Ronald J. Keddie‚ a 41-year member of the Sheridan Fire Department‚ passed away on June 27‚ 2012‚ at the age of 64. While reporting to the fire station to drive an engine to a motor vehicle accident‚ Ron collapsed on the floor of the fire station due to a medical emergency and succumbed to his injuries.
Ron was a New York State fire instructor for over 30 years. He had a passion for the fire service that was difficult to rival. He attempted to instill that passion in all of his students‚ as well as in anyone else who would listen. He coordinated the Chautauqua County Weekend at the New York State Fire Academy‚ where there was rarely an empty seat.
Ron also loved to work with children and routinely taught fire prevention to children at local schools‚ youth groups‚ and at the Children’s Safety Village. Ron was a burly man with a deep‚ gruff voice which may normally frighten a child‚ but due to his gentle ways he almost always endeared the children to him and his message of fire safety.
Ronald Keddie served the Sheridan Fire Department in the offices of president‚ chief for two terms‚ and most recently as a fire commissioner in his third term. Through the course of his career‚ he also served on countless committees.
Ron served his country in the Viet Nam War from 1967-1970 in the U.S. Navy‚ and received the National Defense Medal. He was also very active in local fraternal organizations‚ clubs‚ charitable organizations‚ and was an avid Buffalo Sabres fan.
Surviving are his wife‚ Kathleen‚ and son‚ Michael‚ both active members of the Sheridan Fire Department‚ and his daughters‚ Jennifer and Melissa. He is also survived by five grandchildren‚ Kelsie‚ Kaylynn‚ Dominic‚ Allison‚ and Corey. He was predeceased by his parents‚ Robert and Esther‚ and his son‚ Todd.
I knew Ron my complete life, he was a good friend. We worked together drilling Gas wells, we Played softball together for years. Drank a lot of beer at the famous White Star, I will miss Ron Forever. RIP till Tomorrow.
– Al Pagano