Mr. Chase's remarks at Ron Parry's Memorial:
I’d just like to take a moment to thank you all for joining Troop 2 for our observances of the 5 year anniversary of Ron Parry’s death.
A poet, Linda Ellis, presents a wonderful way of looking at the life of a person – in her poem “The Dash”, she tells us that the dash on your headstone, between your birthdate and the date of your death, represents all the days you’ll live on earth. In that time you accomplish what you may, you touch the lives of others, and you make the difference.
Ron’s dash is LOOOONG.
Ron joined Troop 2 on April 12, 1949.
He was in the troop for over 50 years. During his time as a scout he was a member of the drum corps, Order of the Arrow, Explorer Scouts, and was elected Senior Patrol Leader by his peers.
As an eligible “Good Scout” Ron accompanied Mr Pratt and other members of the troop on several of the long adventure trips during the summers between 1952 and 1954.
Ron made Eagle in 1953, and also received a Silver Eagle Palm, the Explorer Silver Award, Ad Altare Dei, and was the recipient of a “Scout of the Year” award from Old Colony Council, the Commander Gleichauf Trophy.
Ron continued to serve as a “Senior Scout”, similar to a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, , and continued his involvement in the troop during his time in the US Marine Corps, attending summer camp at Camp Child, and our first year at Cliff Island in 1957.
In the 1960’s and early 1970’s Ron served as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and when Mr. Pratt passed away in 1974 Ron took over as Scoutmaster, serving until his own death in 2006.
During his tenure as scoutmaster over 100 scouts received the Eagle rank. Ron touched the lives of thousands of people through his actions in Scouting, many of whom are here today to honor him, and served as a father figure to many. Ron taught simple lessons – do it right the first time – be a gentleman, acting respectfully – be self reliant, but never be so obstinate that you don’t ask for help.
For me, Ron was an inspiration – he managed to balance all of the challenges of scouting with the challenges of life. I recall his respect for his mother, his country, and his scouts. I hope to live up to his example in my own adult scouting experiences. I only wish he was here now so we can ask him how he did it all!
Ron – we respect your memory, and we miss you with all our hearts. Rest in Peace.
