The family, friends, coworkers and members of the Los Angeles recovery community are mourning the passing of Ronnie Walker, Manager of CLARE Foundation’s Detox/Primary Program. He died in a July 4th motorcycle accident.
Ronnie spread love and healing with an energy and passion that lifted innumerable hearts. He had transformed his own life from one filled with the despair of drug abuse to one brimming with passion for healing; he then dedicated his life to helping others transform theirs. It’s no exaggeration to say that Ronnie’s encouragement and example touched thousands of lives.
Ronnie loved to have fun, and he knew that fun and love could be created at any moment, in any situation. He was famous for breaking into silly dance or song routines to shake coworkers out of their blues, and for giving hugs and kisses to tease grumpiness away. Everything he did brought relief from the illusion that we are disconnected, separate beings.
Ronnie was smart and quick, and accomplished much in his too-short time here. He loved to move fast, whether he was spreading compassion as a way of life or riding the motorcycle on which he died. He knew how to be fully himself, doing what he loved every moment and loving every moment. He looked for the best in others, mentoring them in the ways of recovery and in the counseling profession. He mentored everyone on how to live a joy-filled life just by never missing an opportunity to pass love along. He never waited for an invitation to share his spirit; he just did it.
Ronnie is survived by his mother and stepfather, Philip and Judy Xanthos; his son, Ronald Walker, Jr.; his brother, Raymond Walker; his stepbrother and stepsister, Darren Xanthos and Deanna Brauer; and his fianceé, Shelia Monsod. The family asks that memorial donations be made to CLARE Foundation, 310.314.6246 or www.clarefoundation.org.
