If you would like to share a memory of Dad or something about how you knew him or what he meant to you, please feel free to do so using the comment box below.
I know several of you have written already on Caring Bridge, Facebook, or elsewhere. Please feel free to copy something you have already written if you would like it to be posted here as well.
Thank you so much to any of you who choose to post. ❤️ – Erin
Erin and Brian,
Thank you for putting this together. I loved going through the pictures you chose. Little windows into a life of love and service.
A loving, patient teacher. I’m at a loss for words. His kindness and patience touched my heart many years ago. I will never forget that.
I liked Skyping with Grandpa. We would watch videos and talk. And I ate mac and cheese while Skyping with him.
I liked when Grandpa read me books, and I liked playing Construx with him.
I was part of the college group at Santa Clara Baptist Church, and that was where I met Ron. I was also friends with Robbie. Ron was a very gifted guitarist and I always enjoyed hearing him play. As a musician, I deeply respected his musical ability. At about the time I entered the ministry, I lost touch with Ron and Robbie. A few years back, I reconected with Ron thanks to the internet and discovered his theological work. I read Righteous Sinners and was deeply impressed with Ron’s insights. It is truly a book that blessed me. I grieve his passing, but rejoice that he is now seeing Jesus face to face. I will look forward to seeing Ron again before the throne. My prayers and condolences go out to Robbie, Erin, and Brian. May God comfort you in your grief.
I’ll never forget the time I called Ron almost crying because I felt misunderstood and rejected in my interpretation of a verse in James. Of course, you were my James guy, Ron. But you were more than that. While I probably wouldn’t deal with exegetical conflict in the same way now, 10 year later, you patiently listened to me and encouraged me. You heard me, affirmed me. I always looked to my tutors more for how they lived their lives and how they treated other people than for what conclusions they came to about the bible. In this, you always were a shinning example of how to care for other people. This is the greatest lesson I will take from my time studying with you, Ron. And I truly believe it’s the most important. You loved me, you wanted me to flourish, to love God and other people, to fulfill my potential and reach my Telos, but rooted in the position of knowing that I was loved, that others took joy and delight in me. You set the example in how to do that, and I hope each day to follow in your footsteps. Robby, Erin, and Brian (and families), I love you, I hurt for you. I cannot assuage your pain, but Ron’s legacy lives on in all of us, coursing through our veins in the lessons we took from him, how we treat others, how we pursue and love God.
My alma mater, Gutenberg College, lost a wonderful man. Ron was one of the most loving, patient professors I’ve ever met. His book Righteous Sinners forever changed my views on faith, grace, and work. I will remain eternally grateful to what he taught me about life.
Ron is an inextricable part of our lives in a way that we can’t begin to dissect. His life and teachings hold immeasurable value in the way we think about the world. I hear his words almost daily in memory and practice. I see him so beautifully reflected in his children – not only in looks but in deeds as well.
Thank you, Robby, Brian, Erin and family, for providing this space. The pictures are treasures.
Thank you, Ron, for being the most tolerant dad of a teenage girl and her friend that I can imagine. Thanks for letting me stay up late with Erin, keeping you up talking and instant messaging all night, eating all of your ice cream, and singing at the top of our lungs to Ace of Base while I’m sure you were working on important teaching.
Until we meet again.
Ron is now resting in the arms of Jesus. There simply is no better place to be. Well done Ron…
May God’s gentle hand surround the Julian’s…
Having attended Reformation Fellowship for over 25 years, my wife and I were blessed to have Ron as one of the main teachers. It wasn’t just his insight that was compelling, but his inner spirit of kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience.
When my wife unexpectedly passed away 5 years ago, I had Ron play “Lord of the Starfields”-a song that he hooked me on previously-for her memorial at Reformation church. He sung and played it so well. I’m sure he and Sherri will connect in heaven.
He will be greatly missed by many, but I’m glad he is free from his pain and with the Lord of the Starfields-The beginning and end, who makes our heart sing like a banner in the wind. <3
There were so many things I loved about Ron, but at the top of the list were his humility and transparency. I remember when he shared about how he prayed and what he said to God, and how well I could relate to what he said. I also loved Ron’s views on Christian worship music, which I know is a little funny, but I became a Christian at a similar age to Ron; I was 19, and I could never get used to how mainstream churches sing. It bothered me, and it encouraged me to share this with Ron, to not feel alone. I loved hearing Ron teach from the Bible, so raw, so well studied and so heartfelt, transparent in who he was as he wrestled with what the Bible said. I am thankful he was so approachable, kind, warm and gracious. To Ron’s family: I am praying for you all so much. Much love from the Stevens.
