It is with great sadness that I write of the passing of our beloved Sensei Ron Darlington. Sensei Ron was a great teacher, mentor, and friend. His experience, knowledge, skills, and patience brought so much to our Dojo. He will be missed.
I scanned the ROKC picture gallery and found two pictures that I think typify Ron.
The first shows Ron sporting that impish grin that many of us are familiar with. While he could be very serious, he also had fun. He made it fun for everybody around him. The second picture is an image often repeated: Ron discussing the nuances and finer points of a technique or Kata.
I think that Barb sums up how we feel:
Sensei Ron beamed whenever I entered the dojo…his smile was so welcoming and lovely, he would light up the room with that smile! I loved his gentle demeanor, kind voice and awesome karate advice! When he taught us, he was serious about what he was teaching (as he should be) but at the same time put fun into the things we were learning…he would often have us smiling or giggling at some point. He was so much fun in the ladies class (the couple I caught).
Sensei Ron was very dedicated to his martial arts and he taught us well. I will always remember how he helped me with my various katas and self defence – a very patient man!
Ron will forever be in our memories as a great person, friend and mentor, we loved him.
September 9, 2008 at 12:52 pm |
I share Barb’s feelings. Sensei Ron had a very gentle nature about him. But don’t be fooled by that. When he needed to be, like in sparring, he had a very powerful kick. Must be all those years of Tae Kwon Do! Sensei Ron, you will me missed.
Rick Schwartzburg