Ronald William McNiven

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by David E. Wheeler on May 13, 2011:

Ron and I were roommates for two years in Co. H-1 at West Point. He was smart, easygoing and a lot more mature than I was, and I appreciated him as a friend, more than he ever knew. He graduated into the Air Force and a short military career. I was an Army Engineer for 28 years and never saw Ron after graduation. Before our 45th Reunion (2000), and in 2005 and 2010, I attempted to contact all Co. H-1 Classmates and urge them to join us at West Point. I connected with Ron: he was living in his beloved Michigan, caregiver for a friend without family who was quite ill, and could not leave him. We talked about Classmates and old times. He was without email, so was glad to receive rosters and newsletters that I sent him. This last time I spoke to Ron, in 2010, Ron himself was stricken; he had suffered a stroke. In sadness, I learned of his recent death in an email that Charlie Johnson forwarded to me: "This is to inform you that Ron McNiven class of 55 passed away in April 2011 after a stroke that left him disabled. Ron McNiven was put to rest with Military Honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan. If I can be of further assistance please let me know. Ron had no family and only 2 friends. I am a minor acquaintance of Ron and was present at his funeral... Jerry Yoba, Post Commander, American Legion Post 150, Frankenmuth, Michigan." All of Ron's Classmates are grateful for Commander Yoba's involvement in honoring Ron McNiven's service. Ron, well done; be thou at rest. Dave Wheeler, a Classmate, a roommate and a friend.

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