Thoughts of Ron / Ellen Petuck (Former Skater ) I am only now reading of Ron's passing. I find myself suddenly taken back to the late 60s-early70s, skating against his great skaters, like Jane, and so many others over the years. To me, Ron was the ultimate in coaches... someone I could have only hoped to skate for. He displayed the ultimate in class and sportsmanship to so many over the years. This is truly a loss to the sport and to the world. To his family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron Jellse Memorial Tree / Irene Johnson (Student) Dear Ron, Today the Reflections Club, parents, and your dear friend John Peck gathered outside our rink near a maglolia tree we planted to remember your life. As we gathered around the newly planted tree, we all held a cup of soil. Each of us took our turn to pour the soil over the base of the tree and talk to the others about what you meant to us. We all cried, Ron, we all miss you so. Bob has been designated to tend the needs of the tree to enable it to grow. He's working with all of us to prepare for Nationals. You'd be so proud of what Bob is accomplishing with the knowledge you passed on to him. I'm sure as each of us stands in the "pit" this Nationals, we will all bow our heads and say a prayer of thanks for all you've given to each of us. We miss you, Ron. Love, Irene
Mr. Ron's method of persuading other's... / Nancy Phillips (Student) took patience and endurance. No time are we more reminded of that than between Regional's and National's, when Mr. Ron always expected everyone, child or adult to practice, practice, practice.
Mr. Ron you would be so proud of Bob Dalton who has stepped up to the plate sharing his volumns of knowledge that you taught and instilled in him, on the expertise of being a first class dance coach. You would approve of all that he and your Nancy have done...and yes, those "grueling" fundemental classes are still going!
Recently I was reminded what Mr. Ron had told me, around this time last season. Be clear in your own mind about exactly what you're after. Practice, practice, practice, so that you are fully prepared under any conditions that are presented before you. Be persistent in your goals. Enjoy what you are doing. Keep your sense of humor and never take yourself too seriously. Thank you and Peace ~
The Gift / Joe Hart (Just A Friend )
Dear Nancy,Roxanne Shaun, I visit Ron's Memorial often.. It simply tells a Story. A story of love,friendships and of a very kind and caring man. The Man Ron Jellse..
He gave himself to all,not with jewels,money,ect. But his kindness,knowledge,friendship and most important his Precious Smile.It's worth Millions. He would want none of us to be sad,not a single one of us.But to smile and carry on in his Fashion.The torch has been handed down.It But must be kept lite. The Stars have came out. It was a thrill to sit and watch Ron coach at Donora and Nationals. As all the Coaches. But Nancy, when he returned to the seats.Thats when he smiled "The Absolute Most". He would sit beside you. I know,I was there, Across The Rink. He had what i was told by a friend,"The Gift' Thank you Jellse Family for sharing with all of us. Close
A VERY WARM AND CARING MAN / Tony Criscuoli (Photographer in NPR. )Read >>
A VERY WARM AND CARING MAN / Tony Criscuoli (Photographer in NPR. )
I am honored to have photographed Ron and Nancy, giving instruction to his students , In the past years at the rink in New Port Richey, i have heard nothing but positive input to his students . A very nice man. He will be missed.
You are Missed / Irene Johnson (Student)
Dear Ron,
It's been a month since you left us. There is such a void in our rink with you gone. It's like we keep waiting for you to walk in the door. You would be so proud of all your skaters. The Reflections Club is hard at work getting ready for Regionals. I watched Nancy and Bob teach your group "push" class this morning. Just wanted you to know we didn't get out of doing those dreaded exercises! It was great to have Petra teaching the figure skaters this week. We know how you liked to bring in other coaches for a different look at your students. That always amazed me, that you had no ego, just wanted the best for all your students, whatever it took. Know that you are in our hearts, always and forever. Love, Irene Close
The Coach I so admired and respected / Karola Stickler Conner (Student)
Ron has coached me for the past 8 years. Even though I was not always a competitive skater, he didn't teach me less. He just could not. I will forever hold his words of teaching in my heart. Just as I was getting ready to leave for Germany I took one last look at my e-mails, when I had the heartbreaking news of his passing. My heart was aching for his wife Nancy and his children, as well as the skating world. I has hurt because I could not be there to thank him one last time. I will miss him forever. Close
Sending my condolences. / Kathy Frombach (Admiring Skater )Read >>
Sending my condolences. / Kathy Frombach (Admiring Skater )
I just wish to express my deepest sympathy to Ron's family and say that the skating world has suffered a deep loss. He was someone we could all look up to and admire. Even to those who didn't have him as a personal coach, he still touched us all with his presence. We should all aspire to his level of humanity. Close
Just Across The Rink. / Joe Hart (Friend)
One might say, I knew Ron, from a across The Rink. When I go to competitions, I watch the Coaches. Just across the Rink, they stand, and when you make the turn they smile,clap there hands or shout. But it' all those smiles that count, and only then i know they've done it right. This year, if I'm lucky, and make it to OMAHA.I'll look across the Rink, exactly where Ron would stand, and it will be my turn to smile.
