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Obituary: Ron Rose

Ron Rose ~ A Tahoe Legend

Rupert Ronald Rose (Ron Rose) was a gift to this world. He led a life that embraced a passion for music, involved a compelling love of family, and encompassed a light-hearted sense of humor. He and his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Rose (a.k.a. “Toots”) took this world by storm, followed their dreams, and built a prolific, bountiful life that demands nothing short of admiration.

Ron Rose (a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, musician, poet, intellect and reflective soul) was born June 18, 1930 in Warren, Ohio. Ron lived a thrilling journey to the age of 83. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully in his home on October 22, 2013.

Music

Ronald began playing piano at the young age of four. He was often described as a scholar of his craft. Honing his skill, he mastered song and his instrument throughout his teen years. He began performing live at a young age. As an adult, Ron touched many with his music, and, with Toots by his side, he traveled throughout the United States sharing his jazz standards music coast-to-coast in places such as Biloxi, Virginia Beach, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Reno, Lake Tahoe, Eugene, and Central City.

He and Toots settled and built a life in pristine Lake Tahoe. It was there that Ron would have a fulfilling 43 year career with his band playing the “Top of The Wheel” of Harvey’s Casino Resort and later in his career as a piano soloist at Genoa Lakes Golf Course. He became a staple of Lake Tahoe’s entertainment scene from the late 1950’s through the 2000’s and was often termed “Tahoe’s Piano Man.” He produced multiple records, shared the stage with well-known performers, and most importantly was able to live his life sharing his passion for song and melody with his dedicated listeners, his community – all of whom he considered friends.

His true love…

While Ron lived a life filled with composition and song, his true masterpiece was his large, loving family. Ron is survived by his lovely wife, Toots, and five children (Sandra Bacus, Rhonda Rose Tremoureux, Jeffrey Rose, Lynda Rose Salmon, and David Rose). His family extends to 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Ron and his family always made a point to hold regular family gatherings. It was through these times when Ron would sit with great pride, and reflect upon his true orchestra which is that of his family. He often spoke of such inspiration and it was common to hear Ron express, “This is what it’s all about – family.” Just as he had a love for each melody composed, he cared for each family member individually; another one of his innate gifts.

His true love was for his dearest, devoted, sweetheart, partner Toots Rose. They met in Warren, Ohio where Ron played for the local roller rink and later at Toots’ high school dance. For 63 years the danced, they toured, they loved, and they laughed together. They are sincere partners in crime, a match made in heaven, soul mates, and they share a type of undying love that many would be honored to witness. In short, they are each other’s greatest fans.

The music plays on…

An inspiration for many and an entertainer at heart; Ron lived a lifetime of song, passion, integrity, and genuine authenticity. HIs love for music, family, a good laugh, and his excitment for life was fundamentally infectious. He will be greatly missed.

The life of Rupert Ronald Rose will be celebrated on October 30, 2013 from 1:00-3:00pm at Montana Health & Fitness Community Center (Resort Course Genoa Lakes). 468 Mountain Meadows Dr. Genoa, NV, 89411. We would like to extend our gratitude to Autumn Hill Mortuary and Gentira Hospice for their kindness and compassion. Memorial donations can be sent to Dorothy “Toots” Rose at 901 Jeanell Dr., Carson City, Nv 89701.

To view more details of Ron’s life, listen to one of his tunes, or if you wish share a memory of Ron Rose an online Memorial Website has been created:

http://www.forevermissed.com/rupert-ronald-rose


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