RONALD PETER HEBERT
Ron lived with and succumbed to cancer in his home in Georgetown, FL on June 12, 2011 at the age of 69. He was born May 26, 1942 in Lawrence, MA and moved with his family to FL at a young age. He was a graduate of Mainland High School with the class of 1960. Ron was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam era. After completing his military service he attended Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and received Bachelors and Masters Degrees.
During his tenure at FAU he was appointed to the Student Publications Committee, served on the Commencement Committee and Honorary Degree Committee. Ron was a member of Blue Key, national honorary service fraternity. He received a Certificate of appreciation in the advancing of students into position of high esteem in the college, home and community. The Student Government Association awarded and presented him with a plaque for outstanding service to the university community.
Ron was elected to Who’s who among students in American Universities and Colleges in recognition of outstanding merit and accomplishment, 1970-71. Ron was committed and dedicated to opportunities for the advancement of migrant farm workers and their children living on the outskirts of Boca Raton, FL. He was a fierce defender of equal rights and opportunities for all.
Upon completion of his education at FAU he moved to Maine to begin a Doctoral program. Ron fell in love with Maine and its people. Ron had a lengthy career in the mental health field. He completed his career as the Executive Director of Youth and Family Services, an outpatient community mental health center. He held that position for 18 years He often said the staff of Youth and Family Services was the best, brightest and most committed he had ever worked with. He appreciated that they would tell him how he had to dress and to wear his jewels (college ring) when appearing before the legislature; to grovel for money to support their agencies programs. .
A man of many interests, Ron loved touring with friends on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He found white water canoeing a challenge. Winter sports intrigued him. He liked cross country skiing, winter camping in Maine and Nova Scotia. The ultimate find and sanctuary of his life was a camp at Silver Lake in Lee, Me. He loved the pontoon boat. The opportunities to take friends and acquaintances around the lake explaining the stories associated with each and every camp gave him such pleasure. He was not above embellishing if it made the tour and story better.
After a life time of service to others and 37 years in Maine he and his wife Sandra retired and moved back to FL. Ron is survived by Sandra Wynn Hebert his wife of 44 1/2 years, Patti Hebert, Sister, Ashley Kelly, niece (Brian), and their children Christian and Mia. He is also survived by Diane Davis, step sister (Alan), Cindy Pitts, a very special cousin (Bruce), Donna and Mike Avery sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shane Avery, nephew. Ron was predeceased by his parents Rita A. and Chanel Raymond Hebert, his nephew Matthew Benjamin Pollack.
Ron is survived by many friends in Maine. He thought of them as family: Leo, Sharon and Mike, Deb and Andy, Lisa and Don, Sandy and Larry. Memories and condolences may be sent to the Ron’s family by signing his page online at WWW.WattsFuneralHomes.com. Ron lived life on his terms and without regrets. At Ron’s request there will be no funeral services. A celebration of his life will take place at a future date in his beloved Maine.
Contributions in his memory may be made to HOSPICE of Citrus County, Inc., P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464. Simplicity Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Watts Funeral and Cremation Center, Inc., San Mateo, Florida.
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I was saddened to see Ron’s name on the board at the Eagles. I know he (and you)had been living with this cancer ever since I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet you and call you friends. Sandra, I hope you will call me soon. You know where I live and can stop by at any time. My deepest sympathy for losing your partner in life.
Dearest Sandra,my heart goes out to you and your family. I hope you can find comfort and serenity in knowing that we all care for you very much.
Love, Huberta
Dear Sandy, I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Ron.I will always remember the special times we had together as I grew up next door to you.Ron was such a special man and loved him so. I would love to get connected with you again. I now live in Murfreesboro,TN and am of FB. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love you!
Uncle Ronnie will be dearly missed. I’m very thankful that he was a member of my family. Much love and condolences to my Aunt Sandy and Ron’s sister, Patty and family. . .
Dearest Sandra,
While it has been so very long since we have spoken, you and Ron have remained in my mind and in my heart. Alhtough I knew of Ron’s battle with cancer, somehow it is still a shock to know that he is not with us. The memories of those college Maine years in Orono, Newburg, Long Pond and lot of laughter and fun remain …..I am sure that all your wonderful years and memories are what will sustain you through these hard times. I hope to see you in Maine again…Love and sympathy, my dear old friend,
Deb (and Randy too)
hi Sandy, So sorry to hear about Ron. I know we lost touch after our job paths did not cross yet I have fond memories of our “era ” together and have always had great respect for Ron. Hugs and love to you. How will I know when the Maine celebration is? Would want to be there. I hope you are surrounded by people who love you and hug you alot. Hugs, Mary
Sandra,
We were both so sad to learn about Ron. We have some great memories of sharing time with both you and Ron over the years. We will also think of Ron’s wonderful smile, his friendly and kind voice and his way of making you feel very special. Of course we will never forget his energetic playing of the spoons for the “band.” We will miss him. Sandra, please know that we are thinking of you. Love, Connie and Doug
I was sorry to read about the passing of Ron in the Sunday paper this morning. We had some good times growing up and the recognition of his name brings back some good memories. The best of luck to you and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry for your loss. You will be missed.
