Dustin and his brother Brandon and sisters Stacy and Seanna..all grew up with Ronnie and Justin when the Brion family returned to Ithaca, NY.  Of course, the boys loved hockey, lacrosse, football.  All four boys excelled in their sport and Dustin, as we know, went on to the NHL and joined the LA Kings.

After Ronnie's passing, the artwork of Ronnie was shared with family and friends.  Ronnie's character, pictured blowing a big bubble, was inscribed "It's Worth Every Breath".  Dustin took heart in the drawing and commissioned an artist to "create" a four foot by six foot "lego" structure depicting the drawing.  It now hangs in Dustin's office in his California home.

Cayuga Medical Center

Ronnie was having a hard time breathing.  The doctors could not determine what to do.  Ronnie's Cancer team of doctors were in Rochester, at Strong Memorial Hospital.  Many folks did not want Ronnie to be moved to Rochester.  That involved a helicopter ride, which meant that Ronnie would have to be intibated. Ronnie took the decision making away from everyone. While discussions were underway, I walked into Ronnie's cubicle.  He was signing the permission papers for the ride.  I just looked at him.  Ronnie said, "Pops, It is the only thing I can do."  I just said, "I know".

Strong Hospital

The decision was made to induce Ronnie into a coma so that the treatment could be rendered easier and Ronnie's system could respond easier. My last talk to Ronnie ended with him pulling me to him.  He stared at me real hard and then hugged me around the neck..tight.  He whispered in my ear, "I am ok. I am ready. It is all ok."  I wonder to this day what he meant by "I am ready".  For what?  I now know what Ronnie meant.  He knew that his Mother and I were going to be asked to make an impossible decision in a few days. Ronnie already knew and was confident of the decision we would make. He was telling me that it was ok.  "I am ready".  I mean to ask him some day. 

Larry Hoppen was a founding member of the band Orleans.   I met Larry when he was a music major at Ithaca College in 1968-69. Larry came to the Band "Big Daddy and the Duquenes".  He brought his friends that became the horn section of Teddy Antrum's (Big Daddy) band. We had many fun and great times together. Teddy, Wink Warren, Howie O'Dell, Larry and friends. The band grew into a favorite in Central New York and the Ithaca/Cortland areas. Larry also became a close friend of the Brion Family.  Mom and Dad Brion grew to love the "music and band" impact on our family as we grew through the times.  They really enjoyed Larry and his music.  I will never forget Larry..so talented. His legacy will live on..so much more to give.   Chet Brion