Ron Dinwiddie was the type of kid who was bullied - yes, that happened even way back in our generation. I got to know him a little when I was student director for the Jefferson Jr High 9th grade play. He was cast in a role perfect for him - wore a pith helmet & carried a butterfly net. Unfortunately, he thought everyone was laughing at him rather than at the character. Ultimately, he took his own life during our sophmore year. Sad story.
Ron was at my house for dancing parties while I was at East. He was a really nice kid. We were kind to him and he met a girl that he was fond of. I'm not sure if he went to the TV show (like Bandstand) that we had locally at WTVO for Coca Cola or not. We all had some good times back then. We all were surprised when we heard the tragic news. We did have some other teen deaths that we lived thru back then.
After all these years I continue to remember and think about Ron Dinwiddle. I came to know him well and had some sense of his inner turmoil. Most of this was caused by the bullying he experienced at school and I remember doing what I could do to protect him from that, but it wasn't much. I have wondered what I might have done to prevent his suicide and hope that the kind of bullying he so regularly experienced will no longer be tolerated. Peace to Ron's memory until the Resurrection Morning. Paul Harris
Ginger Rylander (Brei)
Ron Dinwiddie was the type of kid who was bullied - yes, that happened even way back in our generation. I got to know him a little when I was student director for the Jefferson Jr High 9th grade play. He was cast in a role perfect for him - wore a pith helmet & carried a butterfly net. Unfortunately, he thought everyone was laughing at him rather than at the character. Ultimately, he took his own life during our sophmore year. Sad story.
Janet Geiger (Currier)
I remember Ron too. I wish I had reached out to him more. What a loss.
Laura Bloomquist (Blomquist) (Hellman)
I really remember Ron. We were in a play together. Had something to do with the Melipius Umbellis Umbellis (a bird). Way sad!
Laura Bloomquist (Blomquist) (Hellman)
Nope! A butterfly! Not a bird.
Pearl Carlstrom (Knoll)
Ron was at my house for dancing parties while I was at East. He was a really nice kid. We were kind to him and he met a girl that he was fond of. I'm not sure if he went to the TV show (like Bandstand) that we had locally at WTVO for Coca Cola or not. We all had some good times back then. We all were surprised when we heard the tragic news. We did have some other teen deaths that we lived thru back then.
Paul Harris
After all these years I continue to remember and think about Ron Dinwiddle. I came to know him well and had some sense of his inner turmoil. Most of this was caused by the bullying he experienced at school and I remember doing what I could do to protect him from that, but it wasn't much. I have wondered what I might have done to prevent his suicide and hope that the kind of bullying he so regularly experienced will no longer be tolerated. Peace to Ron's memory until the Resurrection Morning. Paul Harris