Ronald Graham

ronald graham

Ronald P. Graham, 67, Clearwater, FL, formerly Fargo, ND, passed away Wednesday, September 21 at Sanford Health, Fargo.

Ron was born June 16, 1944 in Indianapolis, IN to Robert and Mary (Brown) Graham. Ron graduated from Martinsville, IN, High School in 1963. Upon graduation, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force being stationed in Topeka, Kansas and the Grand Forks Air Force Base where he met his wife Kathleen "Dodie" Cardinal. He was honorably discharged in 1967. He graduated from Indiana University with associate's degree in Computer Science, Ottawa University with a degree in Business Administration, and finally North Dakota State University in 1992 with a degree in Art.

Ron had his own way of doing things which started from the day he was born. He was born in the back of a Taxi Cab on the way to the hospital in Downtown Indianapolis. Art was one his passions, he enjoyed painting and sculpture making among many things. Although he worked many years for the Federal Government, he spent his summers on the road with his family displaying his art at various Art Shows and Street Fairs. Ron didn't enjoy the cold of Fargo, when he got his first chance, he moved to Clearwater, FL, where he spent the last 20 years before moving back to Fargo in July, 2011. While living in Florida, Ron opened his own Custom Frame Shop and Art Studio in Dunedin, FL. Ron spent his last working years at Pinellas County Courthouse.

Ron is survived by his children; Danette (Dan) Nicoloff, Fargo, ND, Ryan (Agienszka) Graham, Chicago, IL, Coreen Graham, Moorhead, MN, grandchildren; Austin, Gibby, Raquel, Kaiya, Layla, Alana, sisters; Sharon (Carl) Zuelke, Suamico, WI, Dee Small, Clearwater, FL, brothers; Dennis (Peggy) Graham, Greenwood, IN, Steve (Betty) Graham, Laramie, WY, former wife, Kathleen Cardinal, Moorhead, MN, aunts, Joanne Graham, Clearwater, FL, Betty Combs, Indianapolis, IN, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Mary Beth.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Clearwater FloridaI was so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Ron during his years with the Clerk’s Office. He was always so happy and smiling even when he wasn’t feeling well. His love of art was apparent. He was quick to volunteer to decorate our conference bulletin boards with beautiful handmade festive pictures for all occasions. Ron was one of those genuine people and I was very lucky to have known him.

  2. Seeley Lake MTCoreen,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your dad a few times and he was a very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  3. Washington DCI will love and remember my dear Uncle Ronnie forever. From the family outings to Heritage Lake to the beautiful paintings he did, my memories of him are of a considerate, artistic, and fun soul. Cousins, I know how hard this must be, and I’m sending you all the love and strength I can. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there with you.

  4. Ryan and family I’m so sorry for your lose. May the time together and fond memories help with the passing of your Dad. The information provided about your fathers life was a joy to read.

    Ryan our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

    Bill and Stephanie Dolan

  5. Plainfield IndianaI have fond memories of our high school years. And especially good memories of working together at Charlie’s Drive-in. I’m very glad that Ronnie put his special artistic abilities to good use. I remember him painting on lots of senior cords for fellow classmates.

    My prayers are with his family.

  6. Ocala FloridaWhat an incredible Friend!
    We crossed paths over 17 years ago when you came to florida. We shared many cups of coffee and cigarettes while exploring life and hoping that we were growing. Ron was always there to listen and offer guidance, no matter what time of day and especially the night. You will always have a place in my heart and thank you for sharing your wonderful family with me! I am sorry for your loss, but I know he will be watching over you and the grandkids and smiling. Austin the next time you see a special stone, remember your grandpa, he will be thinking of you.

  7. Martinsville eIn.Ronnie was a good friend in school. He had a great sense of humor and such a warm smile. He will be missed and remembered. God Bless

  8. Martinsville In.I was so sorry to hear of Ronnie passing. He was a very good friend in school, so funny and what a warm smile! He will be missed and remembered. God Bless

  9. Martinsville INTo Ronnie’s Children-Your dad and I were very close friends through high school. We also worked together at ‘Charlie’s Drive-In’ a place we both loved to be. We never really ‘dated’ but were very close and went together everywhere. Your dad loved his family very much and although we did not stay in close contact in our adult lives we did call and send occasional e-mails. The last time he was in Indiana he came for an all day visit with my family. We went everywhere that day, even out to the home place.
    Ronnie always had wonderful stories of you and it was very evident he loved all his children and grandchildren. I have a couple pencil drawings he gave me years ago. My heart is very sad because I felt so compelled to call him all last week and didn’t. His phone number is in my phone. Even though our friendship was distant because of the miles between us, our hearts continued to stay close all these years. I am so sorry for your loss.

