Ronald Eugene Streight

Ronald Eugene Streight passed away early in the morning on March 28, 2022. In many ways, Ron or “Grumpy” did not lead a conventional life, so his passing will not be marked by the traditions that one would expect. There will be no service or funeral. There will be no formalized gathering of family or friends. Instead, he will be scattered across America – or at least by some east/west railroad tracks, so he can stay on the move.  
It is difficult to write an obituary about a man who refused to fit into a box. He crashed about every car that was built, painted his furniture wild colors, and loved to defy society's expectations. Ron’s life was beautifully imperfect. To those who knew and loved Ron in the latter part of his life, he would joke that he only ever started to grow up in his late 50s - about the time when he sobered up and devoted his time to AA. He was many things throughout his long life and never quite settled into any one role. This caused quite a bit of trouble on the state paperwork about his death. For industry and occupation – a question that his youngest girls don’t believe matters much at all - we settled on travel entrepreneur. He likely would have been satisfied with wandering tramp – his words, not ours.
Ron loved to live a simple life – all he needed was a roadside hotel and a bookstore to be content. He was quick witted, smart, and a little too ornery for his own good. Stubborn and independent, he kept moving forward and growing despite all that he faced and despite any mistake he made. He taught us to find value in all, be open to learn, and to choose a life for ourselves. He could always be counted on to crack a joke or tell you a slightly tall tale.
Ron never felt quite settled in this reality and we hope he has finally found a piece of the universe that makes sense and where he can put his feet up for a while. Ron is survived by his children Anna, Alice, Deb, John, Dan, and Ronita, his bonus kids Joseph and Mo, his brother Bruce, and probably many others that we have not had the pleasure to meet.
 

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