Week of October 8, 2001:
Ron Simpson, & Polite Present

Ron Simpson

I returned from the Bellingham trip and memorial service for my cousin and uncle on my son's birthday. This is one of my favorite pictures of Ron and his sister, Shannon, when they were little tykes. Their dad was the music instructor at W.F. West High School in Chehalis, Washington, and we spent a lot of time in and around the Band Room.

Ron always loved music, but not necessarily the kind his father liked. Is that a generational thing? So, as he grew older, he put aside the trumpet and began playing keyboard and singing. He was part of a number of groups over the next ten or so years, and the members were always very, um, contemporary. Their hair, vehicles, and clothing styles were up-to-the-moment ideal for the times. I have always threatened to upload photos of Ron and his buddies, but he isn't ready yet. That may not stop me from being mischievous. After all, what could he do? Fire me?

As the years went by, Ron became more interested in jazz, and integrated it into his keyboard and piano playing. He's spent a lot of years performing in the Phoenix area, first at small bars, then later at places like the Ritz-Carlton, Princess, and Phoenician. He graduated from casual wear to tuxedos, but it wasn't until the last year or so that he broke down and bought real shoes instead of black Nikes. Just teasing!

Once Ron started using computers, he saw ways to edit music and sound, and got deeply involved in this field. He's written a number of books in the area of sound, and also takes time to compose an occasional song. This in addition to performing. He continues to grow in computer and audio knowledge, and in many other ways. It's nice to have him living in the same locale.

By far the best part of Ron's life is his wife, Kerrie, and their pets. They treat their pets royally. I love them for that. And a lot more. Happy Birthday, Ron.