- Date Of Birth: February 19, 1945
- Date Of Death: December 31, 2017
- State: Colorado
Ron Dries, whose gentle smile, musical talent, creative nature and love of adventure, learning and teaching that brought great joy to so many, died at home on Dec. 31, 2017, in the loving embrace of his immediate family. The cause of death was glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 72 years old.
Ron was born Feb. 19, 1945, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Cyndee, and their three sons: Christopher (Holly) of Evergreen, Colorado; Michael (Lori) of Arvada, Colorado; and Spencer of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren whom he loved very much and who always elicited a grin and a hug: Connor (15), Kristin (13), Andrew (10) and Audrina (9). He was beloved uncle to Vince, Brian, Gary, Scot, Sherri (Raforth), Grant, and Marty Galvin with whom he shared much music and many Christmas holiday celebrations growing up. He was preceded in death by his parents Martin Valentine Dries (1904-2002) and Veronica Justine Keffeler Dries (1912-1991); his sisters Dorla Marcella Dries Galvin (1932-2005) and Shirley Ann Dries (1935-2001).
Ron received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drake University in 1968 with a major in History with teacher certification. Here he met his future wife and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He received a Master of Arts Degree in 1973 from the University of Northern Colorado with a major in Special Education of Socially and Emotionally Disturbed Children. He completed additional graduate level coursework in computer programming and computer applications at several institutions including Colorado State University, Regis University and the Colorado School of Mines.
He and Cyndee moved to the Applewood area of Golden in 1974 where they resided for over 40 years. He was initially employed by The Colorado Christian Home (now known as The Tennyson Center for Children) for the purpose of creating an on-grounds school for autistic children.
Subsequently employed by the Jefferson County School District for almost 30 years, he was involved in all facets of technology development and computer assisted learning. From 1975 to 1983 he taught at Wheat Ridge High School where he was the first special education teacher in the Jeffco school system to utilize microcomputer technology in the instruction of special education students. At the same time he inspired other musicians as a part-time guitar instructor at the Community College of Denver Red Rocks Campus. Additionally, Ron was an instructor for the Jefferson County Adult Education Program, The Colorado Institute of Art, and the University of Denver Women’s College in the areas of website design and administration.
