Ronald Keehn

On February 2, 1938, in Kiowa, Colorado, Ronn was born the third of four sons to Earl and Ellen Keehn. The family moved to the city when Ronn was three years old. He loved fishing and hunting with his Dad, brothers, uncles, and cousins. Varsity wrestling and football kept him happy and busy in school. In 1955 he joined the Marine Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Barbra. His first great joy, a son Barry, was born in 1957. Ronn and Barbra divorced in 1960 and he was sent to Japan for his first overseas tour. Returning stateside, Ronn met Chris and they were married in November of 1962. In 1964, Kerry, another great joy entered his life. Ron was a consummate Marine and loved the Corps. In 1965, Ronn served his first thirteen month tour in Vietnam. His last greatest joy, Donald, was born in 1967. During these years, we had been stationed in California, North Carolina, and Hawaii. In 1968, Ronn volunteered for another tour in Vietnam. He returned to California, and six months later, we were back in Hawaii. This is where Ronn learned to volunteer for his kids. He was PTA president for Mokapu Elementry school and a den dad for Kerry's cub scouts. That soon enough led to being a Webelos leader. It was in Hawaii Ronn started his many years as a baseball coach for the boys teams. But his real joy was working in scouting. Ronn also found time to serve on the Catholic Church Council and work on his levels for the Knights of Columbus. After our transfer to North Carolina, Ronn continued his church activities, coaching baseball, and his involvement in scouting. Ronn received numerous awards in North Carolina for his innovative projects and planning for the boy scouts. In 1975 Ronn made the perfect decision to retire in Colorado and be there for his very ill father. Ronn created a colaborative program for Boy Scouts and the National Parks. The ""Take Pride in America"" program he created did not go unnoticed by our government. Ronn was sent to Washington D.C. where an award was presented by Vice-President George Bush. Ron's love for the Marine Corps, God, Scouting, and his family, are his great legacy. The boy scouts of America awarded Ronn ""The Silver Beaver"" to honor his great contributions.