Watch our video to learn more about Ron's legacy.
Ron and his wife Annette spent their lives dedicated to the service of others. They pioneered the Family Home Program for Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, a community dedicated to the care and guidance of boys and girls with a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and academic issues.
In 2003, Ron and Annette, looking for a way to continue to serve others, began as Resident Managers at the newly built Walnut Grove community in Omaha, Nebraska. Serving seniors was an incredibly good fit for them and they continued with RLC as Marketers at Maple Ridge, our third community, and finally as Resident Managers again at Riverstone in Kansas City, Missouri.
While at Riverstone, Ron was diagnosed with throat cancer. While the initial prognosis was encouraging, it quickly became apparent that his life on earth would be cut short by the disease. True to his joyful spirit, he and Annette hosted a "Ron Voyage" party to celebrate Ron's life. It was his desire to see and catch up with family and friends before he passed. There was an amazing turnout, including those who had grown up in Boys Town under the positive influence of the pair. Ron died in August 2011.
At Resort Lifestyle Communities, we deeply respect, honor, and appreciate the wonderful things that Ron meant to our residents and to the company. His daily commitment and selfless efforts resulted in an incredibly happy place for our residents and produced an endless string of 'family' relationships in his community. He and his wife Annette epitomized the attitude and character that we look for in every employee.
In an effort to memorialize Ron's contribution to our family, and to help carry forward his encouraging spirit, we have named an annual award in his honor. The Ron Herron Service from the Heart Award is given each year to recognize employees who have provided truly outstanding service to our residents through the course of the year. The award will honor employees who exemplify in every way the spirit and approach that was demonstrated by Ron Herron himself.
Each year, colleagues and residents in our communities nominate employees who demonstrate the kindness, dedication, and passion that Ron exemplified. We then surprise the winners with a ceremony and throw them a really good party. Their pictures and resident testimonies are below.
