Ron transferred to LOHS from David Douglas HS when he and his mother, Antonia, moved to Lake Oswego in 1970. We became fast friends. Some combination of Ron, Bob MacEwan, Ken Buck, and I hung out many weekends. His mother was very much like the best aspects of a stereotypical Italian. She had a heavy accent even though she had been in America for 20 years, and had a charming way of speaking English: “But Ron…I give you five dollar yesterday!” Gawd, could that woman cook!
Antonia had a 1967 gold Camaro with a black tonneau top. Ron drove us around town on our adventures…his mom was a “little ol’ lady”, but her car was scootmobile!
One night, when it had been snowing heavily he picked me up in his Mom’s car. Neither one of us was much of a mechanic and we were both “thermal wimps” so tire chains were not involved. We pulled into the Lake Oswego Burger Chef, just South of Sprouse Reitz on State St. Upon leaving, Ron “gunned it” spinning the tires and the rear of the car swung out and the car started spinning. Over the course of the next 15 seconds, I roared with laughter and approval as we covered pretty much the whole parking lot. At least 6 times we came within inches of other cars. It was a miracle that we didn’t destroy Antonia’s beloved Camaro.
I was pretty amped. I told Ronto: “You are amazing. I’ve never seen such control on ice!” He said: “You don’t get it Bean…I wasn’t trying to do that!”
We vowed then and there that the next time it snowed we would put on chains. (We didn’t.)I still miss Ron frequently…but I’m glad I’ll get the chance to catch up with old friends on July 22nd and 23rd, 2022 at the 50th Reunion of the 1972 Graduation Class of Lake Oswego Laker and Pacers!
Shared by: Rick Bean
