Ron Joranko.
Just before Groundhog Weekend 2008, our original Grandhog, Ron Joranko, passed away in Cleveland. Although Ron had retired from his position several years ago, the lasting influence he had on the Fraternal Order of the Groundhog. We talked a little bit about Ron at this year’s reduction, but I thought it would be great to have a permanent place to record our thoughts and memories.
And that place is here.
In the comment space below, write whatever you think is appropriate. It may take a while to show up — I review each entry, just to make sure it’s not from someone who wants to sell us Viagra — but once it’s there, it’s there forever. I’ll get things started with my own comment and you can take it from there.
Thanks for your help — Mikehog.
February 5, 2008 at 2:54 pm
In a way, Ron was sort of the embodiment of the FOG — he was smart but scatterbrained, and he had a finely honed sense of fun. He was an artist, and loved both showing off and discussing his craft with the artistically inclined members of the group; he was also inquisitive, and never failed to ask about your job, your kids, your interests. To those experiencing the FOG for the first time, Ron could be a bit mystifying, but he was also one of the people who never failed to made a newcomer feel welcome.
That’s what he did for me, anyway. The whole Groundhog thing can be kind of baffling for a newcomer, but I did my best to jump in. The best thing I did back in 1983 was my initial hat — the green mesh baseball hat with about a bushel of carrots and greens wired to the top. After Reduction, Ron told me I had put together the finest hat he had ever seen from a pledge; he also said I’d get along in the group just fine.
February 6, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I had only 2 weekends to meet with Ron – and at first – I couldn’t tell who the Grandhog was – my pledge weekend was a bit scrambled – I was really clueless (my sponsor, ur the current Grandhog, decided not to tell me anything – just show up – some family farm / house outside of Mandsfield) – and before the evening reduction – no real clues were given – but I clearly remember –
His furry feet – pounding down those stairs – giving his State of the Burrow – it was a living art that few can match – ending with ’3 yards and a pile of dust’ – well, who couldn’t be captivated. So, my actual pledge performance, be it the quiz score or lack of general groundhog knowledge, was not one that legends will be made, but that was okay – Ron was gracious – not just during the ceremonies, but on Sunday as well – insightful, quite, and thoughtful – I’d say that he had a great sense of balance in life- one that we all should strive for.
January 8, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Nice to read these coming up on the one-year anniversary of my Dad’s death last January 24th.
The spirit does live on…and his is in all those he touched. Thanks much.
Gillie (Ron’s daughter, and an original groundhog)
January 20, 2011 at 11:58 am
Thanks all for your kind words on my Dad. He lives on through his art and in our collective memories. Hope all is well with the hogs. My son Charlie, age 9, should be ready for reduction soon. Need to work on the secret handshake.
Dave