Years ago, when Laura, my wife, and I first moved to Eugene, Ron taught at Reformation Fellowship one day.
During the question and answer time (a wonderful cultural anomaly unto itself,) I asked Ron how one could tell if a given scriptural command was applicable for all time or just for the time in which that scripture was written.
Ron answered, “That’s the 64-thousand dollar question….”
Never before had I heard ANY teacher indicate that he valued my question and that he wrestled with it himself. This interaction put me on the path of discovering a wisdom-based ethic as contrasted to a rules-based one.
His hunger for understanding coupled with his humility by expressing his limitedness have helped me on my journey through the murkiness of life.
I hope to live a life congruent to Ron’s in this realm.
We’re continuing to pray for all left behind.
Ron was a kind and wise human being. In my years of being involved at the study center, I watched him develop his thinking over time. His journey of learning was one of great humility and I personally experienced and saw other students of his benefit from his respect, patience and ultimate trust in the process of learning to think for oneself. We shared a love for music and he was always a great supporter and encourager in my own music. I deeply regret not sharing more times with him in recent years and I ache and grieve for his family’s loss. My prayers will be that you will have a deep and meaningful sense of the Lord’s care for you during this time and that the memory of Ron will endure and grow over the years. Finally, my life was made better in knowing Ron and I will always be grateful for that.
My visual memory of Ron is the spruce top of the guitar he would play at Reformation Fellowship. When a guitar is newly built, the spruce is radiant white. Over time, the natural aging of the wood gives it a rich golden patina. Judging by the color, I guessed he had played that same instrument for at least twenty years when I met him in 2000 as a Gutenberg student. Amidst pawning my stuff and not doing my homework – in an effort to lead the world’s least efficient life, I prized the idea that by holding on to my year-old guitar it might someday come to resemble his.
Indeed, I still have that guitar today; as well as a life that bears resemblance to his in stability, even if not in scholarly achievement! For me, it remains the perfect metaphor for who Ron was and what I, as a haughty and dissipating young man, needed to learn from him. Just as there is no imitating the beauty of an aged and well cared-for guitar, so there is no substitute for the beauty and legacy of a life lived in a single direction.
Thank you, Ron.
Well said Chris. I hope you’re well.
Ron was a example of modesty and being careful to speak the truth. I admired this as his student and more so in retrospect. We connected especially over aesthetic things… music, films. He was a indelible influence on my life and I’m glad to call him a friend.
I found Ron on Apple podcast about 8 months ago and have spent close to 100hr listening to him teach through different books of the Bible.
I am truly saddened to hear of his passing I was just thinking the other day about him and hoping that one day I would have the opportunity to thank and let him know the impact that you sat on me and my family.
So I want to thank his family and thank Gutenberg college, may the Lord be with you in this time of grief and I look forward to meeting my brother Ron on the other side.
Robby, Brian, Erin, and family, I am so very sad to hear this news. What a beautiful family Ron had, and I send my condolences for the pain you all must go through in this loss. I have many, many fond memories of our Bible Study gathering at your apartment in Mountain View and Ron leading the way, teaching us with his calm voice and thoughtful, careful teachings. I remember being honored to attend your wedding. Ron’s guitar was always present during our Bible study, and his talent was admirable. He loved movies and it was delightful to discuss them with him. I missed Ron & Robby when you moved to Oregon, but continued to listen to Ron teach, as available on the internet. I will pray for the Lord to send you comfort as you mourn Ron’s passing. With my deepest sympathy, with many fond memories, and with love, Teri Ortiz
When I remember Ron, I remember his gentle guidance. Always kind, always confident in Christ’s truth and love. Memory Eternal! Thank you, Ron. Time for me to pick up Righteous Sinners again.
Oh, and I remember a few really good grammar debates on Facebook! =) He always knew how to pick his battles. Thank you, Ron, for being an example to us all.
Gutenberg/ MSC, where I lived for four years, is a place that was important on my faith and personal journey and I found it to be a caring community. I see that Ron was central to making it all happen. I remember Ron’s caring presence and smile, though I didn’t know him well. I heard him teach at Reformation Fellowship for the year or so I attended there. Ron’s legacy lives on in his family. I love the pictures on this website. What a happy man with all those grandsons!
