Ronald Harter, Jr.

Every tomorrow we face is yet to be written, and that is why it is so important to live each day like it was our last. Though Ronald Harter, Jr. could not have predicted the end of his life on earth, he made every day special for his family and filled each moment with the things that he loved. Working on old motors, riding his bike with his dad, or just sharing conversation with his mom are just a few of the ways in which Ronald found happiness. He was a real gentleman and he showed this everyday by being respectful towards others and giving all he could to doing his best. It is certain that he will be dearly missed by those who mourn him, but impossible to feel sorry for a man that was so alive. Near the halfway point between Ludington and Muskegon in western Michigan, just off of the US-31 highway, sits the small town of Shelby. And somewhere near Shelby is a mileage sign for the towns of New Era and Shelby that Shirley (Houghtaling) Harter will never forget. Though she tried to wait for her husband to arrive and tried to make it to the hospital in Shelby, it was there, by that mileage sign, in the front seat of her landlord's Plymouth that she gave birth to her son, Ronald, Jr. on April 27, 1961. Although all parents remember the birth of their children, the day of Ronald's birth was nothing short of remarkable. His father, Ronald, Sr., was working at a construction site in nearby Montague, while his mother was at home in labor. The couple's landlord called the site, but there simply wasn't time to wait. Ronald was ready to take on the world and there was nothing Shirley or her husband could do to stop him. From that day on, he took on the world, determined to conquer it. When he was seven months old, every time his parents put him in his crib, they couldn't figure out why he was crawling around on the floor when they came in to check on him. One day, they decided to spy on baby Ronald and discovered he was already climbing up, over, and down the side of his crib! When he was about nine years old, Ronald developed a passion for motors of any type or kind. That year, his father bought him his first bike, and it wasn't a ten-speed. Instead he was given an 80 Yamaha, similar to the 250 Yamaha his father rode. From that moment on, Ronald and his father rode their bikes together, building an unbreakable bond between father and son. One memorable ride they shared was from St. Thomas Church in Muskegon to Bridgeton, some 22 miles, accompanied by 23 bikes ridden by friends and family. In 1979, Ronald graduated from Orchard View High School, still ready to take on the world. Not long after graduation, he got married, but sadly his marriage lasted only seven years before ending in divorce. While Ronald may not have been lucky in love, he was fortunate enough to have a job he really loved. He had always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become a tool man. Once he had his diploma, Ronald was hired by G.E. Johnson Technology, the same company his father worked for. His father had a bit of a hand in getting him the job, but he made sure that his son would be working in a different area, so that they would never be in competition with one another. Ronald had been imparted with a strong work ethic and always gave one hundred and ten percent when it came to his job. As the years passed, Ronald's passion for motors never went away. From boat motors to snowmobile motors, he could repair, build, and replace motors of all shapes and sorts. Recently, he refurbished and completely restored a '68 Chevy pick-up truck that is still sitting in his parent's backyard. He also kept his older sister Vicki's bike in order and liked to go on rides with her whenever he got the chance. Over the years, Ronald logged more than 9,000 miles on his 80 Yamaha. Although he was generally considered to be a real man's man, Ronald had a soft spot for children and animals. He didn't have any of his own, but enjoyed being an uncle when his sister got married and started a family. He also liked to reconnect with his sister when she came into town for a visit. Perhaps a testament to the unconditional love and guidance his mother showed him while growing up, Ronald valued his family and enjoyed their company. The holidays were always a special time for him to spend with them, and he never forgot to show his appreciation to his mother on Mother's Day or his father on Father's Day. Three years ago, Ronald's father suffered a heart attack. He recovered, but was advised to follow a strict diet. Ronald made sure to look out for both of his parents and their diet so that they would remain strong and healthy. Even when he went out to eat with his father, he would only eat what his dad could eat and remind him of his dietary restrictions. Thanks in part to Ronald, his father's heart attack didn't claim his life, but Ronald was not as fortunate. On Friday, May 18th, Ronald passed away at the age of 46 from an unexpected heart attack or heart condition. He was a loving son, brother, and friend who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Surviving are his parents, Ronald & Shirley (Houghtaling) Harter and his sister, Vicki (John) Goddard , Selina & Jeremy of Illinois. He was preceded in death by Grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon Chapel 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 22, 2007, from 4 to 8 p.m. Please visit Ron's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can view his Life Story digital film, sign the online registry, or archive a favorite memory.