Farewell to a Friend. Roger Ranch 1942-2010
Today, Anchorage lost a great soul. He wasn’t a political leader, he didn’t hold office, but he did what we all should do – he showed up. And he didn’t just show up for a pet cause, or a particular belief. He showed up for all of them. He showed up for labor, and women, and LGBT rights, and the planet, and peace, and to support his community. Every rally, every march, every event, there was Roger. If he found a candidate he believed in, he was there every day volunteering and doing what he could.
Even if people didn’t know him personally, they always knew Roger was there. Silver hair, silver beard, and one of a variety of hats – usually straw, or a baseball cap. A growly papa bear voice, twinkly blue eyes, a ready smile and an ever present travel mug of coffee. I once told him he had the best laugh ever, a devilish baritone chuckle that lit up a conversation and made everyone else laugh too. If you earned one of those laughs it made you feel good.
I was trying to remember the first time I met Roger, and I couldn’t. It was more like he was a constant presence, a living signpost that something was going on that was worthy and important. He’d just always been there – a solid, dependable omnipresent lion. In Roger’s case, the old adage proved true – still waters ran deep. After a time, Roger and I became friends and he’d come up behind me and bump his shoulder to mine and growl, “Hey there.” And I’d say, “Hey there, Mr. Ranch,” and I knew everyone was present and accounted for.
Sometimes he’d pop in to my place of work and I’d get a call, “Your friend Roger is here.” At times I was busy, and I’d sigh and wonder how I had the time. But I’d always get up from my desk and go downstairs, and Roger and I would talk for a while about some political goings on, or something on the blog. And then I’d tell him I had to get back to work, and I’d walk back up the stairs, and I was always glad I hadn’t said I was too busy. A predictable byproduct of a conversation with Roger was always a smile.
Roger loved the blog and left comments under his nickname “Bones AK.” He’d been a medic in Okinawa, and a physicians assistant in Bethel. He was a bonesetter, and if I’d ever had a broken bone, he’s the guy I’d want to set it straight. Bones at his core was the kind of guy that you always knew had your back, and was looking out for you to make sure you were OK. The profession and he made perfect sense together.
I’ve been with people today who loved him. Not his biological family of whom there are few and none in Alaska – but his family of choice, his circle of friends who shared his passion and his company. The thing that struck me so much about Roger, turned out to be the thing that defined him for everyone, that he was a fundamentally good and decent man. There aren’t many true hearts of gold that walk the earth, and now there is one less.
When someone we care about dies, it’s always a tragedy. But there are deaths when we can say to ourselves, “It was just his time,” or “at least he died doing something he loved.” And then there are times when the universe seems utterly unfair and a good, decent person has an end that makes no sense.
Roger died in a fire. Roger had tickets purchased for a New Year’s Eve concert, and he had a lunch date today, and a special gift he was going to buy for a special person. But the universe had other plans. Or it just made a terrible mistake.
It didn’t feel like his time, and it didn’t feel like the way he should have gone. The story of his life wasn’t supposed to end like this. First responders were there just three minutes after the call came, but by then the flames had already engulfed his trailer. Anchorage firefighters broke through the window with axes and got him out. He made it to the hospital, but all that they could do was keep him comfortable, until he passed away in the early morning hours.
I like to think that somehow the souls of the departed give one last lap around before they head off to parts unknown. If Roger’s soul had done a lap today, I think he would have been surprised by the number of people affected so deeply by his life, and the leaving of it. The initial shock and grieving, and shed tears and hugs are not the things that will mark his passing. It will be every event, and rally, and campaign headquarters where he will not be. His absence will be felt as strongly as if it were a presence in itself.
A true and steady light has gone out.
You will be missed, my friend.
*************************************************
For those friends wanting to gather to remember Roger, come to the Taproot Cafe on Thursday, December 23 at 5:30pm. This is normally the time for the taping of Moore Up North, a weekly event Roger never missed. The show is on hiatus for the holidays, but it seemed fitting somehow for friends to congregate at this time. It’s not a memorial service, just a place to come and be together.
