Ronald B Wilson

Ronald B. Wilson, 69, an independent scholar and philosopher, died Friday morning, March 4, 2005, at Union Hospital in Dover following a short battle with cancer.Born July 16, 1935 in Cadiz, OH, he was the only child of the late Donald C. and Mildred Irene (Blair) Wilson. After completing high school at Akron East, he continued his formal education at Akron University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree, and then studied at Kent State University where he received his master’s degree in sociology.Ron brought his many talents and wide interests to his career as a paraprofessional librarian in the Reference Department of the Stark County District Library, where he worked from December of 1963 until his retirement 30 years later.While working at the library, Ron met his future wife and best friend, the former Leslie Ann Happoldt. They were married on April 21, 1971. Together they shared a love for books, music, and cats.Ron had a lifelong passion for philosophy, history, music, science fiction, mysteries and comic books, sharing his interests through many community groups. He had a fine tenor voice and in his younger years sang with many amateur and semi-professional groups. Ron was a founding member and the Fearless Leader of Harry, the science fiction club of the Stark County District Library. He joined many groups concerned with history and preservation, including the historical societies of Dover, Tuscarawas County, Harrison County, and Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, the Heritage Homes Association and the Dover Civil War Roundtable. As a member of MainStreet New Philadelphia, he served on the Design Committee, working passionately toward the establishment of a historic district, and also as a former chairperson of MainStreet at Midnight. He also enjoyed attending the meetings of two Sherlock Holmes groups, sometimes appearing in his deerstalker.In addition to Leslie, Ron is survived by his father-in-law, Paul (Marjorie) Happoldt of North Canton; and a brother-in-law, Greig Happoldt of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, June L. Happoldt, and his sister-in-law, Lindsey Weston.Friends are invited to share memories and support with Leslie at a memorial visitation on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In keeping with Ron’s wishes, cremation has been conducted through the care of Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory.In honor of Ron’s life, Leslie requests that memorial contributions be made to Cats N’ Us, 829 Union Avenue, Dover, OH, 44622.