09/10/2024
Rob Garner writing this, Publisher of Buddy Magazine. I don't even know how to put my personal thoughts of the loss of Ron into words.
It has been said that "who you are" is an amalgamation of the five people you are closest to. I talked and texted with Ron McKeown almost *every single day* for many, many years. Ron was there for me every day. The thing I remember the most right now is all the hysterical laughter we had. He was a funny guy, and our sense of humor meshed. He didn't have any children, and after his wife Linda's passing over five years ago, and we were family. Of all of my closest friends, I spoke with Ron the most.
While helping to create an exhibit of Ron's work for the Longhorn Ballroom, the historian told me that Ron captured the definitive photographic record of the Progressive country scene - or "outlaw country", as the Nashville powers-that-be ended up calling it - of the 70's in Texas.
Photographers no longer get the access he had, which is needed to capture the essence of a performer both on and off the stage. I've heard all his stories, and he had a hell of a ride. Of course, his legacy is not limited to that scene. He documented "everything music" in North Texas, through his photo work, and through the magazine.
But also arguably even more notable, was his work as a soldier and photojournalist for the Army in the Vietnam war. He received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in a combat zone, though he never talked about it publicly. He did not want to be confused with Bronze Star Medal of Valor recipients, out of respect for their sacrifices. He was a true patriot.
Ron had tasked me with carrying out his final business, and I am doing my best given some unexpected circumstances. He spent years giving me instructions on how he wanted things to go.
On behalf of all his friends - thousands of them - I visited the funeral home to ensure his wishes were completed, and visited his home the day after his passing. This was done for all of you. He donated his body to Southwestern Medical. I will continue to keep his work and legacy alive through the magazine, and through gallery exhibits, like the one we produced for the Honey Grove Library a couple of years ago (thank you again Mitzi).
Thanks to everyone who has reached out to me - it has meant a lot. If I can answer any specific questions, I am also here for you.
I will be on Maylee Thomas' Texas Homegrown Radio show next week, along with Lisa Dupre, and Jimmy Wallace, to talk about Ron's life and legacy.
In what can be considered an "ultimate gangster move" for a photographer, check out his short death announcement below. What you see is a professional photojournalist, who gets a photo credit, for his own obituary photo. It speaks to me from another dimension now.
RIP Ron McKeown
Photo by Ron McKeown It is with profound sadness and grief that we announce the loss of our dearest and most beloved friend, and Buddy Magazine Publisher Emeritus, Ron McKeown. He passed away yesterday afternoon at his home in Sulphur Springs of natural causes. At the urging of his friend and Buddy....
