From the bottom of my heart, please accept my sincere sympathy. Ronnie was a fine man.With loving sympathy,Sandy New (Kim Sample's Mom)

We'll always remember Ron's big smile and infectious laugh!  He will be deeply missed.  Mike always enjoyed chatting with Ron, a fellow vietnam veteran and builder.  Though our hearts are sad, his memory will always be with us.  He's at peace in Heaven now, knowing he'll make us all laugh again someday.

Night, or should I say, the morning after Dad (as Wade would say, ?Mr. C?) died, I heard crickets like I remember as a child.  I?ve had a few, crying as I've needed to do ? I?ve lost, more than my own flesh and blood father?s death ? grieving just the same!  I keep hearing his voice in my head and find myself understanding even more just what and who I?ve...we?ve lost in our world!Snap Dragons in the summer sun were His favorite too.  Long summer walks after dinner?holidays he would move to ?His? chair and ?rest His eyes?, so he would say ? we all knew it was the tryptophan from the wonderful turkey mom made.So, we moved and flowed and glided through the years never blinking, never blinking...THEN WE BLINKED ?Night, or should I say, the morning after Dad died, I heard crickets?  ?I?ll never know anyone as beautiful as you? ? Don McLean

Ross & Phyllis so sorry to hear of your loss.our prayers go out to you & all of your family. Terry lynn called this morning to let us know.sorry that deanna & myself cannot make it to the funeral.but I want you to know if you need anything please do not hesitate to call.Ross you are very special to me & all of this family.May God bless you & all of your family.With love Terry,Deanna,& all the Rollers at 850 Kimball

I've tried all week but can't seem to find the words to express my feelings about Ron.  He was one of a kind and this world was a better place with him in it.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this sad time.  We hope your family and friends are helping you. 

OBITUARY

Ron Lee Choate

October 2, 1942 – August 7, 2007

Resthaven Memory Gardens Funeral & Cremation

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