Papa's Service by Joshua Almanza, grandson

Well done good and faithful servant 

A boy growing up on the farm learns about economics early on. That is, he learns about how people choose to use their resources. He learns about production, distribution, and consumption of goods. He learns about investing (in God's good earth) and getting a return on that investment. And sometimes the return is not what you expect.

My grandfather grew up on a farm.  He learned those lessons regarding economy during and following the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century.

So when my Papa, from that small western-Nebraska farming town of Lewellen, a place hit hard by the woes of the Great Depression, told me to be sure I take an economics course at university, I should have listened. I didn't. 

Now as I reflect on his life, I see God's economy at work.

I see how his time at university afforded him the luxury of meeting a lovely lady from Lincoln, who I am blessed to know as my grandmother. I see how necessity led him to join the Navy...story has it that he exhausted his resources shall we say (so much for thrift and the lessons of economy).

I see how God remained at work, preparing the soil - so to speak, when the U.S. Navy brought my Papa to the Hawai'i of the 1950s. (Who would not have fallen in love with this place? My Papa did.) And just as God recognizes a plentiful harvest, my Papa saw his life's work in front of him. So he moved his young, growing family to Kansas City so he could prepare for the work he would do the rest of his life in Hawai'i. And just as he had hoped and planned, he moved his family back to Hawai'i.

I can see how God used that time in the Midwest to allow my Papa to be closer to family before moving thousands of miles away. And how God used that season of his life to equip him for a career and a calling that greatly utilized his God-given gifts.

So even though I never took that econ class my Papa suggested, I learned a lot from him about how we choose to use our resources. After all, it was working side by side with him in God's good earth (who am I kidding? I was one of his "farm-hands" working in his yard, on his house. In doing so I learned more than the worth, but the value, of our resources. Thanks to God, I have the blessed assurance that my Papa will always inspire me toward the creative use of resources in my yard, at my house, and in my life. Never being afraid to repurpose, revamp, refresh, reclaim, refurbish, recycle, revision and redeem all that we have and all that we are offered, by God's grace

After all, in God's perfect economy nothing is wasted. Just like on the farm.

Reflecting on the Thursday night dinners with Papa and grandma when I was in college, and the time they dedicated to volunteer in my classroom, some of these Papa lessons came to mind: be yourself, hard work pays off especially when you do what you love, unconditional love is made up of acceptance understanding and appreciation,appreciate the beauty of life and the opera. Additionally after many trials I finally mastered how to set a proper dining table complete with candelabras and how to arrange the furniture just right. These are but a few Papa lessons I cherish. Enclosing I know he was proud of my family as his eyes off and welled up with tears each time I sat with him and shared about our lives. Peace be with you. 
Paloma Almanza (eldest granddaughter)

I (Jerry) cherish the memory of knowing my cousin "Ronnie."  We were born in Wilsonville, NE just 10 days apart.  After Ron and his parents moved to Lewellen, NE their home was our favorite spot to visit.  Ron taught me to swim in the Lewellen pool when we were both teenagers.  He was the lifeguard.  When we finished our first year of college in Lincoln, NE he told me that he was dating this fantastic girl Donna Gardner.  We're sure the Lord put the two together for eternity..

With love in Christ,

Jerry Colling and Tina

We cherish the memory of this exceptional man.  He and I (Jerry) were born 10 days apart in Wilsonville, NE and our mothers (sisters Erma and Mildred) were inseparable.  Ron and I were buddies more like brothers, even after the Kats trio moved to Lewellen, NE and on to the present.  Tina and I had many precious hours with Ron and Donna through the years.  Ron was a gifted and a giving man.  His wonderful  family is a testimony to who Ron was and is.
Jerry Colling