I stumbled upon Gutenberg College’s recordings in 2013. I listened to so, so many of them. Something I heard Ron say that really stood out to me was (paraphrased): “I teach students how to do exegesis with Aristotle. Then, once they’ve gotten down how to read a hard text, I want to be able to swap out Aristotle with the Bible and say, ‘Ok, keep doing that,’ and for the students to use the same exegetical methods with the Bible.” That stuck with me. I’ve repeated that to others many times.
A while back, I emailed Ron a few times. I was struggling quite a bit, with questions and with God. Ron was honest, and kind. And he emailed me a picture of some of his grandchildren.
Thanks to God for Ron. May God comfort his family, friends, MSC, Gutenberg College, and Reformation Fellowship.
Thank you, Ron.
I’ve not actually met Ron, but emailed back and forth with him several times after a mutual friend sent me a copy of Righteous Sinners almost twenty years ago as I struggled deeply with my faith. That book was my constant companion, and between that and the hundreds of hours of Gutenberg College/Reformation Fellowship podcasts I’ve listened to over the years, few people have been as influential to me. I’m sure I’m one of many hundreds of “strangers” who were saddened to hear the news of his passing.
In my experience, Ron was brilliant, honest, and kind––a rare combination of qualities. He introduced me to some of my favorite poetry. Sometimes he seemed painfully socially awkward, which, as a sometimes-painfully-awkward-person myself, made me like him all the more. He challenged me in positive ways; everytime I write, I employ skills he taught me. He demonstrated remarkable openness to all mannor of artistic expression (not many of his generation were hip to Radiohead like he was, for example.)
Those are just a few random thoughts I have about Ron. I’m going to miss him. But I’m encouraged by how much of what was good about Ron, I see in Robby, Brian and Erin––not to mention in many of us for whom Ron was something of a spiritual father. You Julians seem to me to be an intellectually intrepid and good-natured lot. Life doesn’t allow us to spend as much time as we’d want to with everyone we like and admire, but I’m glad to have known you all.
It’s rare to meet a person whose quest for clarity is rivaled only by his pursuit of humility. Ron was so smart, and also so kind. He had the kind of trust in God that I hope to have when I lie dying, and also while I am living too.
One of my favorite memories of Ron is when he played guitar for a dinky little open-mic night I organized at Gutenberg. He seemed reluctant to, but he gave in to us students’ pleas and played a fantastic set. I felt then that it was a gift and an honor for all us to hear him play.
Thinking back, that event kind of sums up my experience of Ron: reluctant to be the center of attention, but so talented and generous that I think he often found himself there. He didn’t live for the limelight; it seems to me, speaking from outside the ring of those who knew him best, that he lived actively avoiding the limelight. But his gentle, thoughtful, giving nature shined with its own light, and drew so many of us to the Light he lived to reflect.
Thank you, Ron. And thank you, Ron’s whole family, for what you have given in sharing Ron’s life with us.
We are thanking God for Ron. He was a man who had many facets to admire, love, and appreciate. On our first day attending Reformation Fellowship he and Robby were the first ones to warmly greet us and help us understand the Reformation way and our appreciation of him and Robby continued to grow from there. Our memories of Ron the teacher are primarily of how conscientious he was in explaining the Bible verses he was teaching. His teaching was always designed to flow easily from point to point so a listener could clearly understand his interpretation. He was humble in his assertions but would point out areas that he was convinced of at that time. He understood the context of each particular book because of his hours of preparation and the wisdom of his years of study. We were looking forward to his continuing on in his exposition of Matthew but since God has purposed that will not happen we will cherish the 60 recordings of Matthew Ron was able to complete. Plus, we have many other recorded teachings he presented.
When we think of Ron we cannot separate Robbie from that image. Ron was devoted to Robbie as she is devoted to him. They modeled for us two people working, living, and loving together. One example of our memories of them working together was going into Reformation Fellowship and seeing Ron and Robby setting up the recording system. Ron went to the front of the sanctuary to set up the microphones and he and Robby tested them for sound. That particular Sunday Ron also played his guitar and led the singing and then he gave the teaching. Robby monitored the sound system. Robby also each week processed the Reformation Fellowship recordings so they could be edited and made available on the Gutenberg website and iTunes. She has performed this service for years. Ron developed and maintained the database that was used to store and allow access to the many audio recordings that will teach coming generations.
