Comments on: Ron Griffith, R.I.P.

By: Bill Ostrem

Bill Ostrem — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:29:19 +0000

I saw Ron in action through his work for the Planning Commission and Just Food, and I appreciated his ability to inspire people and to clarify complex issues. I was also fortunate to be a fellow member with Ron at the United Methodist Church of Northfield. Ron and Beret helped us to found a Creation Care Ministries team, or “green team,” in the last year. We were just getting started when we lost Ron. I will miss you, Ron.

By: Alex Beeby

Alex Beeby — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:00:48 +0000

Ron’s energy, commitment and enthusiasm inspired many of us. There were many people crucial to the openning of Just Food Co-op, but we likely wouldn’t have succeeded yet without the determination and skills of Ron and Beret. I posted some old photos on the Just Food site (I don’t know how to here).

By: kiffi summa

kiffi summa — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:16:18 +0000

I wish that all of us investor's in Just Food would get them to add a little piece in front of their name, changing it to "RON'S Just Food" . It never would have happened without him; the will was there, but Ron brought the business expertise to realize the reality.

Can't we change the name to "RON'S Just Food" ?

By: Tracy Davis

Tracy Davis — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:40:54 +0000

Here is Ron Griffith's obituary on Northfield.org

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church, 1401 South Maple Street, Northfield. Visitation will be held on Friday evening 4 - 7 pm in the church Reception Room and again 10:00 – 11:00 am before the service.

By: Jane McWilliams

Jane McWilliams — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:23:14 +0000

Northfield seems to draw extraordinary people here to spend their retirement years. Beret and Ron exemplify this - as both have brought their many talents and skills to bear on our lives since moving to town.

Ron's years in Northfield have made an impression much larger than his relatively short time here might suggest. One public example is how he exerted his business smarts and his gently persuasive ideas in creating and sustaining the Just food Coop. There are many less public ways he made a difference, as people who know him can recall with admiration.

Just importantly, Ron has been a friend - always interested in and respectful of the people he came to know. I believe this will be his enduing legacy.

By: Tracy Davis

Tracy Davis — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:25:56 +0000

Griff, thank you for taking the time to dig up these photos. I loved seeing Ron in action in the community.

By: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:00:56 +0000

Great post, Tracy. I'll be ever grateful to Ron for his part in the creation of Just Food Co-op.

I found 4 more photos of Ron from my archives: 3 from his presentation at the Just Food Co-op preview held at the First UCC back in April of 2004 and 1 from the grand opening later that year in Dec.

By: Lance Heisler

Lance Heisler — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:02:54 +0000

I only met Ron one time, but I was instantly impressed with his intelligence, his character, and his unselfish committment to things he cared about. I was saddened by news of his death in a way not justified by the limited contact I had with him. I think it’s because, when it comes to consideration of what we can reasonably hope to accomplish on this earth, Ron was an example of the best we can do.

By: Ross Currier

Ross Currier — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:24:20 +0000

Ron taught me a little about business and a lot about being a human being.

I feel truly blessed; I worked with Ron on Just Food, I learned with Ron as a Blandin Leader, I served with Ron on the Planning Commission, and I appreciated life with Ron as a dear friend.

I'm thinking he's already implementing his carefully researched plans in the next great thing.