BIDDEFORD — Ronny Thomas Kadlec, 71, of Biddeford, passed away on May 15, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
Born Oct. 14, 1943 in Biddeford, he attended Old Orchard Beach High School.
Ron was preceded in death by: his mother, Lela Anderson; father, Charles Anderson; and brother, Richard Lawrence Kadlec.
He is survived by: his beloved cat, Tiki; his trusty crutch, Henry; his sisters and their husbands, Kathryn Dolby (Byron), Patty Buffum (Dick) and Jackie Allen (David); along with his son, Christopher Kadlec; daughter, Lorie Allen; grandchildren, Richard Strayer, and Amanda Strayer; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Against all odds, Ron led an interesting and versatile life. Afflicted by polio at the age of two, the doctors said he would not live past 30. When everyone else told him he couldn’t do something, he said, “Oh yeah!”
“You’ll never ride a bicycle,” but he did. “You can’t drive a car,” but he did. “You’ll never get your lifesaving certificate,” but he did and more: a scuba diving license. Certified as an EMT, he started an ambulance service in Lisbon Falls and worked as a police dispatcher.
Known as the “singing dispatcher,” he gave up his job to devote himself to his first love, music.
As an accomplished musician, he released his first album, “Brace Yourself,” on the Tiki label.
Inspired by Bob Ross, Ron taught himself to paint with an emphasis on landscapes, lighthouses and flowers; winning his first entry in the Portland Sidewalk Art Festival.
Ron had such an incredible sense of humor; his favorite saying was always, “That’s about as funny as a rubber crutch in a Polio ward.”
The family wants to thank Southern Maine Health Care and EIM for their wonderful, loving and compassionate care for Ron and support for the family. His doctors were so impressed with his will to live, and were amazed he could get as much out of THAT body as anyone could. Ron will be missed but remembered by many.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
Shed not a tear in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little, but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
But remember the love that once was shared
Miss me … But let me go.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26 from 10-11 a.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial in the family lot will be at Scarborough Memorial Cemetery, Scarborough.
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