Ron the man had a heart dedicated to truth and he made the effort to learn and teach the truth. We thank God he created Ron to teach the absolute necessity of truth. Ron, through his teaching and living the life he did, gave all who knew him a precious gift, that of the pivotal importance of studying the Bible. He will be sorely missed.
Looking through these photos is like revisiting childhood. Ron was a faithful friend to our family- my parents having met and befriended the Julians in college- and I always felt safe with him as a child, teen, and young adult. Theirs was the only phone number I had memorized as rotely as my own. Brian and I spent many hours learning Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Ron studied these subjects along with us, and explained each chapter to us fairly simply, with his own subtle take on each, usually along the lines of – “well, they’re not doing much new in this chapter…”, always making it seem doable. Most of all my heart remembers the feeling of having a “back-door neighbor”, just through the gate in the fence- who made himself available to listen, sit, teach, and receive.
Sharing from CaringBridge:
Memories of Ron- how much he loved lemon squares – him sitting with me as a teenager during a panic attack of some sort- just talking softly to me. Saying to me when my parents were gone, “I know you are very resourceful, but if you need anything please feel free to come over anytime”- learning math with Brian, learning poetry at Gutenberg, and just generally feeling his kind and soft presence in my life from the time I can remember. Brian says it beautifully in his blog post- Ron’s presence was understated and steady- I never doubted that he cared for me, even throughout all the turmoil of adolescence and young adulthood. I hope to be that caring presence for others – and I know that I will never live up to that example. I am also grateful for his (and Robby’s) friendship with my parents all of these years- the steadfastness of those bonds have never left us, even though we are all in different places now. You have set an example of what true friendship is.
I met Ron in high school. He was my brother’s best friend and it was obvious he was smart and not ordinary. When I took guitar lessons from him, I learned he was kind and patient. When he married Robby Moyer, he showed himself a man of discernment. During the bible study in Mountain View, it became clear that he was thoughtful and articulate. (I also found out that he didn’t like “things” in his ice cream and I enjoyed his quiet sense of humor). The move to Oregon, teaching at Gutenberg, growing a beautiful family, and embodying a sustaining faith for the way contributed to making his a life well-lived. I am grateful for knowing him.
_Righteous Sinners_ helped me understand what being a believer actually meant, and then helped open my heart to it. Besides that life-altering gift two decades ago, and his help in shaping my worldview since then through his insightful teaching, I also have many memories of Ron’s wonderful music (he was always so humble about it!) and dry sense of humor. I am so sorry for your loss and grief.
I remember meeting Ron and by that I mean Ron coming up to me a striking a conversation. That conversation lead to more great discussions, movie nights, and Godzilla sequels… In addition to being able to turn complicated ideas into easy to grasp concepts Ron was such a papa bear. He loved being a part of his children and grandchildren’s lives yet still had enough room in his heart for his students and residents.
So grateful meeting you Ron Julian !
I first met Ron in Jack’s Principles of Interpretation class a year before I applied to and was accepted into PBC’s Scribe School. Ron stood out as a rather curious student in that class leaving me to wonder what interests the Lord gave him. Most students like me just wanted to learn more about how to understand the word of God. For Ron it seemed to be much more than that.
I found out the following year in Scribe School where he was one of the instructors. In my second year Ron was my first year Hebrew instructor. I recall Ron and Robby having us and the whole Scribe School over for dinner. That’s when I learned of Ron’s love for animated film and what could be done with it. Animation could take you to places where a camera could not possibly be fit, for example running up the neck of a guitar under the strings. (OK, I guess I have a little of Ron’s geekiness!)
After Scribe School, my wife Pat and I moved to Seattle. At the same time Ron and Robby and a lot of other Scribe School staff moved to Eugene to grow the McKenzie Study Center which became the accredited Gutenberg College. Looking through your photos tells me the Ron and all the Julians have had a very blessed life. Here’s to the Lord of life! May God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and be a great comfort to you in this time of sorrow that is oddly sweetened by joy.
David, thank you for sharing this photo. It was one of my favorites in our old photo albums.