ROD’S XMASSX12.rush blow fly! high into the sky! day one=pressure! back into the seat we flow! were heading to the place that a lot of kids would wanna’ be. in the stratospherei where i want to be bout’ 4,000 feet above the ground flying around with roger ranch flying around with roger ranch
oh my gawd’ i just had a artist fubar! i want to do a BRIAN the MOOSE! PUPPET SHOW featuring the politicos ranting of brian! the moose..Jeramey L. would entertain the thought..as he is like me! just as scott mcadams reported bout’ shanney!= “i’m like you”..
of coarse bones would be there to! ..realize this! is is all about, “the message” that he and i plead out=solidarity, friendship, love, trust, peace. xxoo
I only have vague recollections of meeting Roger at a gathering or two, but his helpful and generous spirit directly impacted me as he helped my partner, Donovan, through the entire process of dealing with the VA. And I am forever appreciative for Roger’s help to Donovan. We may never know the ripple effect of kindness, but for those who experience it, the kindness can change their lives. Thank You Roger.
Thanks AKM for a beautiful, gut-level and authentic homage. You completely captured my experience of Roger BONES Ranch.
Roger was Peter the disciple-ready to fight for causes or people he believed in. He was the Uncle or Grandfather that would stuff a twenty in your pocket and insist you take it. He always wanted to help in any way he could. And he just showed up. For his life. For others. For the union. For friends.
I am navigating old familiar pangs and working through the grief process. I think I am stuck in denial.
The gathering tonight was comforting. Just being with friends and acquaintances that are also struggling to comprehend this profound loss helped. New stories emerged of Roger’s kindness; Donovan spoke of nearly dying from health problems because he didn’t know how to get what he needed from the VA. Roger stepped in and basically saved his life. Ryan needed her load to buy her books-Roger gave her a wad of $100 bills. And many others that affirmed Roger’s big heart.
I still cannot believe he’s gone. I only wish I would have told him more often how much I valued our friendship and how much he meant to me.
Rest in Peace Roger
I am saddened by “Bones” Ralph passing. I remember his postings. AKM you brought a wonderful person to life and he will continue to live in my life from now on.I will try extremely hard to emulate him because the way you remember him is how I would like to be remembered. R.I.P. “Bones”!!!
I believe that there are special people who show us by example how to live life and love one another.
It sounds like Roger was one of the special ones sent here to teach us love.
My condolences to his family and friends.
AKM: “The initial shock and grieving, and shed tears and hugs are not the things that will mark his passing. It will be every event, and rally, and campaign headquarters where he will not be. His absence will be felt as strongly as if it were a presence in itself.”
Keeping Things Whole
In a field
I am the absence
of field.
This is always the case.
Wherever I am
I am what is missing.
When I walk
I part the air
and always
the air moves in
to fill the spaces
where my body’s been.
We all have reasons
for moving.
I move
to keep things whole.
–poem by Mark Strand, 1968
RIP, Roger “Bones AK” Ranch. The world is now a little less whole without you.
thank you, Lee. That struck a beautiful chord and resonates within me; that’s a keeper.
beautiful. lyrical. sweet.
thanks!
I’m very sorry for the loss of a good man. So young…
I was shocked to read this today. RIP Bones.You will be missed.
OT/
It is Xmas day in Australia to- morrow. I just wanted to wish you all, here at Mudflats
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
I cried with y’all while listening to Shannyn today. Y’all were blessed to have him as your friend and he was blessed to have y’all.
The photograph on Alaska Commons – is that Buff with Bones? I thought it looked like your pup. What a great image.
Thanks for all you do, AKM.
I think that pic was taken at John and Heather’s Thanksgiving, so the dog is Sage.
Goodbye Bones.
To those who knew him personally, his family, his friends. Bless you all. The words you write, the memories that you will always hold close in your hearts, those are the greatest tribute that one can have in this life.
Shedding tears from down here in Seattle. I’ve always enjoyed reading Bones’ posts both here at the ‘flats and IM. We will ALL miss him.
My condolences to Roger’s Family and Friends. What a terrible loss of a beautiful spirit.
