Ronald Neil Brabham

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, Ronald Neil Brabham, 72, an accomplished motorcyclist, succumbed to injuries suffered in an accident not far from his home.

He leaves behind his heartbroken wife, Jennifer, and their beloved and devoted Blue Heeler, named Lucy; sons, Jeffrey Brabham, Ronnie (Jocelyn) Brabham II; step-son, Nicholas (Hannah) Parsons; brother, Michael (Jackie) Brabham; sisters, Deborah Herston and Kimberly Brabham; nieces, Amy and Audrey Herston, Lindsey (Chris) Sitko, and nephews, Sean and Kyle Brabham; great nieces, Isabelle and Gabrielle Dudic, and Kaitlyn Groff; former wives Marquita (of 26 years) and Patricia (mother of Jeff and Ronnie II); and many other loving family and friends in Ohio, Texas and Maine.

Ron was born on Sunday, March 20, 1949 in Akron, Ohio and was preceded in death by his loving parents Granville "Buddy" and Nelliemae (Copen) Brabham. Ron recovered from polio in early childhood and went on to lead a vibrant and fearless life. He moved from Akron when he was 35 and spent the next 35 years in Texas where he met and married Marquita, and also spent many happy years learning and competing in amateur slalom water skiing events and golfing. Ron and Jennifer were married in Maine on May 21, 2016. His family, eager to welcome Jennifer into the Brabham family, will always remember the wedding as a wonderful week of gorgeous weather and beautiful fellowship with Jennifer’s family. Ron, Jennifer and Lucy moved back to Akron in the Spring of 2019. Ron worked hard his entire life, from a small boy meticulously weeding his neighbor's gardens, mowing yards with his brother to earn spending money and caddying at Firestone Country Club where he fell in love with the game of golf. He often doubled his day’s pay by carrying two bags at the same time and he once caddied for the famous golfer Gary Player, among others.

He retired after 25 years as a mechanic for Roadway Transportation. He was that rare man who could do almost anything that needed to be done around the house or on any motorized vehicle. If you were fortunate enough to be his neighbor you could be sure that, if needed, your grass would be mowed, your leaves raked and your home maintained without ever having to ask. Ron loved to be around people having a good time and if you were a friend or family member, it was likely that he kept your favorite drink in his well-stocked beverage fridge displayed in neat rows with labels facing front. Ron lived his life courageously and with determination. In his twenties he enjoyed riding dirt bikes and racing motocross with his friends. He loved cars, boats and motorcycles and took great pride in caring for his hard-earned toys. He strove to be excellent in all of his hobbies over the years, whether it was golfing, water skiing, biking, bowling, etc.

Ron loved a Sunday morning motorcycle ride on a quiet highway in Texas. In 1999, his mother and his siblings surprised him with a visit to Texas to celebrate his 50th birthday. The pictures prove that he was truly a kid at heart as he strapped on elbow and knee pads and a helmet to be the only adult rollerblading with his nieces and nephews Lindsey, Sean and Kyle as the rest of his family told him he was crazy. He paid no attention to the other grown ups and he was able to hobble away from the rink with a great story and being the “Cool Uncle,” a title he relished. Ron was sweet and spicy, just like all of his favorite foods. He was a great storyteller and he loved to regale the ones about the everyday people he encountered in his daily outings. Ron and his dog Lucy were inseparable and were well known about town at stores and restaurants, having long chats with anyone who, in his words, “made the mistake of stopping to say hi.” Lucy will miss him terribly and would welcome any donations of bacon as she struggles to come to terms with the new normal in her life. We are grateful to have had Ron in our lives. Our hearts are broken and he will be terribly missed. The profound loss we feel at his passing is equalled only by the profound joy and blessing of having had him in our lives. We feel fortunate that, together, we will carry so many wonderful “Ron” stories, experiences and memories. May we find peace from the past to carry our hearts forward.

The family will receive visitors beginning at 11:00am on Saturday, March 26th at Lakeview Christian Church, 4613 S Main St., Akron, Ohio 44319, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 Noon. Officiated by Pastor Jim Gindlesberger.

Please know that all of the love and prayers we have received will be forever appreciated. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your local Humane Society