It is with deep sadness, but also gratitude for the privilege of having a good friend and colleague, that I share that Ron Walters passed away following a brief stay in hospice care. All of us at SIAC, and his many friends and colleagues, wish to express our condolences to his sister Connie and his children Laura, Melissa and son Frankie.
I was able to speak with Ron the day before he went to the hospice. He told me he was at peace and ready to go home to his Lord and savior. He told me his last 20 years with SIAC, his industry friends and work were the best of his life. With Frankie raised and proudly serving in the U.S. Marines, he felt that his life was complete. He left instructions for the family to quickly finalize arrangements and not have a public memorial service – he didn’t want people to be inconvenienced by those details.
Ron’s many accomplishments on behalf of our industry and those we serve are outlined in a news release issued when he retired in 2018. (link to release)
Ron was like that, unselfish, always wanting to serve or help others. Ron retired from SIAC in 2018 (https://siacinc.org/ronwalters/) The passion he had for working with dealers and police departments was unparalleled. He was a dedicated professional, always ready to tackle any assignment in any city in any state at a moment’s notice. His wit and sense of humor were always evident, you just had to smile or laugh when you were with him. He was a man of integrity with a sense of purpose – always encouraging and helping others. No matter what the assignment he was always ready to say yes and then give 110%.
Ron was like a brother, a family member and a best friend all rolled into one – I know everyone who spent any time with him felt the same way. He honestly did not know how to have a bad day and he tried his best to ensure you didn’t either. I will miss him and I can assure each reader who sees this should know, the successes SIAC has enjoyed over the years were accomplished through the hard work and dedication of this man who never looked for recognition or headlines. He was satisfied just seeing the results he knew shaped our industry.
Stan Martin