Ron Artis
Today, 19 Dec 2010, I attended the Memorial Service for Ron Artis. An American patriot who served his country in the United States Navy, a loving husband and father, an amazing musician and artist in every sense of the word. Ron was a good friend of the Hawaii Military Surfing Organization and enjoyed the times that we HMSO club members would stop by his Haleiwa home “Resurrection City” and visit with him and his family. Ron always had a smile on his face and generously gave of his time to say hello.
The Trinity Missionary Baptist Church was filled with family and friends for the Memorial Service. Military Servicemen were dressed in uniform to show their support for Ron’s service to his country. Ron was a very proud American.
As I sat with Johnny Moore (Strong Current & Grass Skirt Grill) we were treated to some wonderful music featuring Soul, Blues, and Reggae performed by Ron’s children from the Ron Artis Family Band. As the music was being played I recalled very cool memories of taking my son’s Tommy & Scott and other family and friends from the mainland to Haleiwa to watch Ron and his kids play all varieties of music. Those kids are just dripping with talent… Ron was always up front on the keyboards having a great time and proudly orchestrating the whole affair. I also really enjoyed how Ron and his wife Victoria made us feel like part of their family while we visited with them. He would always talk story with us and give us a walk through the gallery of all of the different kinds of art that is featured on the grounds. We are surfers so naturally his resurrected surfboard creations are some of our favorites.
Ron’s son Ron “RA2” performed as Master of Ceremony for the Memorial Service. Ron was superb with how well he handled himself and how much true love and respect he has for his father. The next speaker was Navy Master Chief Earl Gray who spoke kind words about his long friendship with Ron. Then the Reverend Dr. Dwight E. Cole brought a very spiritual message to the service. Ron’s son Victor stepped up to the podium and gave a very moving account of his life with his father and how Ron was extremely instrumental in providing the light and the guidance for Victor to move forward with his life. Finally it was time for Victoria to bring the ceremony to a close. With all of the grace and dignity in her soul she told the story of the day that Ron left this Earth to as she puts it to “return to his creator”. As Victoria was speaking the rain started to really come down hard outside. At that point Victoria began to sing a song with the children performing and singing backup vocals behind her. It was a very moving experience.
Ron Artis was a wonderful musician, artist, spiritual force of nature, and good friend.
His lasting Masterpiece is the loving family that he and Victoria have created together.
I am very fortunate to have known Ron in this life. “Art…is” everywhere in Hawaii…
Tom McClain
