We were honored and blessed to know him / Mary Ku Wehmeier (Student, Friend, Coach, Judge ) First off, I second Jim in thanking Jessica for creating this wonderful Memorial site for us to share in Ron's passing. With the skating family spread all over the world, it was a lovely idea to give us a central place to express our memories and grief together. I've been happy to see the number of both new and old skaters and friends who have dropped by to remember Ron. No doubt as time passes and we spread the word, people will be able to continue to drop by and post their memories.
The news came to me last Monday morning that Ron had passed away, and it came as a shock. For a couple days I was unable to talk about it. It was nearly impossible for me to wrap my head around the concept that Ron was gone. In good times and bad, (and we had a few of each,) Ronnie was always there with his unique brand of humor and honesty. For the past week I have been flooded with memories of Ron, lessons learned and guidance given about skating, judging and life in general throughout my life. You see, like several others who have posted here, I have known Ron Jellse over 40 years, and first met him and his mother, (who owned Fernwood in Peoria, IL,) when I was 7 or 8 years old when he came to our rink in Milan, IL to teach.
Ron was the first skating teacher I ever knew who auditioned students for his limited teaching slots, traveled to various rinks throughout the Midwest's Great Lakes Region to teach his students and had students travel for lessons. His knowledge of the entire sport of skating (both roller and ice,) were unsurpassed by anyone I encountered and his cutting edge influence on technique, equipment and teaching styles affected coaches and skaters not only in the USA, but around the world. He demanded all of his students keep notes on lessons, and log practice times and note problems. He always made sure his students were really prepared, down to the rhinestones on your costume. Ron demanded his students get good grades in school and dress up for meets. So we were always on our best behavior. In turn, just being one of Ron Jellse's students opened doors-- but it also came with a lot of responsibilities which every one of his skater took seriously whether you were skating for him at the time or not.
Skating was then as it is now a very small world where your reputation is everything.
When I was about 14, I had to stop skating for an extended time due to an injury, it was Ron who took me aside and reminded me I could always come back to skating. Ron encouraged me to direct my energies toward my studies during my recovery and stay in shape. During my four year rehab', I thought like most mindless teenagers that Ron had forgotten me, but when I won the International Science and Engineering Fair and the National Science Foundation Scholarship, he sent me a note of congratulations as heartfelt as if I'd won Nationals, saying he was happy I'd done so well-- along with a copy of the newspaper article. I was both shocked and thrilled he cared so much.
After I returned to skating and I attended many of Ron's seminars. He always took a moment to say hello and catch up. I always sandwiched in a lesson before or after the seminar classes if we could find the time. I found his marriage to Nancy had mellowed him for the better and the joy he found in teaching had returned. He always shared his knowledge to everyone in his seminars and made sure no question was left unanswered. Ron was and always will be the Master of Artistic Skating.
Ron enjoyed using laughter to teach, with that mischievous grin that could take you by total surprise. More than one time I remember he grabbed me to demonstrate something or another, because I was the closest target. "Come here Mary Lu! I know how you skate." Then he would proceed into the most exaggerated, wacky postures to show the wrong way, as I was supposed to hang on for dear life trying to do it right, as the group broke into laughter-- the lesson was learned and never forgotten.
While I have been coached by several people over the years, few have ever come close to the Ron's knowledge and ability to pass along the joy of skating to his students. His ability to recharge and redirect my focus was unlike anyone else.
A while back I spoke with Ron about the where Artistic Skating was headed, what was happening in Figure Skating, and his guidance in if I should come back and skate. He calmly reminded me of my solid background and he encouraged me. But he also reminded me I should do when I was ready. When we parted, I felt I'd gotten the right answer and felt positive about talking to him. That was the last time we spoke. I think it's time I get back to business and finding my joy.
My heartfelt sympathies go to Nancy, Shawn and Roxanne. Thank you for sharing him with all of us, especially now in your time of loss. We know you miss him beyond words. But we miss him too. Together we can grieve and out of that grief grow stronger together knowing Ron would have wanted all of us to carry on in the sport he loved so much.