So you see,I did no Ron, from just across the Rink.I felt his smile's. Close
Supreme Professional / Linda Miner (Friend)
Ron has been a friend for 50 years and there was no one more professional at their job than Ron. He always had something nice to say, and took the time to acknowledge everyone no matter who you were or how busy he was. I personally have never seen Ron be nasty to anyone. He always had a diplomatic way of handling any situation, even if he was not happy with it. If we all only had his knowledge of skating, psychology, and the world. He had a special presence to keep all situations calm and under control. The skating world will never quite be the same without him. I feel priviledged to have known Ron. God is now blessed with his presence and everyone at Donora will miss this great friend and educator.
Linda Shoup Miner Valley Skating Center Donora, PA Close
A HERO TO EVERYONE WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM / JESSICA NELSON--MILTON (FORMER STUDENT )Read >>
A HERO TO EVERYONE WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM / JESSICA NELSON--MILTON (FORMER STUDENT )
RON ALWAYS HAD A SAYING THAT HAS STUCK IN MY HEAD FOR EVER. NICKLES AND DIMES AD UP TO QUARTERS. HE WAS SO RIGHT. I WILL MISS YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF MY LIFE...
Your Club Rolls On / Irene Johson (Student)Read >>
Your Club Rolls On / Irene Johson (Student)
Dear Ron, As I turned on your memorial site this moring the song My Way was on and it reminded me of Dean Rosko playing it at Donora for my Carey Foxtrot. It was a beautiful song and as I looked up the floor and saw you on the wall motioning to me where to take the pattern, you were smiling at me and always encouraging. I'll never hear this song again without thinking of you. It was our last opportunity to work together. I will strive to remember those last key elements you told me that day that I must do to become a champion. But I was already a champion knowing you thought I skated well.
Every time I walk into the rink I look for you on Your set of figure circles. Some can't go near them. Some stand on them just to feel your essence. Some practice on them to "hear" you coach them through their drills. Your Club misses you, Ron. We are all skating in your memory this weekend at Semoran. We still have the need for you to be proud of us. We'll think of you smiling down on us. We'll hear your words in our heads and hold you in our hearts. With love, Irene.
Time Passes but Some Memories Will Remain Undimmed / Dave Vowell (former student )Read >>
Time Passes but Some Memories Will Remain Undimmed / Dave Vowell (former student )
It has been a great many years since I traveled to Elyria from Cincinnati every weekend to have the privilege of Ron's coaching. It has been even a longer time since I first met Nancy at the Huber Heights rink. Having been a teacher of high school English for over 20 years (my second career), I can say without reservation that the lessons I learned from Ron were not just about skating but about life as well. Ron helped prepare me well for both and for that I am and always will be truly thankful. It may sound trite but I am most assuredly a better person for having known him. Warm regards and condolences to Nancy and the family.
Thoughts from New Zealand / New Zealand
Our thoughts are with the family. Ron will be missed at the time when the Kiwis saw Ron at the World Championships.
Regards Bev Cooper MNZM Executive Office Skate New Zealand Close
To a Great Man / Shelley Gorczyca-Cudnik
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jellse family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Jellse was a wonderful man and an outstanding coach. Close
The Ultimate Professional / Bob Mock (Ice Skating Coach )Read >>
The Ultimate Professional / Bob Mock (Ice Skating Coach )
Ron was the ultimate Professional Skating Coach. My friendship with Ron has spanned many years and I was honored to know him as a great coach and as a great person. Ron is the shining example of what every Artistic and Figure (Ice) Skating coach should aspire to in their career. Ron's impact on the sport of skating has made our world a better place.
Bob Mock Professional Skaters Association Past President Close
Tributes and Condolences
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