I have such fond memories of your family living across the street, and especially of your dad who
always encouraged my "creativity." He was the first one who "hired" me to make a door decoration for one of his clients. I remember when you all hung the kazillion firecrackers from the palm tree to
celebrate his birthday on New Year's Eve, and how he tirelessly worked in the yard, keeping it lovely looking. When he got too hot, he'd walk to the beach, jump in the ocean and cool off, then head back home and resume working! I missed him when he and your mom moved and I'm so glad you took the time to pick me up and take me to the care home for a visit with both he and Donna. 
Our prayers and thought are with your whole family.
Love,
Dede, Bill, Paula, and Holland

I have such fond memories of him throughout the years. I still remember him teaching me how to body surf on the beautiful beach there in Hawaii, as well as his great smile, laugh and playful, funny nature. He will truly be missed.

You and your whole family are in my heart and prayers...

(Cousin) John Colling

From Cielo Isaac Almanza - Ron's first grandson: 

One's legacy is not defined by the accumulation of money or property but rather the contributions they make in the lives of those around them. When I reflect on Papa's legacy with me I have come to find these 3 key lessons:

Lesson 1. Stay busy. Life is never boring when you stay busy. Papa was always abuzz with activity. Whether it was reorganizing carpet samples, running errands, or doing yard work at home, he never found time to be bored. God, I hope you are ready to rearrange some furniture, hang some pictures, and pick leaves out of your heavenly yard.

Lesson 2. Hard work yields a reward. Whether it was cold cheap beer after yard work or the sense of satisfaction in a job well done, Papa always smiled with satisfaction when the job was done and done right (...also known as done his way). As a kid I would some times dread the pre-beach chores but what I came to realize is that the beach was so much more enjoyable after the hard work.

And the last lesson...

Lesson 3. Enjoy the beautiful things in life! His appreciation for the arts and sweet treats was unrivaled! Good music, fine art, and chocolate... It's hard to go wrong there if you ask me. Papa truly loved to find and maximize the beauty in just about everything. But the real lesson I learned is that it didn't need to be expensive to be beautiful and enjoyed.

While I will treasure many memories of my Papa these three lessons are the ones I want you to embrace as well to honor his legacy.

God bless you Papa!

PS. There is always room for dessert!

Love to Live. Live to Love. - A plaque on the wall at his care home said it well, especially the first part. As we reflect on the life of Ronald Simon Kats we see that love for life played out over and over, every step of the way.
I want to start with excerpts from a profile that was done on my dad by ASID in 1988.
Ron was born in the heart of the Midwest in Wilsonville, Nebraska, to Jacob and Erma Kats. Egalitarian from the start he was delivered by one of the few female physicians of the era, and was later followed by a brother, Roger, and twin sisters, Judi and Sandy. When he was three the family moved to western Nebraska.
Ron took pre-architecture courses at Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years, but found he didn't care for the science courses. A teacher who recognized his talent in art suggested he follow that path. He enrolled at University of Nebraska Agricultural College where, to the delight of his spinster teacher, he found himself the only male in the Home Economics course.
He then decided to go to the Chicago Art Institute to make both art and money, but had trouble doing either, so spent $25 to drive to San Diego with a friend where they built aircraft for three months. When his number came up for the draft during the Korean Conflict, he declined the Army Infantry, opting for a 44 month tour with the Navy in Hawaii (lucky us!)
Ron met his wife Donna at Nebraska Wesleyan, and they were married in 1953 in Kailua at the Methodist Church that stood where there is now a Salvation Army store. He found time from his family and Navy duties to continue his studies at the University of Hawaii. 
The first of their four children, Lani, was born in Honolulu before they moved back to the mainland where Ron attended Kansas City Art Institute from 1956-1960, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. 
Immediately after graduation, and the birth of their second daughter, Lisa, they moved back to Hawaii. Ron's first job back in the islands was with Decorator's Showroom. He then went on to work for Rattan Art Gallery, Liberty House - in their new Ala Moana store, then 13 years with C.S Wo & Son's, and finally as an independent contractor with Philpotts and Associates.
Many organizations within the community benefitted by Ron's membership and committee work, among them:
oAmerican Society of Interior Designers - served as Hawaii Chapter President and National Delegate, received the National Medalist Award
oHawaii Opera Theatre Board - Decorations Chair for 15 years of annual ball
oHistoric Hawaii Foundation - Board member and co-chair for Preservation Parades
He and Donna went on to have two more children, Lori and Gregg. (they finally got the boy!)

