ELLSWORTH and CHELSEA, OKLA. — With sadness in our loss, and joy in his freedom we report the passing of our son, brother, partner, uncle, cousin and friend, Ronald Scott Greenwood, on March 17, 2012. Ron was born Aug. 2, 1961, in Ellsworth, the second of five children.


His journey took him around the country as a child, where he eventually ended up in Tulsa, Okla. In Tulsa, and most recently Chelsea, Okla., he chose to make his home. In his career, Ron was a gifted florist and interior landscape designer who won several awards for his floral art. He was proud of his ability and his work ethic. Someone once said "it's not the miles you've traveled through life that matter, but the stops you make along the way." Indeed, Ron made many stops across the continent in his passion for and pride in his mentoring of others competing in state and national leather competitions. He was an advocate for those living alternative lifestyles, and open in raising awareness of tolerance and acceptance. Ron was gifted with a brilliant and quick wit, and often took the opportunity to find the humor in even the most difficult situations and events, especially his own (example, his 50th birthday, "guess what I did today….I retired!!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm). His infectious smile and deep, soothing laugh were trademarks displayed by him when the irony or humor of anything came rolling out in the way of a sharp retort or well thought out piece of insight. From a very young age, Ron lived his life to the fullest, truly as if each day would be his last. He was a trusted friend, a respected worker, a loving son and brother, and an all-around dedicated man. The sheer volume of outpouring in social media demonstrates this with certainty. Ron stood strong and maintained remarkable poise and dignity in the face of not one, not two, but three life-changing and health-altering events. He has shown all of us what it is to stay on the journey as it is presented, with honor, pride and humor. With the onset of his final journey, Ron always tried to put us at ease with, "it is what it is." He did not want anyone to feel badly about his condition, but rather challenged anybody who would listen, "please, educate yourself, take the time to learn, so that the next time you hear about someone with ALS, you can say, I know what that is…." Indeed, many of us are now educated Ron. Please know that you are an inspiration to all that know you.

Many have passed before, and many are left to honor Ron's memory. Ron will be deeply missed by mother, Jane Garceau and stepdad, Albert in Prospect; partner, and in recent months, primary caregiver, Ryan Setzkorn of Chelsea, Okla.; (we love you Ryan); brother, John Salisbury of Florida and Jamaica; brother, Don Greenwood and wife, Keta, of Mariaville; brother, Les Greenwood and wife, Connie, of Wewahitchka, Fla.; sister, Kathy Bunker and husband, Richard, of Trenton. In addition, Ron leaves a very special niece, Heather Bunker of Trenton, along with nephew, Stephen Bunker of Trenton and Castine; niece, Amanda Dagle and her husband, Mark, of Ellsworth; and nephews, Lester, Christopher and Caleb of Florida; also, many aunts, uncles and cousins in Maine and beyond; The family also wishes to express appreciation to John McQuistion, friend and partner, for his love, support and service to Ron in his last months; also the many caregivers who volunteered their time to help Ron get through each day in the company of friends who cared about him as well as for him.

In Ron's honor, feel sadness if you must, but honor him with education about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or "Lou Gehrig's Disease." Participate in a walk, raise awareness and reach out to those who may need you. And, when you get caught up in what ails you and are having trouble finding what's good and right in your life, start with your feet.