Ron Ravneberg passes away

[gary]

Fellow observer, Ron Ravneberg, passed away today in Columbus,
Ohio. Ron had pancreatic cancer.

Well known in North America, Ron also had many friends here in
Australia and was a member of the Astronomical Society of New
South Wales.

A regular contributor to the Society's journal, The Universe,
Ron also made a few appearances to the South Pacific Star Party,
where he would then earn the title of "person who had traveled
furthest to attend the star party".

Sydney colleague, Don Whiteman, told me recently that Ron always
expressed the view that whenever he built a new scope, he felt a
social responsibility to fellow enthusiasts to then document it
by way of an article. This then inspired others to write.

I corresponded with Ron last October and it was heartening to
learn that though his health meant he was doing a little less
astronomy, he was still using his 4.5" refractor in the backyard
with his Argo Navis and he was planning a trip with his
bother-in-law, Bob, to visit Tom & Jeanie Clark in Chiefland,
Florida, to do some observing with Tom's 24".

Ron sent me a photo taken by Terry Dickinson at the Starfest the
prior year in Ontario. See
http://www.wildcard-innovations.com.au/images/ronr.jpg

Australian friends, Tony Buckley and Lachlan MacDonald, upon
learning of Ron's status late last year, immediately booked
themselves on a plane flight from Sydney to Columbus Ohio, where
they paid Ron an unannounced surprise visit.

Our thoughts are with Ron's family and many friends around the
world.

Best Regards

Gary Kopff
Sydney, Australia

[Quark]

Thanks for posting Gary,

This is indeed sad news, had the pleasure of meeting Ron at a SPSP, a most enthusiastic amateur that contributed greatly to raising the profile of astronomy at the community level.

We need the motivation of gentleman such as Ron to lift our chosen field to greater heights.
Of course I am sure all would extend sympathy to his family but rest assured that Ron made a difference down under, as I am sure he did where ever he went.

RIP Ron Ravneberg Amateur Astronomer and Gentleman.

Regards
Trevor

[Blue Skies]

Thanks for passing on the news, Gary. I didn't know him personally but his reputation preceded him as a gentleman of the hobby and an inspiration to all.

[renormalised]

My condolences go out to his family and friends.

[ngcles]

Hi Gary & All,

Yes, Ron was a lovely fellow and I was much saddened to hear today of his passing . We very occasionally corresponded by email but I too first met him at the 1996 SPSP (my second SPSP I think ??).

We chatted for about two hrs near my 'scope about observing and telescopes and he took a pic and came back soon after with a gift -- an issue of the US publication "Amateur Astronomy" which he signed on the front cover for me.

Believe it or not -- I've still got it! (see attached).

I was surprised and delighted a few months later that he did an excellent write up on the 1996 SPSP in Amateur Astronomy and even more surprised when I found my mug shot was in the article. I can't lay my hand on that issue at the moment, but I think it was either 11 or 12.

Ron was a very talented and practical T.M. A lovely guy all-round, and what he didn't know about observing you could write on the back of a postage stamp. Loved Australia and Australians too.

A nicer man you would not meet -- a sad loss to amateur astronomy.


Best,

Les D

[gary]

The following obituary has appeared elsewhere on the net including on the
Big Dob Group and is reproduced here.