It truly was an honor and blessing to know him. God Bless--
Mary Lu Wehmeier Diamond Bar, CA
hellomarylu.com
You were there~ / David Ellender (Student) Ron, we didn't see you at practice on Sunday. And, we didn't hear the familiar "Hi guys's, how you doing" when we walked in the door. But, you were there ~ first, in the discipline you instilled in your students. The rink was full of skaters practicing, focused and concentrating. A few might have looked around, at first, for that reassuring eye - but, they knew what to do and continued working. And, you were there every time one of your students stopped to help another -- Your legacy lives on in your students. Thanks for the oportunity to work with you.
Vision in my memories... / Nancy Phillips (Student) Mr. Ron, to love what you do, and feel that it matters. How could anything else be more fun, you were blessed to live your life having fun. As a skater, it was a spectacular sight to witness you in action at a National's...You standing in one corner, in another corner stood Bob Labriola, and in another corner stood John Viola, each tweeking their individual skaters in a final event... you were a master of always knowing the "one thing" to say to get your skater to perform at their best in order for them to feel and skate like a Champion~ I'm forever blessed to carry that vision in my memories~
Judge's Panel Advisor & Teacher / Louise Silver (friend)
It was an honor and privllege to know Ron Jellse. These past several years it was great to have him available to assist me in teaching judge's panel. Over the years I have used his figure book as a teaching base. What a wealth of knowledge in that book!
To Nancy and the family I extend my condolences. I know how much you will miss him. God has a plan of each of us. Know that the plan was the best plan for Ron. Close
A magical Coach, Friend and Mentor / Al Young Read >>
A magical Coach, Friend and Mentor / Al Young
Sometimes in life you meet someone you instinctively know is special. I had that honor 1- 1/2 years ago. I have never known a more energized person or one that could keep going like Ron. He was the ultimate mentor and teacher. He could give a figure or loop lesson and have another student shoot past him in a dance practice doing 90 miles an hour. Never missing a beat, Ron would call out, "Bend your knees", to the dance student, while never missing anything concerned with the figure or loop lesson. He knew where everyone was and what they were doing. I don't know how, but he did.
To get a point across about posture, Ron would sometimes strike exaggerated poses on one skate. And it always worked. And I laughed everytime he did it, because I knew I was watching brilliance at work. Those humorous poses worked every time. His students couldn't forget the image he had just given them.
He also knew the capability of each student and would not let them skate below that. My daughter came away from a couple lessons in tears. When I'd ask, "Do you know why Mr Ron was harsh?" She always said, "Because I can do better." And she went back to try again. And when Ron clapped or said "Yes,That's it", she came off beaming, because she knew she had done her best.
The best had just told her so.
She now understands Ron's comment of "Yes, now just do that 888 million more times and you'll have it."
Mr. Ron. THANK YOU for fostering values such as Courage, Confidence, Hard Work, Dedication and Focus. We could not have chosen a greater mentor and teacher. You have helped give her a foundation of positive values that will take her through the rest of her life.
She will be a better person, as we all will, for having known you.
Heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the family. Close
A GENTLEMAN AND FRIEND / BILLY MASTRIANO (FRIENDS FOREVER )
RON WAS A GREAT COACH,FRIEND.MENTOR AND A GREAT LOSS TO OUR SPORT,HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED,EVERYTIME I SPOKE TO HIM HE WAS ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN AND HE AND I ALWAYS WOULD JOKE ABOUT SOMETHING.SORRY TO ALL HIS FAMILY,AND HIS SKATERS LOVE BILLY Close
Another tragic loss for our family / Peck Family ((like family) )Read >>
Another tragic loss for our family / Peck Family ((like family) )
Is has been a rough time losing our son and now Johns 2nd father. And Tony's friend and coach. A couple weeks ago Ron told John that if he left this world before us he would check on Kyle for us. I am sure he did.And tell him how much we love and miss him. We would laugh because each year Ron would say. HEY have Tony stay down here for the summer with us.Ron had been staying here in Chicago alot this year. And was supposed to be here last wed.But he had left us.Our family will miss him terribly.RIP and please take care of our beloved son. Close
Ron Jellse, I wished I could have known him better / David Hutchinson (Acquaintence)
My family and I took a trip to Orlando to visit Disney World. We had taken extended family with us so I wasn't up to touring Disney with push carriage babies in tow. I dropped them off and toured the area in peace. My daughter, Kiana Hutchinson, had started competing at that time and was on her way as a competitive skater. I really missed my home rink in Odenton, Maryland, Wheels. I scoured the area for a rink, just to capture the smell of the wooden floor and found Skate Reflections. Amongst the skate gods mentioned routinely by our coach, Dee Cooke, was Ron Jellse. I stopped in and Ron was there giving a lesson. He was kindly engaging when i introduced myself and he even spent a few minutes to chat. He invited Kiana to come and practice but she was at Disney of course. It was like meeting one of the living legends of skating. I regretted not getting a picture that day. Over the coming years we waved Hi and Bye in passing at Nationals and Donora and even at our Presidents Day meet if I'm not mistaken. We knew each other by sight. Recently at Donora I insisted on getting a picture of Ron with my daughter. I waited patiently until he finished his conversation with one of his compatriots for about 15 minutes. I'll bet he thought I was crazy but I took 3 pictures and gushed like a schoolboy. When I got the news I was shocked and disheartened. I had every intention of contacting Ron and have Kiana take a few lessons from one of the masters. I will pine for that lost opportunity. We need to cherish our keepers of the flame. So look at your coaches and give them a hug and keep a great sport expanding. My props to the veterans, masters, esquires and novices for it is with them my pride runs deepest. Close
The Williamson Family had the pleasure of making Mr. Jellse's acquaintance just one year ago in Donora, PA. My daughter, Emily, & my son, Andrew, have been passionately involved in competitive artistic roller skating for 10 years now. [My, how time flies.] We live in Rhode Island [a.k.a. "Little Rhody"] Our journey to Mr. Ron followed a "long and winding road"...beginning at RollerMagic [formerly Riverdale] in Warwick, RI...to Silver City in Taunton, MA...to "Outof-Region" competitions.
Since the kids' coaches were unable to attend the Donora invitational last year, they advised us to contact Mr. Jellse to ask if he would consider coaching them in their events. Without a moments' hesitation (having never heard of the Williamsons from the Northeast Region), Mr. Jellse agreed to help us out! The rest (as they say) is history.
Immediately, Emily & Andrew liked and respected Mr. Jellse. His sound instruction, benign guidance, and and positve attitude were infectious. As the "RollerMama", I felt surprisingly comfortable releasing my children to the care of this gentleman.
This year, as the Valley Invitational rolled around [no pun intended], we once again required the services of Mr. Jellse. At the proverbial 11th-Hour, I placed a roller-urgent, long-distance phone-call to Florida. "Ahh, yes"...he remembered me and my children. He would gladly coach Emily at Donora.
Mr. Ron met us at the official practice. We spent a few precious moments together (just the two of us), as he joined me at my table for a cup of coffee. He told me that he liked Emily & Andrew. They were good skaters. I told Mr. Ron that Emily & Andrew liked and respected him. We shared a few chuckles about all the RollerDrama. As a matter of fact, Mr. Ron laughed sooo hard that he almost...almost...blew that first sip of freshly-brewed, hot rink-coffee (black as I recall) right out his nose!
Who would have guessed that only one week later, Mr. Ron would no longer be with us?! We were shocked and dismayed at the sad news. My daughter, Emily, (who had already returned to Wheaton College) was particularly upset. Losses are hard for all of us...especially for the young people.