Here is my Facebook post from January 25, 2021
My dear and beloved friend of over 30 years, Ron Julian passed away from cancer today at the age of 68. I could write a thousand words about him, what we shared, and our friendship, but sadly, I just can’t put them all together. This I know, Ron was tender, loving, honest, thoughtful, humble, wise, and had a great sense of humor. But most of all, he was faithful to his LORD. I was at his bedside on Saturday evening and that will be one of the single most HOLY moments of my life. Rest in Peace dear friend and LORD willing I will see you again.
I’ve been thinking for weeks about how to express my gratitude for the life of Ron Julian. I’m grateful first that he was my teacher. I still remind myself to make distinctions and define terms, because of Ron. I still love T.S. Eliot (but sadly not the Beatles!) I still wish that I could understand films even a fraction as well as he did. And I still remember him most vividly with a twinkle in his eyes and a bounce in his step, eager to learn and discuss with us. What a privilege.
I’m also so grateful that he married Robby. Her editing was a thankless task that she accomplished so kindly and graciously and excellently (I’m sure you would like to edit that sentence, Robby!) She was also such a calm and lovely presence at Gutenberg.
And finally, I’m grateful for the legacy he left in his son and daughter and their respective families. Mélanie and Brian have been such loyal and dear friends for such a long time, and I rejoice that Brian is teaching and collecting and distinguishing just like his dad!
Thank you, Ron, for following God and gifting us all as you did so. Much love to Robby and All.
Axon
I appreciated Ron for his unwavering patience. He was always willing to step aside and answer a question or work through a problem while never making me feel like it was a burden or a duty. He was generous and humble and really understood what it is to be “inexplicably human”, as Charlie Dewberry put it, flawed and at the mercy of grace. I remember what a great team Robbie and Ron were. They worked so well together and supported one another in a beautifully discrete dance. Ron will be missed but he did leave a legacy and an impact that cannot be quantified.
Ron’s heartbreaking and early passing is an enormous loss for me and for so many others. I have been reflecting on his life, his kindness and his thoughtful approach to everything in life. Throughout the many years that I have known him, he has taught me and exemplified for me an incalculable number of crucial and valuable things about life, the Bible, God, human nature and the arts. He was a steady influence for good, a wise man, a skilled knower and the most precious friend I have ever had.
Ron Julian ranks among those who discipled me from afar. His book Righteous Sinners is tattered, torn and stained (coffee and tears) but with me always. Back in the days before email he was kind enough to respond to a letter full of questions, and then again later through email. His teaching resonated with me as did JI Packer’s. I will miss them both.
I just learned recently of Ron’s passing. I knew Ron many years ago. We met at Santa Clara first baptist church. I remember him as a kind soul , a gifted musician and wise council. Such souls are always truly missed by all who knew them. I was most fortunate to have known Ron and I pray his family and all those close to him will be filled with the love. Compassion , and peace that flows from god, Christ and the Holy Spirit for all who endure such a great loss. Sincerely Jerry myers
Robby,
This world has lost a gentle sensitive man who loved Jesus. Those of us left behind are in sorrow and rejoice that we know he is with his Lord. His witness leads me to not give up but to struggle on, knowing that God knows our heart but also knowing that at sometime in our lives we will be tempted and have to choose who will we follow. I thank him for his words.
I am so looking forward to seeing the tribe at our gathering this Summer. Thank you Ryan for your touching tribute on the Reformation Fellowship feed- I did dream that Ron was present at the Memorial and greeting us at the door as we came in- looking down and to the side, characteristically- and when we would start to question his presence there, just said, “I know, I know”, shaking his head, “don’t worry about it”. I have no doubt that he will be there with us as we gather to honor him.
I just learned of Ron’s passing several months after the fact. I never met Ron or any family member. I simply stumbled across Gutenberg’s website (and then Reformation Fellowship) and was compelled to listen to the audio teaching of a couple of teachers, Ron being one. I also read his articles and purchased his book “Righteous Sinners.” Ron’s teaching was always unique and compelling. There was something about the way he taught that conveyed his faith and trust in his Lord. I am appreciative for having this small glimpse into his life and regret never having made it to Eugene to meet him. Someday…
Behind that beard was a great smile.
Behind that smile was a “knowing” only fellow travelers could appreciate.
Behind that knowing was patience, kindness, and honed honesty.
I was glad to know him, and I will be glad to see him again.
The world was a better place with him in it.
Raise a glass with me and . . .
Dear Ron, you are still missed – deeply.