Thanks to Ronald Longcore’s efforts, countless kids who went through Oxford Schools learned to swing either a hammer or a baseball bat.
Sadly, the retired teacher and longtime member of the Oxford Wildcat Booster Club passed away June 26, 2007 following a six-month stay in the hospital. He was 58.
‘He was a real asset to the Booster Club and did a lot to enhance athletics in Oxford,? said fellow Booster Helen Smith.
Longcore taught industrial arts at the high school and middle school from August 1972 until his retirement in October 2000.
He headed the industrial arts department and was actively involved in helping the high school regain its North Central Association Accreditation in the 1980s.
A jack-of-all-trades, Longcore taught students vocational welding/metal shop, drafting, woodworking and home repair.
‘He really knew his stuff,? said longtime friend Bud Laidlaw, who noted Longcore was a licensed builder. He built his own home on Seymour Lake Road.
Laidlaw and Longcore met during their Booster Club days some 20 years ago. The pair worked the concession stand together at baseball games for six years.
The money raised, along with other funds, helped purchase a new scoreboard and dugouts for the team.
During his time with the Boosters, Longcore served as both president and treasurer of the club.
‘He liked to help kids,? Laidlaw said.
Longcore and Laidlaw also participated in a program that helped middle school students develop their reading skills. ‘We did that for quite a few years,? Laidlaw said.
Laidlaw said he will sorely miss Longcore’s friendship ? the phone calls, the breakfasts, the lunches, the ball games, the two-mile walks.
‘We had some good times,? he said.
Sometimes people misunderstood Longcore because they didn’t really know him, according to Laidlaw.
‘Anybody that really knew Ron, knew what a wonderful person he was,? he said.
Aside from his friendship and devotion to the kids of Oxford, Laidlaw was always impressed with Longcore’s inner strength.
A diabetic since his youth, there were days when Longcore didn’t feel well, but nobody ever knew it. ‘I don’t care how bad he was, he never complained,? Laidlaw said.
Longcore’s spirit never diminished during his lengthy hospital stay as he fought everyday to get better. ‘He never gave up,? Laidlaw said. ‘He was a fighter.?
Laidlaw said he also ‘admired? what a ‘good husband and excellent family man? Longcore was.
A funeral for Longcore was held June 30 at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors ? Bossardet Chapel.
The family has requested memorial contributions be sent to either the Michigan Humane Society or Pontiac Animal Rescue League.