RIP BonesAK
For Roger Bones AK Ranch, of blessed memory, and for Blue Eyes’ dear departed…like the stars by day, they are with us but no longer seen…
Lighting a candle, raising a glass, and wrapping wings around all who mourn and wishing you some sweet shalom
Remember when you were young,
You shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
…
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6u4X-obat4
Let it shine…
that..”you crazy diamond”..hot hot stuff!
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you who are gathering this evening. I will have to ‘show up’ another time or two instead of this evening, but have you all tucked in my heart tonight. Sorry I can’t be there – though I only saw Roger ‘around’ – I feel the sadness of your loss and wish I could be there in support.
I met Bones this year. I shared a fine meal with him. My everything goes out to all who are missing him today. He will be missed by many…….hopefully moving some, to follow in the footseps of action taken. Nothing ever goes away.
RIP Roger. You will be missed, you are missed already. When the opening song came on the radio show today I realized that probably for the first time ever Bones wasn’t listening, I could barely keep it together. I’m going to miss hearing his voice, it was always nice to pick up the phone and get “Hey Dave. How ya doin’?” and a little bit of a taste of the unfiltered version of what he was about to say on the air.
I think it will take all of us to pick up the slack now that Roger is gone. There’s a hole in this place right now that can never be filled, but we can all take an example from Roger and show up. Roger cared about a lot of things and a lot of people, and when he cared he showed up. It will be strange not seeing him everywhere, but it’s time for us to carry on for him and continue to fight for the things that were important to him and are important to all of us.
I’ll see you later Bones and I’ll be doing my best to keep your voice and spirit alive until then.
i’ll try also Dave. you are right it will take us all to make one Mr. Bones
My deepest sympathies to you AKM and all others at the loss of this bright light.
AKM, Shannyn, Linda, Jeanette…
family and friends of Mr Ranch- my thoughts and prayers are with you .
I met Mr Ranch in passing at a taping of Shannyn’s show… wish I’d known he was BonesAK- whom I always enjoyed hearing from but there were too many people and too much going on…
For all who loved him and treasured his friendship I am so sorry and saddened that you have lost someone so special.
What a beautiful tribute, AKM. I feel such a huge loss and sadness, even without having met Roger Ranch. I can’t imagine how painful this must be for his family and friends. Please be comforted and may we all be inspired by his life.
RIP BonesAK.
Good men like this are hard to find.
RIP.
Roger was working here in Bethel when I first arrived in 1995 – he and I shared the care of many people, and shared a back hall between our respective offices. I had the opportunity to work with him for 3 years before he left for Anchorage, and he taught me many things about the land and the culture here. Even today, people ask me if I remember Roger………..just last week, in fact, a lady asked about him. He had helped her many years ago, and she wanted him to know she remembered. I can not count the number of people I have treated here in the last 16 years who Roger helped in some way
I am saddened by Roger’s death, and send comfort to his friends and family.
My condolences to Mr Ranch and his family and all his friends.
RIP Roger
Absolutely unfair Mr.Universe, what were you thinking.
Wonderful tribute AKM.
I didn’t know that Roger was Bones AK; I have read and appreciated his comments many times over the past few years. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
I’ve seen his thoughtful posts in the various AK blogs..He will be missed.
I am so sorry. Love to all who know and miss Roger. We are all grieving today.
I am saddened to learn about Roger Ranch’s death. During his time on Bethel another friend and I would visit occasionally with Roger. I miss those great and inspiring conversations which would sometimes delve into some deep subject. An appropriate one for this time of year recalls his convicting argument about the signs in the heavens pointing to the birth of Jesus, the setting and situation of constellations and planets meeting together marking a magnificent universe event, one he strongly felt was the star we speak of and sing about this time of year. That thought is somewhat comforting considering his unfortunate and untimely passing.
((((AKM, mudpups, Roger’s family and Friend )))). s
I did not know Roger personally but can say I believe his presents was and will be felt through out the community! Thank You! Roger Ranch
{{{mudpups everywhere}}}
Hold ’em close, if you got ’em.
I feel like I know him through your touching comments, AKM. I know you were special to him, as he is to you. I am so sorry his loving life ended this way.
Rest in peace, Roger. You surely will be missed!
