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Ronnie Dyson was full of life. You could tell when he made statements such as
"only beautiful people listen to my internet radio station..."
...and it was on a cold winter night in Alberta when (the kids being away
teaching in Japan) the house was quiet. The stern winter wind reminded you
to stay indoors. And Patsy Cline sang sweet songs of yesterday from Ace, Texas
and yes, this was Internet Radio at its best.
So we began a dialogue via e.mail. I would write to Ronnie and he would in turn
announce that Sir John (he called me) and Lady Victoria (my wife) were wanting
to hear Ian Tyson singing SPRINGTIME IN ALBERTA or other requests. We
listened quietly up here way way north of Texas for that sweet voice of Ronnie to
introduce our song. And man what an introduction. What sweetness and warmth.
One day, turning on our internet radio, a different voice appeared. We were
shocked and wrote the station and found out that Ronnie Dyson (our cyber friend) had passed away. I sent along a rambling letter to the station about
this wonderful person (we had never met in person) and how his music,
his tone of voice and kindness...had warmed our home, many miles from Texas.
Whether listening to Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, or any of the greats
in country music, Ronnie just made it all special and made it as though this
song, this request was just for you. Just for you Sir John. And so in his passing
I still wear the now tattered t-shirt he had sent along embossed with
the Night Owl Show. And we shall always remember you Ronnie, and your
love. A true country gentleman.
And just as stars light up the sky, someone special can light up a life
and even when that person is gone we benefit always from that shining goodness. Bless you Ronnie Dyson, always....