My Dad was born in South Milwaukee, WI on September 25, 1950 and unexpectedly passed away on March 2, 2008 of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. He passed away peacefully at his home during his usual morning run on the treadmill. He dedicated his life to health and exercise in a quest to live a long life, as his father passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at age 49. He was an accomplished athlete in high school and a dedicated runner in his adult life, completing several marathons and countless 5K races in his 30s & 40s.
My Dad’s other passion was his family. Dad married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, in 1973. They were to be married 35 years this past April. I was born in 1975, and quickly became my Dad’s best friend. The feeling was mutual, as my Dad was my best friend, mentor and role model. He loved his grandchildren, as well. He had a soft spot for Abby, 2, his first grandchild. Abby called him Papa and my Dad loved spending time with her. My Dad never had a chance to meet his 2nd grandchild, Maxwell Kenneth, who was born on June 14, 2008.
Dad was also a valued employee of Guidant/Boston Scientific. He held various sales, training, and sales management positions throughout his 26 year career. He built many relationships along the way, counting his colleagues as some of his best friends. My Dad retired from Boston Scientific in May, 2007. He was looking forward to this new stage in his life and was excited to spend time with his grandchildren, travel with my Mom, and golf at North Oaks Country Club.
My Dad was an amazing man and I miss him very much. He lived life to the fullest, valuing family above all else. He was the life of any party and was a great Dad and friend.
2 responses so far ↓
Ron Borgschulte // March 12, 2009 at 2:21 am |
I wanted to share my favorite Ken Rome story. As my Area Director,Ken flew into St. Louis one day for a field visit and told me, a sales rep, that I could take him anywhere I wanted to see anyone I wanted.
Little did he realize that before the day was complete I would drive him 80 miles outside of St. Louis to Cuba, Mo. to meet with two hayseed physicians for dinner at a place called the Feed Lot! The bar stools were made from John Deere tractor seats and the walls were lined with stuffed heads form every animal that ever ‘romed’ the earth.
Ken ordered the most expensive meal on the menu – BBQ pork ribs, fries, and cold beer! It was a night to remember.
The next day about mid-morning I received a call from Ken. He said, “Borgschulte, what was the name of that restaurant you dragged me to last night – the Weed and Feed? I swear that meal I ate hasn’t moved an inch!
Everytime I hear Ken’s name mentioned I tell this story. It’s perfect Ken. God I miss him…
Phil Jacobs // July 11, 2009 at 8:43 pm |
I grew up in South Milwaukee and moved away in 1976. But My passion as a young kid was baseball and I still remember Ken Rome as my coach while playing on the JV baseball squad and in the “stars of tomorow” league. Ken was an exceptional coach, mentor and motivator. I learned alot about things besides baseball from him. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was a great role model for me, I never got the chance to say “thanks” to him for the time he spent working with us kids back then– he was an exceptional coach and always gave it his best , he would expect the best efforts from each of us, I remember making an error on the field at second base once and his response was just to encourage me to forget about it, make the play next time and maybe I’d get a chance to make it up at the plate. I did manage to get a hit later in the game but he taught me a valuable lesson there and that was to always look forward to what you can do and not to beat yourself or anyone else up for a mistake because that isn’t what teamwork is about. That was over thirty years ago and i remember Ken rome as a great influence in my life.