I/we recently lost a good friend, colleague, mentor and champion in our philanthropic industry.
Ron McKinley died in a tragic accident earlier this summer.
I attended his memorial service this month and was totally inspired by the beautiful service. It was held at Black Bear Crossings on the Lake Como Lakeside Pavilion. I had never been there. WOW! Absolutely beautiful and what a perfect place on a beautiful morning for Ron’s Memorial Service. As I walked up to the Pavilion, a Native American greeted us with drum and song. I was instantly reminded of Ron’s encouragement to seek out fellowship and partner with people who are valuably different than me.
Once inside, I was immediately overcome by the beauty of the place, moment, people, and air. There seemed to be hundreds of people, and most striking, we were all different–ages, colors, backgrounds–but all having a relationship with Ron. It was overwhelmingly beautiful and even the speakers who looked at us all were overcome by the diversity of those present.
There’s the word: Diversity. And, then there is Ron in is own way pushing oh-so-gently, nudging, encouraging, and wanting me to understand this need for diversity in the my life.
Ron, I got it. I got it. I got it. Your memorial service summarized not only your beautiful, full, funny and remarkable life but also you yourself as one-quarter Native American.
Seeing your brother and sister made it crystal clear you were all born diverse as a family. This was who you were, literally in your blood. You were truly a strong and steadfast advocate for Native people and people of color, and for inclusive and responsive community-oriented decision-making. You worked so hard to get people, including me, to think differently.
The setting of this service – all facing the beautiful lake, NOT the stage, had deep meaning to me and all those present as we sat, listened, remembered, wept and even sang the chorus of “Get Together” by The Youngbloods:
C’mon people now
Smile on your brother
Ev’rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
I hope you, too, take time to remember and reflect on the people who inspire your life and work. Who is someone you consider an inspiration?