It’s so hard to come to grips with the fact that we will never see Roger again at Shannyn’s tapings, at the marches and rallies and campaign events, never again hear his booming voice or acerbic wit. My husband and I loved Roger, even though we didn’t know him well. What a tragic loss…
A beautiful person such as this is never gone as long as his life spirit is remembered by even one person.
What a truly great honor for all who knew him. I wish I had.
Peace to you all.
His spirit is here, and everywhere. I’m going to find something to do today in memory of his kindness. After the tears stop from all these tributes to his wonderfulness. Roger – may the love held in your soul shine brightly to guide the ones who need it most.
I will be there tonight.
Slip i will be there right at your side. you won’t see me but i will be there darlin’.
Yeah, bubbles, but people will think I’m talking to myself again.
just tell them you are talking to Bubbles. that ought to convince them that you are sane and sober. hehehehe
My sincerest sympathies to Roger’s family and many friends. What a tragic loss… 🙁
a beautiful remembrance. his light and life will live on in those who remember him.
Thank you to all who have wished our family well. I am beyond words in how he has affected others’ lives, and am flat out unsurprised. He was all that and more. A great son to his parents, a great uncle (won the cool award when we were kids), a great brother in law to my Mom (nice tribute, but she really only scratched the surface). He was all of our rock when my dad died.
He is also survived by an enormous extended family in Utah’s Carbon County. They have all extended their appreciation of his friends (chosen family) wishes. I’m certain his twinkle and love of outside was instilled there.
He was also my personal rock five years ago when my home burned down. I, my wife and two children (1 and 3) were in it when it was on fire, and were briefly trapped. He helped me come to realize that was the luckiest day of my life. We were ok, and losing everything we had just didn’t matter..
And in oh so may ways, he will be terribly missed. But now we have my dad and uncle standing side by side watching over us and our kids.
Roger and I met in 1988, we’d become friends through a series of workshops over nearly ten years and then went different directions. In the last 18 months we had reconnected and I’m glad we did. He was a kind, intelligent and gentle soul and will be greatly missed. Love while you can because in a quick moment, life changes. My heart is broken because he is gone and I’m gratefull for the time we had. I won’t be able to join you tonight, but will light a candle and remember that Roger truly gave himself to love of his community. I will miss you Roger. Gentle wishes to Roger’s family & friends.
lovethejourney~lupe
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ lupe }}}}}}}}}}}}}
My deepest condolences AKM. His lovely spirit will live on in those he touched.
R.I.P Bones
Fourteen months ago, I doubt I would have been able to handle the news of Bone’s death, especially how he died, Because of Bone’s unselfish kindness and encouragement, I can handle this news and now what steps I need to take to keep my head above water.
I can’t believe it. I had no idea. Why in a fire? He gave so much comfort to others, and himself have to suffer. I am glad he isn’t suffering any longer. I just read the last email he sent to me, a quote from his beloved Mark Twain.
I want to thank you Bones for your strength, hope and encouragement, my friend. Thank you for your kind words, your support, the wonderful books, the conversations, the emails, and for everything.
I send my love and prayers to Bone’s family.
I am so going to miss you Bones, but I promise not to stop caring, and to do what I can for others in whatever way God sees fit.
“I am powerless to change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails.” Anonymous
{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Jeanette }}}}}}}}}}}}}
As a sailor, I appreciate the quote. Why in a fire? Perhaps so his Phoenix spirit could ascend from the ashes.
What a beautiful tribute.
It is moments like this that I am reminded to tell you that I’m grateful for the camaraderie here at the flats; love you mudpups, group hug.
RIP, Roger with the twinkling eyes. I’d like to believe that while we’ll miss your earthly presence, we just gained a guardian angel.
A mudpup with wings.
((((Scout well said daughter mine))))
AKM and Shannyn I’m so sorry for your lost of such a wonderful man and friend. I don’t really believe the good people in life ever leave us, I believe they just move on to a higher plateau, we can’t see them but they are always there. Although my parents died when I was young I always felt their presence. At the most difficult and trying times someone would appear out of nowhere with a solution to whatever problem I was facing or an unexpected check would show up when I was down to counting pennies. I would like to believe that Roger left the physical world knowing that DADT had been repealed and his spirit was standing in the background of the Senate bumping against the shoulders of Senators urging them to pass the bill to help the First Responders so their medical needs might be met. Goodness like that never dies. I liken it to the “Footprints” poem when the man asked God why in the most difficult times in his life were there only one set of footprints and God replied my son that was when I carried you. You were better for being touched by him he was better by being touched by you. That is one of the reasons this community we have created on Mudflats thrives because we are all better people by being touched by each other. Alone we are one, together we are countless. RIP Roger.
