Ronald Clark Witham Ronald C. Witham, Jr., born on October 26, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan, died suddenly on January 21, 2009 of complications from Wegener’s Granulomatosis. Ron was the eldest son of Ronald & Jeanette (Sytsma) Witham, Sr. He is survived by his wife Heather Dickson of Menlo Park, California (formerly of Halifax, Nova Scotia), a brother Patrick (Martha) Witham of Battle Creek, Michigan, mother-in-law Jean Dickson of Springhill Nova Scotia, brother-in-law Basil (Barbara Gilroy) Dickson of Prince Edward Island, niece Madeline (Dickson), nephews Tristan (Dickson), Brennen (Witham) and Aiden (Witham), as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ron grew up in Lansing, Michigan and graduated from Sexton High School in 1983. He played in the school band and was the drum major of the marching band. Ron was one of only a few high school drum majors who mastered the full, to-the-ground backbend that was the hallmark of the drum majors of the University of Michigan. To the delight of his family and friends, he went on to attend the University of Michigan and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering there in 1988. He joined the Chi Psi fraternity and after graduation remained a proud member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association and a staunch supporter of the University’s football team. Ron’s professional life was dedicated to computer software development, and in that field he proved himself always to be an imaginative and creative program designer. He worked as a software engineer and architect for many prominent companies, including such software developers as Adchemy , Rearden Commerce, Evant, Zero G Software, Iona, Atria, and Rational. Most recently he held the position of Director of Availability Engineering at the Ning Corporation in Palo Alto, California. Away from work, Ron loved outdoor sports and recreation, to which he was introduced early on in life through his participation in the Boy Scouts. Throughout his life, Ron loved hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and exploring nature, but his true passions were sailing and SCUBA diving. He became an accomplished sailor and was the skilled captain of his boat, “Jubilation.” He also earned certification as a dive master. Most recently he was trying his hand at underwater photography. Ron loved to travel. His explorations took him to such faraway destinations as Japan, India, Belize, Bonaire, Roatan, Hawaii, and Mexico, to name just a few. Ron was never happier than when he and Heather were planning their next adventure. They looked forward to his retirement when they could sail around the world. Ron was a man of many interests and eclectic tastes. His enduring love of music meant that his many activities were almost always accompanied by the sounds of classical compositions or pop tunes or the native music of the many peoples he and Heather had met on their travels. Ron was generous with his time and keenly interested in the interests of others. He was a natural host whose kind heart and expansive soul made those around him feel welcome and appreciated. He lived his life fully. He cherished his family and friends and was always the animating spirit around a crowded table of friends sharing good food, great wine, and wide-ranging, lively conversation. His family and many friends (and beloved cat, Liath) shall miss him terribly. A memorial service for Ron will be held for friends and family on Thursday January 29, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at the Coyote Point Yacht Club in San Mateo. Ron's ashes will be taken to Nova Scotia for final disposition in the spring.