Ronald Schiff

Ronald Craig Schiff, 83, loving husband and father of seven, passed away peacefully at his home in Dewey, Illinois on February 27, 2019.

Undoubtedly, Ron was no ordinary person and lived an unforgettable life. The son of the late Dorothy Wasserman, Ron was born on Valentines Day, February 14, 1936 in New York City. He was deeply influenced by his Grandmother, Stella.

Rons mischievous nature began at an early age and resulted in him getting into constant trouble. Consequently, he was sent off to boarding school and upon his arrival, he climbed a 50 pine tree in protest against his mothers decision to send him there. It took a long cold night and his growing appetite to convince him to come down and join the ranks of his class.

He went to an agriculture high school and spent his summers working on a dairy farm. During this time, his love for animals deepened and he friended his first German Shepherd "Sheppy."

Ron developed a relationship with the New York City Judge for the numerous tickets he received for letting Sheppy off his leash in Central Park. His earnings from his summer job on the farm were always used to pay off the tickets, but to this day, he doesnt believe in the necessity of a leash.

After starting Veterinary School at Cornell University, he was drafted into the Army for the Korean War and became a Medic. He was deployed to Germany as part of the augmentation force of the US Army. His stories include pranks of (accidentally) hanging doors upside down and nights of indulging in Champagne and playing cards.

Upon returning to the States, Ron enrolled at Ohio State University and studied Physics. Afterwards, he worked in a test cell, calibrating jet engines for endurance and controls and later moved to Champaign, Illinois. Through long, boring nights of testing on third shift, Rons love of shenanigans continued with no reasonable explanation as to why stalactites would be regularly discovered on the ceiling by the following shift. To this day, only those closest to him know the formula.

Ron lived each day with a larger than life mantra based on the values of passion, love and laughter and was unapologetic in voicing his opinion. He was always willing to provide penny lessons to anyone who wanted to learn to play cards. He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to the music of all genres.

He cared extensively for his "family zoo," which included both pets and exotic animals (racoons, skunks, donkeys, dogs, reptiles, fish and parrots). He was a firm believer that, "even a dog has to get lucky," and treated each member of the zoo accordingly.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Lori Anne Schiff of Dewey, Illinois. His greatest achievement was his children who are spread around the world today: Suzanne Baird of Denver, Colorado, Scott (Susan) Schiff of Manhattan, Kansas, Michelle Groene of Loveland, Ohio, Samuel (Amy) Schiff of Urbana, Illinois, Zachary (Caroline) Schiff of Athens, Georgia, Rachel (Francois-Marie) Schiff of Dsseldorf, Germany, and Joshua Schiff of Northpoint, Florida. He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren: Taylor Baird, Jordan Baird, Mackenzie Baird, Gracie Groene, Luke Groene, Sarah (David) Schiff Janovitz, Stuart Schiff, Spencer Schiff, Sydney Schiff, Collin Schiff, Gwenyth Schiff, Oliver Schiff, Ella Schiff, Andrew Schiff, and Clara Schiff and his great-grandchild Avett Schiff. He will be missed every day.

Letters of condolence may be sent care of his wife, Lori Schiff. Per Rons wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. Champaign IL. 61820