Ronald Rhatigan

Rhatigan Ronald John, age 51, of Covington, KY passed away May 1, 2015 at the Residence at Salem Woods Nursing Home, Cincinnati, after a long battle with Cancer. Never constrained by convention, Ron was able to plan and attend his own memorial ceremony. Under the direction of his trusted friend and faith healer, Barbara Clark, Ron was present while stories were told of his unique life and his unique perspective on it. Friends and family members recounted how Ron always experienced joy in living, even as he struggle against some of its injustice. He relished pushing boundaries: rock climbing, running, skiing, camping, cycling and arguing. Ron had a life-long interest in history, both international and local. He always provided new insight into historical events, questioning, as he turned on the History Channel, \"I wonder who will win the Battle of The Bulge this year?\" It was observed that \"he never met anybody not know\", and he never forgot anybody's story. Even during his last days, while he was suffering the ravages of cancer, his first question would concern a niece's cross country race, a nephew's college experience, a sibling's vacation, or the life lessons of a friend from high school. He was rewarded by helping others and was able to disregard his own pain as he cared for his ailing mother, Lynn Rhatigan, during her last years and days. Too sick to eat, he enjoyed preparing elaborate meals for his nieces and nephews, and shared their enthusiasm as they took pleasure in the world he knew he was leaving behind. Even in his last days, during a walk through the woods he loved so well, where his companion perceived noxious weed, Ron saw the beauty and limitless possibility of a flower. Ron like Gatsby, \"believed in that green light, that year by year recedes before us. It eluded him, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther...And one fine morning...So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back carelessly into the past\". Ron was born on June 13, 1963 in New York City. He graduated from Turpin High School in Anderson Township, attended Indiana University and received his BS from Xavier University. He is survived by his father, Ray Rhatigan of Anderson Township, three brothers: Deron Dawson of Peachtree City, GA, Raymond Rhatigan Jr. of Newton, MA, Robert Rhatigan of Highlands Ranch, CO, his sisters: Kerry Padjen of Anderson Township and Kim Fogarty of Westlake, OH, his nieces and nephews: Ryan, Anna, William, Kaleigh, Kathryn, Connor Brady and his good friends Tara, Braydon and Charlie. Ron was preceded in death by both his mothers, Mary Margaret(Jesselson)Rhatigan, and Marilyn Lee(Van Buskirk)Rhatigan. A celebration of Ron's life has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, Inter Parish Ministry in Newtown, OH, Heartland Hospice Services of Cincinnati or St. Elizabeth Hospice. Ron's family would like to express their gratitude to all of those who helped Ron during his courageous battle with cancer. Your care and affection for Ron will never be forgotten. T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home serving the family.