Ronald Edward Dries
February 19, 1945 ~ December 31, 2017
Ron Dries, whose gentle smile, musical talent, creative nature and love of adventure, learning and teaching that brought great joy to so many, died at home on Dec. 31, 2017, in the loving embrace of his immediate family. The cause of death was glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 72 years old.
Ron was born Feb. 19, 1945, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Cyndee, and their three sons: Christopher (Holly) of Evergreen, Colorado; Michael (Lori) of Arvada, Colorado; and Spencer of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren whom he loved very much and who always elicited a grin and a hug: Connor (15), Kristin (13), Andrew (10) and Audrina (9). He was beloved uncle to Vince, Brian, Gary, Scot, Sherri (Raforth), Grant, and Marty Galvin with whom he shared much music and many Christmas holiday celebrations growing up. He was preceded in death by his parents Martin Valentine Dries (1904-2002) and Veronica Justine Keffeler Dries (1912-1991); his sisters Dorla Marcella Dries Galvin (1932-2005) and Shirley Ann Dries (1935-2001).
Ron received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drake University in 1968 with a major in History with teacher certification. Here he met his future wife and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received a Master of Arts Degree in 1973 from the University of Northern Colorado with a major in Special Education of Socially and Emotionally Disturbed Children. He completed additional graduate level coursework in computer programming and computer applications at several institutions including Colorado State University, Regis University and the Colorado School of Mines.
He and Cyndee moved to the Applewood area of Golden in 1974 where they resided for over 40 years. He was initially employed by The Colorado Christian Home (now known as The Tennyson Center for Children) for the purpose of creating an on-grounds school for autistic children.
Subsequently employed by the Jefferson County School District for almost 30 years, he was involved in all facets of technology development and computer assisted learning. From 1975 to 1983 he taught at Wheat Ridge High School where he was the first special education teacher in the Jeffco school system to utilize microcomputer technology in the instruction of special education students. At the same time he inspired other musicians as a part-time guitar instructor at the Community College of Denver Red Rocks Campus. Additionally, Ron was an instructor for the Jefferson County Adult Education Program, The Colorado Institute of Art, and the University of Denver Women's College in the areas of website design and administration.
Ron served as Jeffco's Director of Internet Services from 1995 until his retirement in 2003. Following retirement he continued as an educator, teaching website design for the University of Denver's Women's College, and managing his own website design company serving non-profit organizations across the country.
Beyond teaching, Ron loved a project and his handiwork lives on in the many homes he helped to build on Dam Lake near St. Germain, Wisconsin, the family's cherished annual vacation destination throughout his life. He loved sailing, the ocean, swimming, skiing and his family. He was a longtime member of Jefferson Unitarian Church. Ron became an avid road biker later in life. He considered the MS 150 and the Elephant Rock century rides, and twice completing the Triple Bypass bike ride among his proudest accomplishments! Above all, Ron's lifelong passion was making music, primarily on piano and guitar, especially with his three sons.
Memorial donations may be made to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry St., Denver, Colorado 80246 and/or Ministry Home Care/Dr. Kate Hospice, 1860 N. Stevens St., Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
14350 West 32nd Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
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