I am so so sorry – candles lit, our prayers are with you all. We’ll be raising a glass this evening from the southern appalachians. Blessings and peace.
My condolences to his chosen family and friends. So sorry to hear this news.
I am so very sad to hear this. My sincere condolences to Mr. Ranch’s family and friends. Peace and comfort to your hearts.
I am so sorry. I had heard of the trailer fire & felt fleeting sadness for the death of an unknown. Now that I know it hurts.
Thank you, AKM, for reminding us that saints live, work, laugh, and love among us. Godspeed, Roger, and thank you for making the world a better place.
RIP, Bones. You will be missed by all who knew you, and many of us who did not.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to everyone who called him friend.
rest in peace dear man. AKM i am so sad for you and me and all the people whose lives he touched.
a mudpuppy has left us gone away and this community is devastated. i know we have to accept what has happened but it is oh so hard. i have to go now and just cry it out.
AKM you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of this loving man.
I read all your comments with tears streaming down my face. I thought I had used them all up.
I have known Roger since he was 16..the year I married his brother.
Roger was in and out of our lives – he joined the Army during the height of the Viet Nam war protests
partly to show support for his brother who was then serving a tour of duty in Viet Nam.
Years later he stayed with me helping that same brother now rendered weak with leukemia.
He spoke his tribute at the Memorial Service again standing at my side and the side of my three sons.
He was my support system after three separate back surgeries. We had Christmases with our extended
family. Roger may have been used to the snow but he wasn’t used to it on a sled with three little girls
hanging onto him as they careened down a hill. We shared a love of books, of beautiful writing equipment
and of eating ethnic food. We spoke frequently over the phone – he said he couldn’t type fast enough for
Instant Messaging. I had just mailed him two mystery first editions….I hope he had a chance to see them.
I have absolutely no doubt he is watching all this with a bewildered smile. “For me?”….Who’d a
thunk it!”
With love, Margery (Ranch)
Thank you Aunt Margery. Roger was an amazing man that touched many many people. His tributes are far and wide and yes, he’s looking down on us now and smiling at all that loved him.
Blessings to all that loved him in this difficult time.
Love, Heidi
Thank you for sharing a little bit of this generous soul. I hope that the words of his friends and admirers here have helped you a little bit. Peace be with you and in your heart.
Now I’m crying.
They never leave us — we have our memories and their love to sustain us. Life is bittersweet.
Such a blessing to spend any time at all with wonderful people. We must treasure each moment.
Thank you for giving us a little bit of Roger to remember.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Margery }}}}}}}}}}}}}}
{{{Margery and family}}}
I am too misty to make a proper comment..though I never truly met him, I feel your loss.
Peace, Love and Freedom
*~~~
((((Margery)))) you are in my thoughts and my prayers. my family and i are saddened by the loss of this gentle heart.
Being in Juneau, I didn’t get the chance to meet this amazing man in person, but have loved his posts on Mudflats and Immoral Minority…
((((Margery and family))))
Roger was a very big mentor in my life as a PA. I worked and learned with him. He was very good at what he did as “Bones” and will be always be remembered as such. Condolences to the family!
I just read this article a week ago or so, and came back to it today. I worked with Roger (Bones) on Kwajalein Island in Micronesia in the early 1970’s. He and I worked in the hospital there and on different islands in the atoll. He met a nurse there and they subsequently got married. Both came to visit me in California not long after Roger left the island, completed his Physician Assistant training through the MEDEX program at the U. of Washington, and ended up in Bethel. I had no further physical contact with him, though, after an extensive pursuit, finally located him by email. We exchanged a couple of emails and after it appeard he didn’t want to be contacted or lost interest, I lost contact with him. For some reason, I thought of him again recently and typed his name in Google and this article showed up. I was so saddended to learn of his demise and the way it occurred. I too remember his gregarious laugh and mannerisms. Doesn’t appear that he lost any of them. He was a good friend, and even though we didn’t have any further contact, I thought of him over the years. So sad to learn what happened. May he RIP.
