Ronald Pyne

PYNE (Rockford) - Mr. Ronald Pyne, age 72, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2011. He grew up in Rockford where he delivered the Grand Rapids paper and at the age of 15 he worked as a custodian for the Silver Lake Country Club. Ron was a 1957 graduate of Rockford High School where he played baseball and basketball and also sang in the school choir. His dad bought Ron a Ukele when he was 14 and a guitar when he was 15. Ron was a self-taught guitar player who played with a group. He was a mechanic for all his life, but his heart was in music. His group, called the Rogue River Band (George Rollenhagen, Keith Eadie, Bill Ridley, and Ray VanderPanne and Ron) gave back to the Rockford area by performing at weddings, anniversaries, Halloween parties (dressed for the occasion), and charitable causes. Ron was adventurous and enjoyed road trips with his Harley, family camping trips, and fishing. He and Julie especially enjoyed their camper on Hardy Dam and excursions on their pontoon boat. Julie and Ron cared for one another and were a team based upon "togetherness." Ron is survived by his loving wife, Julie whom he married on May 8, 1959; children, Scott and Tina Pyne of Pierson, Lisa Bennett of Cedar Springs, Lynnette Pyne of Rockford, and Jamie Pyne of Cedar Springs; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother and sisters, Mrs. Marion Anderson, Doreen McFall, H. E. "Jeep" Pyne; in-laws, Mrs. Carole Christensen, Ruth and Bill Plambeck; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Cheyanne, great grandson, Isaiah, his brothers, George and Clayton, and his sister, Eloise Maple. The service for Ron will be Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home. Interment in Rockford Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the needs of Ron's family. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com