The first time I saw Ron was opening day at Forsythe Junior High School. He was just in from Davenport, Iowa. That's close to where my father grew up. When we both decided we were going to be musicians, come hell or high water, that's when we got to know each other better. Everyone thought they had the top card, but in realty it was all just a friendly game of cans.

I don't think Ron's loss really hit me at first. I had just spent a quiet evening at his home on Christmas Eve. It was an annual tradition and very pleasant. We would have a holiday spread and a few small sips of his favorite whiskey.

Ron loved his cats and even called me from London when he was worried about them. I admired him so much for taking care of Larry Fine in the actors' home. I think we're all in the Three Stooges fan club. We're coming to you're house to break up the joint.