Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ron Richard article in High Plains Review


A wonderful article about Ron Richard was published in the July 23 issue of The High Plains Reader. You can read it online at:




or below:



by Alice Christianson

Instead of a column about vegan food, I want to honor the memory of Ron Richard. He died June 18, after complications from a bicycle accident. Ron was born and raised in Fargo and returned here in 2006. He started the vegan/vegetarian group called FM Veg.

Here are typical comments that FM Veg folks wrote about Ron: “One of the kindest, most genuine souls I’ve ever met. He had the vision, energy and passion to start FM Veg. So very grateful for getting to know him. A kindred spirit to many of us. Kind heart, good humor, ability to draw people out in conversation. Good cheer and jovial nature. Because of him and what he started I’ve enjoyed several years of potlucks and outings; I have met many wonderful people and created lasting friendships. Love of good veg food and desire for camaraderie. Kind and gentle spirit. Lover of life. Brought peace and joy to our times together.”

One person shared a quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life”: “Each one’s life touches so many other lives. When they aren’t around they leave an awful hole.”

Ron was an ardent environmentalist and understood that the best way to be a good steward of our planet was to live simply and to eat a plant-based diet. He also was a peace maker. He understood that to promote peace went way beyond protesting war. Peace means that there is worth to all life, not just human life. This was another important reason that he was vegan.

If everyone were that careful about the value and dignity of our fellow sentient beings, we would not have wars. Ron also understood that there are large numbers of pets that are euthanized every year because no one wants them, and he welcomed rescue/shelter animals into his home.

Ron’s request for a lasting and joyful memorial would be to adopt and promote a vegetarian lifestyle. Thanks to him, FM Veg will continue to be a resource to anyone in this area who is interested in a vegan/vegetarian diet. I am reminded of a quote from Norman Cousins: “Nothing is more powerful than an individual acting out of his conscience, thus helping to bring the collective conscience to life.”

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