The only thing ordinary about Ron Lemire is his appearance. His friendly face, sturdy physique, and unpretentious attire convey the impression of a likeable blue-collar worker. This unprepossessing exterior belies the most extraordinary human being it has been my privilege to know. Comfortable in his own skin, Ron radiates confidence without arrogance or a need for praise and admiration. Physical, mental, and moral toughness underlie his warm and empathetic persona. Fun to be with, with a grand sense of humor, he relates easily and effectively to any level of society. A natural leader who scorns the trappings of power, fame, and wealth, he is generous in crediting the achievements of others while shunning the limelight for himself. He sets personal goals that sometimes seem unattainable, then allows no obstacle to keep him from achieving or surpassing them. He is tolerant of foibles in others, but perfection is the standard he sets for himself. Impeccably moral without being religious, he distinguishes wrong from right in terms of black and white, accepting no shades of gray in matters of honesty, ethics, and simple humanity.
Ron's character, personality, and intellect could have taken him to the top of almost any field. But prestige and wealth never tempted him. As a university student he determined to pursue an academic career with embryology as its central focus, a choice offering scant hope of fame and fortune. His substantial contributions to the embryology and teratology of the central nervous system are discussed elsewhere in this issue, but these comprise only one of his notable achievements during a career based entirely at the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSM) and the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center (CHRMC) in Seattle, Washington. His immense contributions to the quality and effectiveness of both institutions will long be remembered. Generations of students, trainees, patients, and colleagues have been beneficiaries of his unique effectiveness as teacher, physician, administrator, role model, friend, and counselor.
FRIEND AND FISHERMAN
My association with Ron began with a shared enthusiasm for the embryology and morphology of malformations, but soon evolved into the closest and most influential relationship outside of family that I would ever experience. The old adage ''familiarity breeds contempt'' does