Dear Sandra,
I was so sad to read of Ron’s passing. We spoke so many times about his illness that it seemed like I knew him and that he could go on forever. Your long and happy marriage is a model for others in this day and age. I know how difficult this must have been for you and my thoughts are with you.
Heidi Godsoe
Ron touched many lives,including mine. Prayers are with you.
Sandra Kay
I am so sorry to hear about Ronnie and my heart goes out to you losing your soul mate.
I still have fond memories of us as children playing on Senaca (My 91 years old Mother still lives in the house on Taragona Way)and I think of both of you many times when I go to visit her.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you,
and would love to renew old friendships.
With all our Love and Sympathy,
Judy and Buck
Dear Sandra,
Don and I were both so saddened to learn of Ron’s death. We both have so many great memories of times with both of you in Maine. I hope these memories of happy times will be a comfort to you.
Alison and Don
Ron was one of the best, and I’ll always remember him fondly. And you too, Sandra.
XO, –Eric
Dear Sandra,
we have missed you both since you moved, now more than ever.we hope to see you again soon.just know we hold our memories close.
love, woody and jolie
Dear Sandra,
We are sadden to hear of Ron’s death. We feel blessed to have known him and have been recalling many fond memories.
Love,
Mike and Carolyn
Dear Sandra,
It was always good seeing yout both. He always had a smile on his face and said I’m hanging in there. If you ever need anything please call.
Dear Sandra,
I was sadden to see Ron’s passing in the paper. I have a fond and funny memory of one evening at the old Varsity Drive In during our high school days and I will hold on to that.
Take care,
Nancy Mainland Class of ’60
Sandra:
We have so many fond memories of the times w/ you both over the decades. I hope to see you upon your return to Maine.
Frank and Sandy
Sandra,
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers! Ron was a great man! Rare that I consider him both a good friend and the best Boss I have ever had and probably will ever have!! The world is a better place because he was who he was! He will be missed by many!
ed
Dearest Sandra
Time has only deepened the my affection for you and Ron, though it has been years since we have seen each other. So this news has saddened me beyond words. With love and warmth to you, Sandra, as you move through your grief. Stephanie
I served on the Board of Directors with Ron for many years at Youth and Family Services in Skowhegan Maine. Ron was a one of a kind boss to his employees and earned the immediate respect of anyone he talked to through his obvious care, compassion and love of every employee as well as his job. RIP Ron and my condolences to his family and many friends.
Sandra,
My thoughts are with you during your time of loss. Ron was a wonderful man and every time I end up north and go to the SCARP Retreat I think of him. He will be missed.
Rob
I worked with ron while in a similiar position in rumford,me.I was a young executive director and ron had been around awhile.He was great to work with,always there with advice if you asked,helped out everyone whenever he could.He battled for the less fortunate and appeared to be having fun all along the way.I have not seen ron since he moved back down south.He was a great guy and am sad to hear of his passing,take care ron!
To Sandra and Ron’s family-
My condolences on your loss-I only knew Ron for a few years before his retirement, but he had a larger than life presence. I am still working in a social work position he hired me for, and I echo Ed’s sentiment of him being one of the greatest people to know and work for. I greatly admire(d) his ability to be very down to earth in demeanor (and dress), yet be so informed about navigating and engaging various state systems, while never seeming to burn out on helping the people. I miss him, and will keep his memory in my heart.
Be well.
Tony
As one who worked closely with Ron, I always considered him to be one of the best advocates for youth in Maine. I am so sorry for your loss.
David J. Faulkner, MSW
Executive Director
Day One
http://www.Day-One.org
Sandra I am so sorry for your loss. I never knew Ron, but I know he must have been an exceptional person as you yourself are. You are in my prayers.
Jerry
Dear Sandra,
Jim and I just found out about Ron. We are very sorry for your loss. Jim had a wonderful time on his bike trips with you and Ron, and we enjoyed our visits. He is missed.
Nancy and Jim