RON MOYER
In Honor of Ron Moyer 1944-2018
written by Mary Anne Nelson (Loefke)
Ron Moyer was my professor, director, and friend. We met in 1975 when I began my graduate study in theatre at the University of South Dakota. For a time, I lived with him and his first wife LoAnn. After completing my studies, I would often stay with them when I was in Vermillion. Many years later, when his health was declining, he and Patrick O’Leary, another USD alumni, drove up to visit when I was a pastor at a church in Aberdeen. Perhaps he was saying goodbye just in case. It was a true gift to have him as a friend.
At USD I was cast in Ron Moyer’s productions of “You Can’t Take It with You" and “Twelfth Night.” Although it was over 45 years ago, I vividly remember that '‘You Can’t Take It with You’ was hilarious and wittily directed. Ron was a smaller person, wiry and slim back then. I don’t think he had a beard at that time. He had a rather impish face, sparkling eyes, and a delightful smile. While directing, Ron’s face would light up and he would almost prance around the stage exuding energy and humor. He worked with our cast with complete joy and sincerity. He had fun and we had fun. During ”Twelfth Night,” Ron coaxed us to “live into” the characters we played. Shakespeare was “his thing” so he poured himself into researching the play and directing with exuberance. On another note, and to my chagrin, I learned a lesson from Ron I have never forgotten. Do not go with fellow students for a glass(es) of wine after class and then show up for rehearsal quite inebriated, unable to remember lines and blocking! Ron quietly asked me to leave rehearsal and go home. Problem was I was living in his home and knew I was going to get a stern “talking to” and I did. No more drinking before rehearsal! Lesson learned.
Twelfth Night
Yellow Dog Crossing
Ron was an academic and oh, I don’t know, maybe somewhat nerdy. I mean that as a compliment. He enjoyed witty banter and had a great sense of humor although some of his jokes and quips were just plain awful. Ron loved to laugh in a matter that was uniquely his own, bright eyes twinkling with just a bit of deviousness. He was a great listener, empathetic and caring. This trait was put into additional use when, in 1988 he was cast in a new role as husband and father in a family all his very own! There was his beloved wife Caitlin, his stepdaughter, Kelsey, and Caitlin and Ron’s daughter, Elizabeth. He was a dad now!
Hayfever, Director Ron Moyer, Scenic Design and Photo, Menno Kraai
Ron loved the Black Hills, and the BHP was his happiest place. He enjoyed about 30 summers directing and each season he presented something like no other. In his production of “The Man who Came to Dinner,” Thom Hill portrayed Sheldon Whiteside, a talented, famous, arrogant radio star. As a cast we brought to life Ron’s direction which included fast paced precision timing and madcap interweaving of characters.
Finally, Ron gave us an inspiring gift as his Memorial Service came to an end. The full lyrics were sung by Bruce Springsteen, his voice urgent and pleading, yet hopeful:
Dream baby dream
We gotta keep the light burning
We gotta keep the fire burning
Come on and open up your hearts
Come on, we gotta keep on dreaming
Come on darling and dry your eyes
Come on dream on, dream baby dream.
By Alan Vega/Martin Rev
Dream baby dream.
Let your life be one of adventure beyond limits, of seeking, smiling, loving, learning, and embracing; a message of challenge, hope and encouragement from Dr. Ronald Moyer to all who knew him.
Mary Anne Nelson (Loefke) 1975, 77, 79, 80, 81
She Stoops To Conquer, Mary Anne Nelson Loefke, Photo, Menno Kraai