Ronald Battiata, Donor

Hi Dad ~ It's been a little more than two years since I've seen your beautiful smile, twinkling eyes, and felt your warm hugs. I miss you every single day and just wish we had you for one more day. Our lives are not the same without you, but day by day we're figuring out how to "live" our lives to the fullest, because we know that's what you would want. I'm so thankful for the life you gave us and the memories that will forever live in my heart. Love and Hugs, Your baby girl

We met Ron and Nancy in the summer of 2004. We were at the US Transplant Games in Minnesota. Max was asked to represent donor families by carrying the Team Michigan banner in the opening ceremonies. While waiting he found himself sitting next to Ron. They wound up telling each others stories about organ donation. Ron asked about getting together after the games. Both agreed and exchanged addresses and phone numbers. We both saw Ron and Nancy a couple of times during the games so Gloria had a chance to meet them. About 2 weeks after the games we got a call from Ron to set up a meeting. We met at our house in Gladwin. We were able to tell more in depth stories of Sarah's donation and Ron's lung transplant. While sitting around the bonfire in our backyard Ron brought up the idea of adopting us as his donor family and Sarah as his spiritual donor. Ron had made attempts to contact his donor's family but had never received a reply. We had never heard of donor family adoption but we immediately said yes. That was the beginning of our 10 year relationship with Ron and Nancy. We literally became family. We will cherish the times we had together especially at the Transplant Games. Winning a bronze medal and finishing the 100 meter dash without falling down in Louisville was a proud moment for Ron and us as well. Ron, we will miss your smile, the twinkle in your eye and your love for us and life itself. Thanks for being in our lives. We'll always love you Ron and Nancy.

Ron...he was the best, just the best! I have lost one of the truest, most honest, and dearest giving friends that anyone could ask for. We moved to Lakewood Knoll about the same time, the friendship grew and grew and will always be a part of my heart. He will always have a special place in my heart, he was more like a older brother to me and was always there to help with anything he could. It's been said that we had a "bromance" with each other, yep that sums it well! I think we just understood and respected each other. My best memories are of making wine with him and Don...they recruited me to help me through a difficult time in my life, (so they said, I think they just needed a younger back). We had such fun, making it, bottling it, and tasting a bit of it too! Oh how I would love to pop a cork and have just one more story time. I so grateful for having known Ron and Nancy, the Battiata family seems like family to me and my heart is breaking for them all. Ron was a very special person and I feel sooo blessed for having him and Nancy in my life. I am so sorry for all of his children and his entire family. I know he is just smiling and so very happy, he left all of us exactly the way he wanted to and was able to give back to help others...that was our Ron. I love ya buddy and will miss you forever!

Ron Battiata was truly one of a kind. His sweet, genuine, caring, and charming personality touched everyone who knew him. We have had the pleasure of knowing him and his family for many years. He was the type of person you wish you could meet more of. He reached out and gave friendship, support, laughter and hope. He always talked with such pride about his family. He gave back to the transplant community without hesitation and really looked forward to the transplant games every year, and returned with some heartfelt stories. He has always been a true inspiration/mentor/hero in our lives, and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are torn for the family. Thank you Ron for always being there for us. Love Robert and Cherie Blackwell

We had good memories with Ron and Nancy over the years. We have known you guys for a long time. We had a great time in Vegas on a couple of trips. So many good memories and he was such an upbeat guy and we never heard him complain why me. He will be missed a lot and especially by his family. God Bless you Nancy and family. Love Bill and NY Nancy

We were fortunate to have Ron in our lives. We had many a Great time and many laughs and many memorial moments on vacation or just driveway sitting. We will miss him and he will live in our Hearts Forever. He was more than a Friend he was Family to us. God Bless you. Love Pat & Mike

We met Ron and Nancy while visiting my brother who is a neighbor in their condo complex. We immediately felt the the warmth of true friendship. Nancy and Ron are special special people and Ron will be missed, especially his smile, his wit and that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Ron and Nancy were spending some time with us in AZ and were throughly enjoying the warm temps compared to MI. The night Ron collapsed will not soon be forgotten, if ever. We loved meeting his daughter and son-in-law but so wish it could have been at a happier time. Your strength through the Gift of Life process was a tribute to your husband and father. Hugs, kisses and prayers to all of the Battiata family.

This my super hero.. This the most honest-to-goodness real man I have EVER had the pleasure of meeting, and I had the honor of calling him my DAD. Anyone who ever met him would agree that he could make you smile, laugh and just feel good about life. Not even in my rebellious teen years did I ever not have respect and love for him. He has taught me countless life lessons...including firing me from the dental lab in which he owned and my brother Darin also worked. I deserved it I took advantage of working for my father..... "I can do what I want he won't fire me he's my Dad". Just a small example of the tons of priceless life lessons he has given me. He gave back as much as he received throughout his life and then some I believe. He wasn't perfect but he was to me. I love you Pops I will miss you like crazy. Thank you for being my super hero.