He is still missed. Thanks for stopping by, John.
What a sweet farewell to a special man. I’m sorry for your loss, and I wish I had known him.
To paraphrase the movie-Field of Dreams,and I hope this is accurate-every town has a Roger Ranch,what makes this on so special we had to drive all the way to ………..50 years after his death? I truly believe these people exist everywhere and are true gems of their communities. They seldom get recognized for their contributions until they are,unfortunately,gone. My condolences to Mr Ranch and his family and all his friends.
I’m so sorry. What a terrible way to leave the planet. My condolences to his family & the AKn’s who called him friend.
Roger sounds like the type of guy you would be lucky to call friend. My thoughts are with all of you who mourn his loss.
Each time I see that a pillar of humanity has passed, I feel saddened for those who have loved that particular human. (((AKM)))
Also, this comes to mind, but for no other reason than it’s my favorite quote, and it seems to fit your friend.
I’m certain his many good deeds were looked upon as models of service to others. The world needs more of him. You were lucky to have known him.
“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
Hear,Here !
yes Ripley yes
Please accept my sympathy. He seemed to be such a kind man, and I wish I could have known him. Peace.
My condolences to Roger Ranch’s family and friends. Every community needs someone with a big heart and and a ready smile.
When I saw his picture, I gasped & said “NO, NOT HIM!” You brought him to life for me with your pictures & blogs & his comments here made me feel as if I knew him too. Thank you for that, but it hurts and I hurt for everyone who loved him and were part of his life. You were good friends to him AKM & Shannyn and I know he valued those friendships.
Wish I could be there at Taproots with you, but I’ll be there in spirit. Roger’s passing is indeed a giant loss. My sympathy and love to all of you.
I had the same reaction, Kat. The first time I ever saw his photo here on the Flats I left a comment that his wonderful vibe came right through that picture. I didn’t realize that he was Bones AK. Absolutely a tragedy. My heart breaks for all of you who will miss him so very much. Such a terrible loss for everyone.
Kat, my reaction was the same as yours. You also mirrored my thoughts when you said AKM brought Roger Ranch to life for all of us who did not have the privilege and blessing of knowing him personally.
AKM has also made the loss of his passing real, and there will be grief amongst all of us who read this moving post, but it is in the realization that we are touched by his loss that his real worth becomes clear.
Perhaps we can honor him best and keep a part of his essence alive amongst us if we remember to smile more, welcome strangers more readily and show up for the people and causes we care about. He would like that, right?
It is the essence of the man that matters now, and we can emulate and celebrate that essence every day of our own lives. What a legacy that would be for a man whose life touched people he never knew.
He would love that. He would shuffle his feet, look down, look back up and smile. All the fuss would surprise him, but not anyone who loved him.
Mud. Roger loved the mudflats. He was one of the first before McCain met Palin. He was one of the original 12 listeners, before there were 12.
He walked the talk and should be the conscience of all who want the world to be a better place.
R.I.P. Roger.
He loved so big the people who were lucky enough to know him. He didn’t pretend we were perfect, he just loved. So rare. So free of pretense. So real. So missed.
I don’t have enough tears to truly represent what a great man we will miss.
You said it so well Shannyn, he loved so big! Thank you AKM, you did him proud……
‘Walked the talk’….a very nice way of putting it..
shanney..i am one of the other Fishermen in your boat oh yea we have 12- and many Moore! DECK HANDS, we have moore bones! we are here! for him! him-him-love him! my true friend. shanney..tilt a cheer for bones at the salty dawg! happy gingle bells!..
my deepest condolences to you and all the people that cared for him, how sad
A tribute, AKM, very worthy of the man. Thank You.
I am sorry. I will make a donation to Brother Francis in his memory.
I’m so sorry you have lost your friend in such a tragic way. There are those among us who inspire our better selves. He sounds like one of those!