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I heard from Ronnie Collin's daughter that he died last Sunday. It has been several years since Ronnie was a regular participant on this site. However, he was an early moderator and very active here at one time.
Ronnie was a GREAT guy. He lost some of his near lifelong interest in the banjo after a stroke robbed him of his ability to play about a decade ago. That is when he dropped off the BHO.
The last time I saw Ronnie was a few years ago at the home of a mutual friend, Judy Thompson (Widow of the late Bobby Thompson).
Ronnie was a very intelligent man and a fine banjo picker. He had a big heart!
RIP old friend!
Edited by - jbalch on 11/07/2022 17:50:33
Ronnie was a great guy and fun to pick with...he love that Thompson style melodic banjo. The first day we met we sat outside the gate at the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival and picked "If I only had a brain", to the crowds delight. Once while strolling the grounds at a festival these folks begged him to take his picture, they swore he was Popcorn Sutton...LOL! Pick a few in the Angel Band old buddy.
Never knew him, but I knew he was a big Bobby Thompson fan.
banjohangout.org/myhangout/home.asp?id=723
RIP.
Last night I tried to help Ronnie's daughter get in touch with Judy Thompson (Bobby's widow and Ronnie's good friend). We wanted to let her know about Ronnie's death.
We were got no answer on her phone, and reached out to Judy's son. He gave us the very sad news that Judy too passed away just a few days ago.
I know that some folks here remember Judy. She was an angel of mercy for Bobby as he lived with progressive M.S. and suffered the effects of complications including a stroke.
Edited by - jbalch on 11/08/2022 04:40:07
That was sad news. I had some chats with Ronnie hear on BHO and he was on my friend list. It was also sad to hear about Judy. She once was a member here, and was also on my friend list.
Here is a video with Ronnie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2au_AM4MxTw
Ronnie was a wonderful guy, and a big part of the Banjo Hangout community in the early days. His enthusiasm for Bobby Thompson's style was unequaled, of course, and I can remember the passion he brought to those early debates about who played melodic style first! Another old pal to mourn, seems to be happening with a lot more regularity these days.
quote:
Originally posted by jbalchI heard from Ronnie Collin's daughter that he died last Sunday. It has been several years since Ronnie was a regular participant on this site. However, he was an early moderator and very active here at one time.
Ronnie was a GREAT guy. He lost some of his near lifelong interest in the banjo after a stroke robbed him of his ability to play about a decade ago. That is when he dropped off the BHO.The last time I saw Ronnie was a few years ago at the home of a mutual friend, Judy Thompson (Widow of the late Bobby Thompson).
Ronnie was a very intelligent man and a fine banjo picker. He had a big heart!
RIP old friend!
So sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing . He was always so cheerful & a good banjo player too ! John --thanks for posting this--still think of you & your family & all of picking friends from that wonderful weekend at the Balch home :)
Love,
Mary Z & Bob too
Edited by - maryzcox on 11/09/2022 10:06:53
When I'd go up with Ronnie to visit Judy Thompson after Bobby passed, we would sit out on his front porch and pick a few, usually I'd play guitar and Ronnie would be on his beloved Vega Earl Scruggs model. Since Ronnie had a beard, and Bobby had a beard, whenever a neighbor would pass by they'd slow WAY down....we used to laugh thinking they might expect it was Bobby come back from the grave, or had just been hiding out.A few folks even came down the drive to listen. July in Franklin Tennessee 105 in the shade, but good times I'll cherish forever.
Thanks John for letting us know of Ronnie's passing. He was my first BHO member to meet in person and through him I was introduced to Bobby and Judy Thompson. He was an innovative picker, and from what little I could learn, must have led a very interesting life. I lost contact with him when he moved from Jackson to be with his daughter.
RIP my friend.
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