RIP Ron Akeson ...

[MXGratefulDiver]

We lost one of our local diving legends yesterday ... Ron Akeson, owner of Adventures Down Under in Bellingham.

I didn't know Ron very well ... met him once and spoke to him via phone and email a few times. But he was a friend and mentor to quite a few of my dive buddies.

Ron was involved in a diving accident last week. I don't know the circumstances, nor do I particularly need to. I just want to remember his legacy as someone who contributed a lot to our local dive community, made a lot of friends, and who helped produce a lot of very good divers over the years.

Fair seas, Ron ... you'll be missed.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[DaleC]

I didn't know him personally but my friend took advanced training from him and had many good things to say.
sad news.

 

[decompression]

It has hit many of my buddies hard, very sad indeed.


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[surfingscubasteve]

Very sad.
I got certified by Ron in December. He really was a great guy! There ended up only being two of us in the class but the class went on! It was like private lessons.

 

[Bob Evans]

Ron, was a super person..and my Dealer for many years. Our love to Barbara and their daughter and all their friends and Family.

 

[rbtaft]

I'm saddened to learn of Ron's passing. He was always a helpful, engaging person that always had a story to tell. My sympathies go out to his family and friends.

 

[shawnhammer]

Ron and Barb gave me my first job in the industry in 1991 and introduced me to so many of the joys and beauty of diving. Ron was alway a friend and mentor and simply loved to share his vast knowledge and experience. I was fortunate enough to spend a few minutes on 4/5 chatting with him at the show in Seattle and it was great to catch up then.

 

[Chris Immer]

He was the best. I never received better service from any dive shop over the years. He provided great training. He certified my son and a friend. His method of training even newbies with dry suits is an example to follow by other dive shops. Both boys where so comfortable right out of certification and well learned. All thanks to Ron and his professional training, service and attitude. He will be missed here in Bellingham.

 

[Bob Evans]

Ron, was a special friend and a big fan of Force Fin..Our love to all. Bob and Susanne

 

[RossCIMI]

Ron A, as he was know at CIMI (Catalina Island Marine Institute) was one of our first marine biology instructors and also established the UW photo program at Catalina Sea Camp. He worked at CIMI in the mid 1970's. A special person who loved to teach students and campers, Ron made many contributions to the fledging CIMI and helped lay the ground work for future generations of kids and young staff. He attended the CIMI Staff reunion last Labor Day at Toyon Bay where he did a lot of diving and UW Photography. Our sincerest condolences to his family. Through his life he touched thousands of lives and helped enrich all of us.

You will be missed…
Ross & Kristi