  10. Mooresville INI am so very sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing! I just spoke to Janet on the phone and she told me about it after reading it in the local newspaper. Even after all these years have passed, we love all of you so very much. We offer our deepest sympathy and love to Ronnie’s family that we were never priviledged to meet, but also to his siblings, Sharon, Dennis, Steve, and Dee-Dee.

    I always knew Ronnie would succeed in whatever he wanted in life. He was so intelligent and innovative as a child. Yes, we go waaaaaaaaaay back. I am so upset that he passed so young.

    If you would like to contact me in the future, that would be fabulous.

    We love you guys!

    Sue (Lambert) Robinson
    Janet Lambert
    Judy (Lambert) Fisher

  11. fargo ndTo Mr. Graham family….I am so sorry for your loss. I have known your family a long time & its always sad when someone so special dies. My prayers & thoughts are with your whole family. God Bless.

  12. Mission TXOur deepest sympathy to the family of our high school classmate. May your loss by lessened by knowing that others care too.
    Larry and Norma Jean
    “63 Wow” Martinsville High School

  13. Bellingham WASharon, I am sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I am sure it is difficult for you. I will remember you for the loving care as you helped my Mom and Dad. Love, Carol

  14. Indianapolis INRonnie,

    I have so many nice memories when I think of you. The great times spent at Charlie’s Drive In, listening to you talk about your love of art, rehearsing for the junior class play and getting stuck in a cornfield the night we went out looking for your brother.

    You were always very special to me and I will never forget your zest for life and your wonderful smile. I wish we had stayed in contact after high school but we each had our own lives going in different directions and our paths never crossed again.

    The world just lost a great guy, rest in peace my friend.

  15. Martinsville IndianaI used my name on this entry but it is from several of us that knew Ron in school: Mike O’Neal, Linda Tomey and others.

    Linda and I worked at Charlie’s Drive-In with Ron while in high school and several of us ran around together and had alot of ‘good times’.

    Carol Hicks had kept me informed about him and his deteriorating health and I am sorry to hear about his passing. I lived away from Martinsville for 27 years but whenever I would come home I would ask if anyone had heard anything about him. Then while I lived in Alabama, Carol Hicks wrote me about him since she kept in touch with him.

    Again, I am sorry for your loss and a good friend.

  16. Danette, Ryan, and Coreen, I am so saddened at the passing of your dad.

    And what a beautiful picture of Ron–smiling that famous smile of his. I’ll remember him for his huge grin and his equally huge heart. We enjoyed a week together in Mexico about six years ago, and my family has fond memories of your dad enjoying–and sometimes just enduring–Mexico. If he had told me about the arthritis in his legs, I NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE HIM WALK UP TO DAN’S 6th story condo. He didn’t say a word about the pain until the next day (when he probably feared we’d make that trip again.)

    Your father and I shared many discussions about our children, our religious beliefs, our problems and our joys–and our perspective on life in general. He was a warm and wonderful friend, who will be sorely missed.

  17. Martinsville INRonnie
    Was a great friend. We worked
    together at Charlies Drive-In, when
    we where in High School. We also
    enlisted in the Air Force at the same time.
    Had not seen each other in a long
    time. But, I have and will miss him.
    May God be with you.
    Donald R.Chatten

  18. FloridaMy Beloved Friend Ron,
    We met through a mutual friend 20 yrs. Ago shortly after you came to FL and opened up your frame shop. Immediately I felt a kinship as we grew closer over the years. In good times and not so good we always managed to find something to laugh about. My most memorable time we shared was when you Ron volunteered to drive me and “Sunnygirl” to Kansas City. Wow what a trip. And a trip it was! I will be forever grateful to you my friend for making me stay there and completing my pre-med education. I will cherish all our times together and I always thought of you as a brother, friend and especially my earth Angel. Well now my friend may you soar with God speed to your final destination. I love you boyfriend.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide