Ronald Alfred Paradise

The corner of the world that lauds and cherishes its Bon Vivants, its gadabouts, its connoisseurs and characters finds itself today with a gaping hole in the starting lineup, due to the untimely passing of Ronald Alfred Paradise.
Born to Barbara and Alfred Paradise in Florissant, MO on April 16th, 1953, Ron was predeceased by his parents and his sister Mary Carol Koke. Ron is survived by his brother Richard and wife Julie, brother Robert and wife Julie, all residents of KC, and sister Julie Clark and husband Dr. David C. Clark of Greensboro, NC and his dearest friend, Rebecca Dennis. Ron also leaves behind a devoted group of nieces and nephews, all of whom would have a story to share borne from the wit and wisdom of their Uncle Ron.
Ron attended Cure of Ars Grade School, Rockhurst High School and the University of Kansas as a member of Phi Kappa Sigma, collecting an assortment of friends that remained vital and true to him throughout his life. He spent his career in a variety of positions within the hospitality industry, including a storied stint as the sommelier at Plaza III restaurant, National Sales Manager for Torres Estates Winery, and manager of the wine department at Red X. As you might imagine, he had some good stories about the Red X gig.
Ron took after his father in that he was a champagne renaissance man on a beer budget. He was a gourmand, both in pursuit and practice, a nationally rated sommelier, a classic movie aficionado, a music fanatic, and a literary master. He was definitely the guy you wanted on your side in a Trivial Pursuit game. I was continually astounded at the depth of his knowledge when it came to the offbeat and the arcane. My father once said that Ron was "an endless fount of useless information." I counter that any information is worth its weight in gold, making Rons mental possessions nothing short of a billion.
In amongst all of the arts, wine, food and letters, Ron was also an avid supporter of the Royals, Chiefs and Jayhawks. Throughout his life, he followed the Royals games on the radio whilst keeping score, not watching on TV. That type of baseball fan is a dying breed, and sadly, there is now one less amongst their numbers.
Profound and heartfelt gratitude to all that helped Ron through his last few years, dealing with health and mobility issues, and ultimately, that damn killer cancer. Of special note is Rons uncle, Charles Muehlebach, and therapist Debbi Wedel and Dan Cotton. Ron would ask that no flowers be sent, but donations in his honor be made to Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO, 64114. A celebration of Rons life will be held, details forthcoming.
I have lost a dear brother and a lifelong friend, and the world has lost one of its true originals. However, on a good note, Heaven has gained both an unbridled spirit and a new Social Chairman.