Ron Jellse will be sorely missed. He was a man of kindness, ethics, and integrity...a true role (that's ROLE, not ROLL) model for each and every one of us.
Simply, Thank You / Joe &. Marie DeLuca-Hart (Friends from National Capitol Skating Club )
Dear Ron, Both Marie and I will always remember the time while visiting Orlando several years ago, with her dad,now deceased,Paso Joe DeLuca,who tried to Skate at every rink in the USA. We came to your Rink,it was my first meeting,after introductions and while sitting at the snack area.You approached and asked, if I'd like to skate.I was without skates that day and very rusty. A few minutes later, you came back with some very nice skates,not rentals.While skating, your help was greatly appreciated as well. We all very much enjoyed the whole day there. Your extended kindness, warm welcome, and great smile, is what we will forever remember. You are truly, a Champion among the Champions. Close
Heaven has a true winner now God Bless YOU RON...You are forever in the arms of the angels now...Love from the Jersey Girls... friends of Angel Mark Fearon((XOOX))
A sad loss / Lona Dennis (Skater)
I'm truly blessed to have known such a unique and special person. Ron's love for our sport was immeasurable. I will always treasure the moments I was fortunate enough to share with him.
Nancy, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron, You will always live on in the hearts of your skating family.
The Loss of a Wonderful Person / Al &. Pat DuPont (Skating Friends )Read >>
The Loss of a Wonderful Person / Al &. Pat DuPont (Skating Friends )
Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Nancy, your children, your family. We will all miss our wonderful friend, your husband and father of your children, but not nearly so much as you will. With deepest sympathy, we say good-bye to Ron. He'll remain in our hearts forever.
I will miss you / Sarah Baldwin (My coach and friend )
I feel like I have known you my whole life. Through these past couple months you taught me so much and that will remain with me forever. You were the heart of roller skating and you will never be forgotten. I have never seen anyone with more spirit or love for the sport. I remember the last thing you said to me. "Sarah, don't loose patience with yourself." I will never forget you or the things you have taught me. Miss you- Sarah~
Wonderful coach and friend / Tony DiPietro (Friend)
I met Ron when I was beginning to coach. I was from the USARSA but Ron was always willing to share his knowledge.When I was working for AT&T, I visited Cincinnatti often on business and Ron would always let me practice and help me. He was truly one of the great Coaches and elevated the sport to a higher level with his unselfish demeanor. He always had a hello and a friendly way about him. He will be missed. Close
WHO WILL HELP ME TAKE OVER ESQUIRE FIGURES NOW? / Thomas Delorenzo (Skating Friend )Read >>
WHO WILL HELP ME TAKE OVER ESQUIRE FIGURES NOW? / Thomas Delorenzo (Skating Friend )
A TRUE GREAT IS GONE -- HE WILL MISSED BY MANY MANY PEOPLE. Close
A great man is missed. / John Cawly (Friend)Read >>
A great man is missed. / John Cawly (Friend)
I have known Ron nearly 40 years, and in all that time, Ron was the consumate professional; he loved the sport; he loved the skaters; he lived and breathed roller skating. There is no individual that has the knowledge that Ron did.
Ron was a great man, and already there is a profound lonliness in the collective soul of our skating family. Ron had a special enthusiam and love for the sport that was unriveled. It is indeed a blessing that he passed silently is his sleep, continuing to his dying day the activity that he loved so much and made so thoroughly a part of his life. The entire skating community is mourning his loss. Close
Legend of the Sport / Burton Powley (skater & coach )
I attended many seminars that Ron was a seminar leader in, and his genuine love for coaching and unselfish sharing of his knowledge in the sport is unpararelled. The sport of roller skating has truly lost one of the masters of the sport. The best tribute to Ron is that many of his curent and former students will carry his legacy of skating techique to the next generation of skaters. Close
Tributes and Condolences
Heaven has a true winner now God Bless YOU RON...You are forever in the arms of the angels now...Love from the Jersey Girls... friends of Angel Mark Fearon((XOOX))
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