Heart & Soul

Ron Banks, center, with the Dramatics

My Reflection…

Daddy,

Who knew at 32 that I would lose you?

My inspiration, my friend, my father…

But who also knew that by losing you

That you would help me be the ‘best’ me that I can be.

The Best Sister, Best Friend, Best Daughter.

I will be the best ‘all that I am’ in your honor.

I’ll miss you but your spirit lives on within me.

To be the best is my pledge to you!

Love,

Tonya aka ‘Cakes’

I read that at my dad’s funeral. I can’t believe I even wrote this sentence — my dad’s funeral. As his eldest daughter, I read my reflection to Daddy followed by the most beautiful reflections of him by my sisters and brothers. That’s when I knew: My father’s spirit is eternal. He was called home, but his spirit will forever be with us.

Known to the world as Ron Banks of the Dramatics, I knew him simply as ’Dad.’ He will be missed by all. You often know the true testament of a man’s life when you hear what’s said about them when they can no longer speak for themselves. At Dad’s home-going celebration, I heard words like ’humanitarian,’ ‘selfless and giving,’ ‘committed to youth,’ ‘servant to higher power,’ and simply ‘a best friend’ to so many.  When you hear words like this it’s hard to be sad, I left my father’s funeral on March 13 inspired.

He had left a legacy for me, my brothers and sisters and our entire family. He was devoted to the communities that supported him his entire career and was passionate about providing opportunities for children. His goal in his last days was to ‘equal the playing field’ for all students so that each one, inner city or suburban, had the same access to technology. He wanted to make sure the youth of today had the proper resources and foundation so they could achieve their dreams tomorrow.

My dad’s biography in entertainment is one of accomplishment. But, his greatest accomplishment was giving back to the children.

His passion for community and children started when he along with childhood friends and associates developed a local program in Detroit to provide winter coats and shoes for kids. His humanitarian spirit continued most recently with his work and partnership with the Quick 2 learn Technology program, which provided computers in the classrooms for children.

This Father’s Day, I encourage you to celebrate your loved ones. Though taken too soon, I’m blessed for the time I had with my father and even more blessed to have the memories we shared and his legacy to carry on.

Ronald Dean Banks aka Ron Banks: Devoted Father, Family Man, Entertainer, and Humanitarian. We will always love you.