Ronald Kulp Gehman, January 1, 1948 – March 24, 2009
Photographer, carpenter, landscaper, undefeated
Pennsylvania State Birling Champion,
best husband, dad, and friend.
Pennsylvania State Birling Champion,
best husband, dad, and friend.
Photos providedIn 1972, Ron met his soulmate-to-be, Jennie (Genevieve) Stauffer. They married on May 4, 1974, and they moved to Potter County the next day. Ron cherished the natural beauty of that area, and he ran trapping lines to make ends meet for his young family. He loved traveling, hunting, fishing and hiking with his wife and children. Ron’s love for nature inspired him to build beautiful gardens around his house (with the occasional pond), craft birdhouses in his own unique style, and take wonderful pictures. You couldn’t take a walk with Ron without him disappearing, only to find him half an hour later taking pictures of a single flower or bird from multiple angles. He truly appreciated all of God’s creation—he didn’t take anything for granted, and he taught his children these lessons by humble example.
The most remarkable thing about Ron was not the story of his life, but the way he lived each and every day, and the wonderful kindness he shared with everyone he met. His mantra was “don’t worry, just trust in God” and he was unflappable in that regard. He always put others before himself. He was genuinely kind and respectful of everyone he met, and the outpouring of love and condolences from the community has been overwhelming.
Ron is survived by his wife Genevieve (Stauffer) of Sartwell Creek, Potter County; son Jonathan Zane and daughter-in-law Andrea Maria and grandson, Zander Zane, of Chevy Chase, MD; daughter, Hannah Korinne and son-in-law, Joshua Stream of Cottonwood Heights, UT. He is survived also by his 97-year-old mother, Mary C. K. Gehman, of Barto, PA, and nine brothers and sisters: Linford (Rebecca Roeder) of Bergton, VA.; Abraham (Drolleen Mack) of Bally; Rhoda, of Bally; Johanna, of Barto; James (Sandra Blessing) of Boyertown; Ada, of Barto; Merrill, of Bally; Harley, of Indian, AK; Dwight, of Barto; and ten nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Abraham B. Gehman.
Ron was so loved by his family, friends, coworkers and community. Our hearts are shattered by his death, and that sense of loss is profoundly personal for each one. There can be solace in this if the memories we cherish motivate us to live our lives a little bit more like Ron lived his: Appreciate the little things. Don’t Worry. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
9 comments:
pictures that are worth a thousand words.
After reading this article/profile of Ron, with tears and sadness, I think everyone needs to see and read this and learn a valuable lesson from such a valuable soul.Many thoughts and prayers to the family.
Wow, How beautifully sad the photos are.I am sure that Grandson will be told many times how much his Grandpa loved him, and if there is ever any doubt alls one would need to do is show him the pictures. You can look at the photos and feel the love. So Sorry for your loss. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
What a wonderful article about this man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family on his tragic loss.
What a wonderfully written tribute to a well respected man. This doesn't even come close to describing this true gentleman. You had to meet and know Ron to feel the true compassionate this man was born and raised with all his life. All people should live with his ethics of life. God Bless you Ron. We will miss you.
Wow! What a nice and well written tribute to a great man!!!
What a tribute. He will leave a legacy to his children, grandchildren, and family and friends.
I did not know Ron, but my family knows his sister Rhoda, because my Mom is very good friends with her.
My prayers & love go out those family members left behind. Keep his memories close to your heart and cherish all the picutres he has taken.
Love to you all during this very sad time.
A tribute to Ron, from the Stauffer family*
Love never claims, it ever gives.
-Mohandes Ghandi
When we enjoyed our nation's beautiful vistas with him, he inspired us with his knowledge of nature and respect for the environment. When we enjoyed sports with him, he encouraged us with his grace, athleticism and his passion for fun. When we shared holidays with him, we marveled at his patience in fatherhood and his generous family spirit. Each Spring when the birds return to their quirky houses in our backyards, we'll remember the peaceable carpenter who handcrafted each one.
Throughout his measured life, Ronald Kulp Gehman gave more than he took, listened more than he spoke, and helped wherever he was needed. A skilled amateur photographer, he traveled the United States with his wife and children compiling a body of beautiful images. We'll treasure this view of the world through his creative lens. An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Ron possessed a perspective on life that made folks want to sit with him and chat for a while.
In a succession of trips through the years, Ron and his family covered the expanse of Route 6, America's longest highway, stretching from Bishop, California, to Provincetown, Massachusetts. Ron drove Route 6, the main thoroughfare past Sartwell Creek and the farmhouse which he renovated and where he resided with his family for 36 years, every day. If, indeed, souls depart this earth for a glorious reunion with the divine – and we believe that they do – then we can imagine Ron comforting the other driver, saying: “Would you look at that view? We can see all of Route 6 from here!”
Ron is deeply loved by his family of birth and his family by marriage and by all of his friends as well as people who met him only once but felt drawn to his spirit. Our hearts are shattered by his death, and that sense of loss is profoundly personal for each one. There's a lot of love among us, but we'll never fill the chasm left by his passing. There can be solace in this, however, if the memories we cherish motivate us to live our lives a little bit more like Ron lived his.
*We will miss him so much: Margaret and Willard Stauffer; Michael, Joan, and Lauren Stauffer; Ronald, Merced, Kristofer and Rose Stauffer; Theresa, Marissa, and Aaron Ziegler and Jessica and Jagger Kretzer; Daniel, Karen, Nicholas, Nathan, and Andrew Stauffer; Kathleen Stauffer and Laurie McElwee; Karen Stauffer
These pictures do say a thousand words. I was looking at these pictures and it made the reality sink into me. The reality was that he is gone. Looking at the pictures make me realize that I was lucky to have the best uncle ever. I can't believe he is gone. :-(
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