No public services are planned for Ronald ‘Ron’ Broun, 75, Lawrence, who died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2105, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born Dec. 30, 1939, in Phillipsburg, Kan., the son of Diran Turner and Winifred Winship Broun. He graduated from Phillipsburg High School, and later earned undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Kansas. Ron served as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board for many years. He was deeply knowledgeable about all music, played classical piano and ragtime too, he was a classical music reviewer for the Washington Post for seven years, and amassed a significant collection of LPs and CDs. Ron always followed his beloved Jayhawks.
Survivors include a daughter, Katie Sandhaus and husband Jay, and their four sons, Alex, Andy, Teddy, and Thomas, Atlanta, GA, and his former wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Broun, of Bethesda, MD .
Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804
Ron was remarkable and brilliant person. I worked with him at the NLRB in Washington. He was both a gifted lawyer and one never at a loss for words. I concluded, once he started on his music reviews, that he had found his niche. I tried to keep to keep up with all his reviews, tho’ I must admit that I made many trips to my dictionary because of Ron’s gift with words And never in error.
Ron and I worked together in many capacities at the NLRB over many years and were friends. The first time I ever attended a concert at the Church of the Epiphany was on Ron’s second ticket while he was doing a review. I tried to track him down when I became involved with WMP and caught up with his ex-wife Betsy who told me he had moved away. Ann Hoffman who as on the QT trip knew him and told me about his passing.
I remember arriving at the office one morning to find Ron in a complete rage because some editor had censored his use of the word “Schmuyle” in his review of Pictures at an Exhibition which then made his discussion incomprehensible. They were faxing back and forth on the government fax machine. I think this is when he quit the Post. The remarkable thing was that he was in early in the morning. Ron was a night person, a chain smoker and had a office piled with papers which over flowed into adjacent spaces, my complete opposite style wise. But he was a great lawyer. I wish I had him around now that I am in my music period.
Post reviewer Tim Page was his good friend and he went with Tim on Tim’s second ticket to many performances before the Post took him a a reviewer on sending him to the hinterlands for performances by unknowns.
Ron was the epitome of a gifted person. He exuded talent whether it was in music, art, literature, law, or language. This was coupled with a delightful wit and friendly approach to those he met. He leaves behind wonderful memories for those who were fortunate enough to know him.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Ron at the Washington Post. He was a class act, and I learned a lot from him. My condolences to his friends and family.
I was fortunate enough to work at the Washington Post with Ron. He was a fine critic, a smart musician and an altogether good guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
Ron had recently moved to Lawrence and did a marvelous renovation and upgrading project on his new home. He was delighted to be right next to the KU campus and was looking forward to immersing himself in the many activities surrounding the Jayhawk campus. I am stunned and deeply saddened that his joy was short-lived, yet comforted that his mission was a pursuit of great satisfaction. My condolences to his friends and family.
Ron’s passing is an enormous loss for all who knew him. He and I met each other in Mission, Kansas over 45 years ago and we chatted at length on the phone at least once very couple of weeks. He had an all-encompassing knowledge of “classical” music, a remarkable legal mind, a fabulous sense of humor and little to no tolerance for fools. He was, in all the best ways, a unique individual and will be sorely missed.
I didnt know Ron for a long time. Just the past three months i have been working for him, doing things and odd jobs around his house for him. He was such a nice guy. So appreciative of everything. I enjoyed getting to know him. He was a great guy.
I’m shocked. I hadn’t even known until today that Ron had moved back to Lawrence. When the Brouns lived in Lawrence, Ron was a member of the University Counsel at KU. One of KU’s lawyers. Ron was a great guy! He knew everything about classical music, without acting like it. So friendly and hospitable. Thank you Ron, for everything.
I’ll put some Schumann in the CD player tonight, one of many great things Mr. Broun introduced me to during his fine life. Thank you. Yes, Paul, this is that Ronald Broun. Ron’s family, please let me know if there’s anything I can do.
Is this the same Ronald Broun who was a lawyer married at one point to Elizabeth Broun?