A man who made a difference

Our hearts ache and our eyes mist up with tears today as we remember the too short -- but oh so full -- life of McCook's beloved Coach Ron Coleman.

RC -- as Coach Coleman was affectionately known -- passed from this earthly life Tuesday from head injuries suffered in a fall at his home Monday evening.

The suddenness of his death leaves us in shock and disbelief, because Coach Coleman was a special human being who made an immense difference in his living years.

This big, loving, teddy bear of a man made his mark in so many ways ... as a husband, father, teacher, coach, athlete and friend. We are so lucky to have known him, and will be uplifted in the years to come by his example and his love for life.

Memories of him flow through our minds. One especially touching moment came at Heritage Hills Golf Course following RC's selection as National Coach of the Year in the sport of Boy's Golf.

As a surprise, family and friends gathered at a party in the coach's honor. But Coley didn't know about the party in advance, and was surprised when a large crowd circled the ninth green as the Coleman family approached.

Still, RC showed his special touch once again, knocking his approach shot on the green and holing his putt while greeting the throng of well-wishers.

It was one of many outstanding moments in the outstanding life of Ron Coleman.

As shown by his national coaching honor, RC was among the best golf coaches in the United States, with his teams winning seven state Class B golf championships in his years of coaching the McCook High School boys team.

As impressive as that is, it's just one part of the Ron Coleman story. He served year around, teaching physical education to grade school pupils, serving as an excellent assistant in boys' football and as last year's co-head coach in boys basketball.

His greatest gifts to us -- in sports and in day-to-day life -- were his zest for life and his dedication to helping others through coaching and mentoring.

Our hearts are torn with sadness because of the death of Coach Ron Coleman. But, as we mourn, we are so overwhelmingly grateful that he gave so much to us in his brief time on earth.