Director’s Message
Remembering Ron
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osing a conservationist, friend and CFM Past President in Ron Coleman has been heartbreaking for many of us. He fought a courageous battle with cancer right up until the very end. You may recall seeing his smiling face at our convention in March. Ron was the ultimate outdoors guy, being involved in parks, recreation, conservation, and natural resources. You will never find a more dedicated person to so many aspects of the outdoors than Ron. Ron’s leadership and involvement with CFM spanned many decades and culminated with his Presidential term ending in 2018. He was also our long time representative to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). He engaged counterparts on conservation and natural resource issues and always stood up for what he thought was right. When Missouri hosted the NWF meeting last year in St. Louis, Ron was the star of the show and proudly shared with other states the many abundant resources that Missouri has to offer. Sadly, at this year’s Annual Meeting, a moment of silence was held in his honor. During his career, he worked for the City of Ellisville as Director of Parks & Recreation, Ozark Greenways Executive Director, the City of Chesterfield as Director of Parks & Recreation and Open Space Council’s Executive Director. Not only was he Director in all these positions, but he was also the first person in each of them as well. Ron knew how to start, lead, finish, and bring parties together for the greater good. In February, he was inducted into the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association’s Hall of Fame. Ron was President in 2016-2018 when I came to work for CFM, and I have many fond memories during his term at the helm. I have a couple of handwritten notes from Ron that I will always cherish. One in particular, he sent me was when I became Executive Director last year. In his letter, he encouraged me to be my own person and my own leader. That is the way Ron was, and that is the way he led. He was a legend in time that shaped the way our organization and others will forever be better off. We have so many legends like Ron here in Missouri. But what makes a legend or a conservation hero? I guess it depends on who you ask and what they are remembered for. I have many mentors and legends that I look up to. Yet to some, they just might be another friend, neighbor, or person down the street. But to us, they are so much more, and will be remembered for how they change our lives.
Tyler and Ron at NWF Annual Convention in St. Louis last year. (Photo: NWF)
Ron’s amazing wife Rhonda shared with CFM some of Ron’s books from his library. A special bookmark will be placed in each of these so that when you see them, you can enjoy a special remembrance of him. I was amazed as he had every important book in Missouri’s conservation and outdoors history. Many of these books were signed and personalized to him. He knew so many people and cared so much for our incredible natural resources. She also shared an envelope that he kept in his desk with my name on it. It was the notes that I had sent thanking him for various volunteer efforts he did for us over the years. I was certainly touched by that. Ron gave us many moments to remember him by, and he left us the way he lived. By living every day to the fullest and embracing each day until his last. His smile, emotion and passion could be seen far from across the river bank or any trail that he was on. Missouri’s streams, rivers, communities and parks are a better place because of Ron, and he will forever be missed. Our organization is better because of his unselfish leadership, and I am a better leader because of him. May God bless him, his family and those that will miss him.
Yours in Conservation, Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director
JULY - 2020
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