Farewell, Nevada, thanks for the memories

Come March 1, Orllyene and I are heading West. We have lived in Smith Valley for a little over 22 years and I have been fortunate enough to have a column in The Record-Courier for approximately 15 of those years.

My first column was “Travels with Ron” and then it changed to Senior Scene. At first, I mailed in my work and finally Kurt said I had to go electronic, and I got my first computer.

Being a dancer is what I have done with my life, and I have enjoyed it to the hilt.

Dancing gave me a discipline which helped me sit down and face a blank screen and finally fill it with a slice of life. I have loved living here. It is a gorgeous part of our wonderful country. The people I have met here are what makes it special too, people and the mountains. We are a cordial and friendly population. I have met so many nice folks at Walmart, both the people who work there and the customers. If you have the faintest smile on your face, you will be greeted with a smile.

There isn’t the hectic intensity of the city. I even wrote about some of you, and joined you in what ever you were interested in. People relationships are what keep us going. When some of you answered my “Ron Walker can be reached at walkover@gmx.com” blurb at the bottom of each article I was thrilled. I admit the encouragement kept me going. Who doesn’t like a compliment? One day in WalMart, a lady said, “you have that column in the newspaper, don’t you? I am so glad I met you in person.” That sent me flying.

Several times I wrote about causes and a few times I was asked to speak at meetings and met folks who were definitely worth knowing. I have written about the Hunewill cattle drive many times and many, many times I have written about fabulous restaurants and plenty of times I have written about the Amalfi Drive of Italy, the pristine sandy beaches of the Bahamas and being away from my family doing choreography in Montreal, Australia, and being a young but married dancer in the Casino de Paris in Las Vegas. And there was the time when I got up out of a sick bed and went to a tap dance audition for the Pat Boone show (I faked doing tap) but got a call from the Perry Como Television show asking me if I was available to be a swing dancer, for the season. And let’s not forget Orllyene and my adventures in our Casa Mobile in Mexico and the Copper Canyon and the 49-foot tides of Nova Scotia’s Bay of Funday.

Truly, life is an opportunity, and mine has been a miracle. Orllyene and I have shared life together for 61 years. I have been a husband, parent, dancer, and a writer.

Please allow me to say how much you have made me feel important and welcomed in your lives so for now, Sayonara, Aloha, and Hasta la Vista.

Ron Walker can be reached at walkover@gmx.com