RIP Uncle Ronnie

I got a call Easter Sunday morning from my mom with the news that Uncle Ronnie had died at home. Ironically, some of my fondest childhood memories were swapping Easter visits between my cousin's house in Tucson and ours in San Diego.

We were fortunate enough to see Uncle Ronnie this past Christmas. In fact, over that holiday break, we discovered that Ronnie and Emerson were Toe Brothers!

One time, we were visiting my aunt and uncle in Tucson, and I had brought my guitar. Uncle Ronnie looooooooved to sing tunes. I was shocked when he was able to free-style a verse about each of the 10 or so people sitting around the table as I played a blues standard. He loved to sing along when we played guitar.

I wasn't lucky enough to catch that on video, but this past Christmas, I did get a few songs on tape. Ronnie, my dad, and I stayed up late and played a few tunes into the night. Here are the two songs I captured. In the videos, you mostly see dad, but Uncle Ronnie is off to the right.

Long Black Veil:                                                               

Mercedes Benz:                                                                

We clearly didn't know all of 'Mercedes Benz'. In fact, I hadn't ever heard it! Behind dad to the right, you can see a pile of pillows and blankets which was Emerson's Rat's Nest.

Ronnie will be missed. At only 63 years of age, he was too young to go.

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Obituaries

Ronald Friberg (1948 - 2012)

Ronald Dean Friberg

September 16, 1948

April 8, 2012

Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife Bobbie, son Derryl, daughter Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer, grandson Trevor McEntaffer, and beloved dogs Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers Ed, David (Ettie), sister in law Ann, and sister Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins, and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents Morris and Vivian, brother Richard, and nephew Eric Friberg.

Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam, and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on April 13, 2012

Source

Ronald Dean Friberg

Ronald Dean Friberg Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife, Bobbie; son, Derryl; daughter, Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer; grandson, Trevor McEntaffer and beloved dogs, Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers, Ed and David (Ettie); sister-in-law, Ann and sister, Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents, Morris and Vivian; brother, Richard and nephew, Eric Friberg. Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel. Source