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In Remembrance of Ronnie Booth
Thu Jul 15 2010

Ronnie's biological daughter, Lisa, and his adopted daughter, Rosa

RONNIE’S FRIENDS AND family crowded into two fishing launches. Others awaited on shore on that bright but blustery day last month when his ashes were laid to rest at a place that he loved.

The mood was somber and the swells were huge as we passed Punta Colorada, but as we set anchor off Playa Palmarito (Laguna Chica), the seas grew calm and our spirits rose as we celebrated the life of a special human being.

We remembered a friend who was always cheerful, despite severe health problems that left him in constant pain. He never complained, on the contrary he was gracious, generous and deeply compassionate.

A Canadian who never lost the northern England accent of his birthplace, he had a deep abiding love for Mexico in general and Puerto Escondido in particular. This is where he chose to live out his days and where he touched the lives of many.

He believed in doing what was right. He worked tirelessly in support of the Casa Hogar children’s orphanage and even unofficially adopted Rosa, one the kids. He was tireless in his efforts to battle the scourge of plastics pollution. As he went about his everyday business, he would make stops at neighborhood tiendas and other businesses where he had persuaded owners to serve as reception centers where locals could drop of their accumulated plastics. He would personally pick up and deliver the stash to the recycling plant.

It was Ronnie who enlisted me into the “Plastic Crusade”. He would stop by my office a couple of time each week. I used to savor those visits. He had a sly, dry humor and a passion for vintage cars and vehicle. I miss chewing the fat with him already.

Part of his regular beat is the turtle preserve at Laguna Chica, where, because of the prevailing currents, an extraordinary quantity of discarded bottles gets strewn over the beach. Ruperto Ortega and his son, Davíd, who run the preserve to protect turtle eggs from human exploitation, also new Ronnie’s warmth and generosity. He used to love to bring people out there for the release of the baby turtles.

And that was were we laid his remains to rest, his ashes mingling with the flowers floating across the sun spackled, emerald waters. A place he cherished in life, not a monument to him after his passing.

Adios, dear friend, You will be sorely missed.