On the occasion of my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in 2003, we asked each of them to tell us about their mentors. Here is what my dad wrote:
"Educationally - A high school teacher was a major factor in my high school study and life patterns. She instilled in me a love for the written word, not so much in writing it, but reading it. (and in his later years read voraciously - sometimes a book a week)
Professionally - Jack Rees, of Rees Interiors in Kansas City. Starting my freshman year at Kansas City Art Institute in 1956, I was very fortunate to have this apprenticeship which resulted in being offered a full-time position immediately upon graduation in 1960.
Personally/Spiritually - My parents, Jacob and Erma Kats, were the main contributors to the shape of my person and depth of my spirituality. Our home was a very loving environment, without biases or prejudices. I was given much freedom to develop with encouragement given when and where needed. My wife, Donna, of 50 years, has been a major influence on my adult life, becoming stronger once we were an "empty nest". Her faith in God has helped to strengthen it more in many ways."

In those later years, a thief came into his vibrant life known as Parkinson's. But he wasn't going to let that get in the way of his love for life. He was a fighter. One of his 9 grandchildren wrote this about him as someone he admired:
"Papa Kats is not your ordinary grandfather. He's a fighter, battling Parkinson's disease every day. Papa is tough, doing hard work every day. He is a caring person. He is a giving and loving grandfather. Papa is a traveler. He has travelled around the world. He is a miracle worker, helping others even though he is disabled. He is a gardener. Papa also loves to watch TV. Papa is a dad, a brother, and an uncle. Most of all he is a huge inspiration to me and an amazing grandfather. I love him."
We all do.

Dad, you are now part of the warm Hawaiian waters, the sunrises over the Mokuluas, the Koolau mountains, and all the spaces in between. We feel you everywhere! Thank you for having the vision to have your family in Hawaii...I couldn't have asked for a better childhood. I love you, Dad! Forever and always!

I am sad to hear about Ron's passing.  I have wonderful memories of our times together in ASID.

Linn Sol Alber

Remembering Ron for his service to Hawaii Opera Theatre's Board of Directors.  Thank you!

Thank you, Ron, for helping to bring into the world one of our favorite people, Lori Kats. Even though we never met you, our hearts are sad at your passing. May your next adventures bring you joy! Vicki and Mark Matthews

Ron and Donna were among our first neighbors on Kaiemi St. and remain some of our oldest and dearest friends. We all gained from the creativity and talents they shared with us all.
Ron will be sorely missed! Carol and Larry Loose

So many fun times we spent with you, Ron, and Donna -- whether it be on Maui, taking the ferry and exploring Lanai, or traveling afar to Italy! You are missed! Thanks for being part of our lives -- Joan and Jim Fleming, Kailua

Ron was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He was always ready to give advice when needed and to lend a hand. A gifted interior designer, he never hesitated to give me suggestions when I was involved in a project. He loved life and embraced the beauty of it through lovingly caring for his yard and home.
I won't be surprised if the sunrises are a little more spectacular, the moon a little brighter, and the ocean a richer blue now that Ron has the vitality to once again keep forever busy and interested in all that his eternal life offers.
Our loving aloha, Bill, Dede, Paula, Holland Henderson

Dad is now able to continue to do all the things he loved - enjoying the beach, decorating homes, gardening, and much more. 
A hui hou, Dad.
Love, Lani

OBITUARIO

Ronald Simon Kats

31 diciembre, 1931 – 17 julio, 2015

Borthwick Mortuary

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