Our friend Ronnie passed away this evening. Our sincere condolences to his family - he will be sorely missed.
Update Nov. 15, 2010
As many of you know, our friend and long time NPN member Ronnie Gaubert has been stricken with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) and his condition is slowly worsening to the point that he can no longer photograph the natural world that he loves. Currently he is working on a couple of photography projects and this is helping in a great way to keep him in a positive state of mind. One project is a group of large framed prints that will be donated to the MDA-ALS research center in Houston which will become a permanent exhibit and the other is a DVD of select images. A group of friends and family is helping to raise money to pay for these projects and I'm hoping the NPN community could also help.
A gallery has been created to offer images selected by Ronnie for sale as prints; View Gallery
I know many people have been touched by his work over the years and would like to own a print and help our Big Buddy at the same time. All profits from sales would go directly to Ronnie's projects. Please keep Ronnie and his family in your thoughts.
Life always presents challenges to us in various ways, but health challenges are among the most difficult. Long time NPN member Ronnie Gaubert has recently become afflicted with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. You can read more about this insidious disease here.
Though Ronnie remains in good spirits and his financial situation is secure, he put down his gear for good in May of 2010 as the disease has taken its toll on his ability to use it. Ronnie is storing the gear with the hopes that one of his sons will take an interest in photography at some point in the future.
Be sure to keep Ronnie in your thoughts and prayers, and most certainly take the time to enjoy his outstanding nature photography, which can be viewed here on NPN and here on PhotoPortfolios.
Ronnie, we’re all pulling for you – our sincere thanks for posting your work on NPN and for the inspiration you have provided to the NPN community!
Thanks for letting us know Jim. Ron: I want you to know what an impact you've had on my photography and how your work has inspired me. Thanks!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Thanks for posting this, Jim. Ronnie, my very best wishes. It's a very tough disease, but Nancy and I are pulling for you. Whatever happens, you have an extraordinary body of work that should give you great satisfaction.
Ronnie - I'm really sorry to hear this. Your work and critiques certainly have inspired me, and I'll miss new images from you.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, for sure. I hope you'll continue to post here, when time allows. Your insight and suggestions for improving images are excellent.
Sandy r
This is terrible news. I have always admired Ronnie's images. His little tree frog images before Katrina inspired both Gail and me to new areas of photography. Life is often bitter-sweet. But, Ronnie, you have made a big difference in our lives through your work.
Gail and I both send our prayers and thoughts your way.
I hope everyone will click on Ronnie’s portfolio -- the second link in your post. Ronnie has always been a versatile nature photographer, displaying the highest levels of the craft, both artistically and technically. For me, his macro work has always been the highest example of what to strive for. There are no better photographs of dragonflies than his. Ronnie’s work also provides us with another example I think we can all strive to emulate. Whether it’s plants, insects, animals, birds or landscapes, his work clearly show his intimate knowledge of, and close relationship with the habitat where he roams.
Ronnie, Thank you again for your examples of excellence and for the lessons learned. You have made a positive difference in this world. I pray for peace, understanding, and comfort for you and your loved ones.
Your work and critiques are something I wish to judge myself against as I improve. When deciding weather or not to post some of my recent green heron shots all I had to do was look at yours to realize they need to come a long way. As your health allows please keep posting from your vast archives.
Ronnie, I do recall seeing your "Red-Winged Blackbirds" on-line a few times and I was very impressed with those shots. Thank you for sharing those and many other images with us here at NPN over the years.
Posted by Richard Wong on August 1, 2010 at 4:27 AM
My heart goes to you, Ronnie, and your family. That's a very difficult pill to swallow I can imagine. My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's when I was in high school so I can relate to some degree since it has been a very difficult thing for our family.
Posted by beth summer on August 1, 2010 at 10:21 AM
Ronnie, I have always enjoyed your images from your habitat...the cypress swamps, macro images. My thoughts are with you and your family as you fight this insidious disease.
Posted by Bill Chambers on August 1, 2010 at 2:46 PM
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this news. ALS is a very difficult disease, and I wish Ronnie and his family my sincere best wishes and prayers.
So sad to hear this... Ronnie, I pray that you and your family find spiritual strength and consolation. I will pray for it.
Thank you so much for sharing your passion and talent with us here at NPN. I always look for your posts and delight in them. I hope you will still join us here when you can. Either way, we'll be with you in spirit.
So sad to hear this... Ronnie, I pray that you and your family find spiritual strength and consolation. I will pray for it.
Thank you so much for sharing your passion and talent with us here at NPN. I always look for your posts and delight in them. I hope you will still join us here when you can. Either way, we'll be with you in spirit.
Posted by Luke Ormand on August 1, 2010 at 3:52 PM
Sorry to hear this Ronnie, your work is a constant inspiration to me and I know to many others.
Posted by Ramamohan Pai on August 1, 2010 at 3:53 PM
I learned so much from Ronnie, directly and indirectly through his photos. He had an unique style and he appeared to be a perfectionist. Thanks for everything, Ronnie.
Sorry to hear about the turn of events. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Miracles do happen and I seriously wish one would come your way !!!.
Stay strong, Ronnie! Spend as much time as you can in your beautiful bayous and cypress forests. There is nothing like time in the wild to lift and temper the spirit. Your work is inspiring.
Ronnie's photography always catches my attention because it shows such heart. When photographers love their subject, it comes through in the final product.
I am very sorry to hear that health issues have taken him away from actively practicing nature photography.
Pete D.
Posted by Brian Gatlin on August 1, 2010 at 7:18 PM
Very sorry to hear this, Ronnie, and I hope that even if you're not able to photograph you're still able to get out and find beauty and solace in nature. Your work is as good as it gets and has been an inspiration to me. My thoughts are with you.
Ronnie, Your work is second to none and the magic you work with birds in low light with no flash ("Flash used - never") simply amazes me. Your "gracious way of making honest comments" (quoting another NPN'er here from a private email about your commenting style) and the consistently superb quality of your images have been a breath of fresh air in Avian over the last few months.
I am sorry to hear about your illness Ronnie. I am a relatively new member and although we have not interacted on NPN, I know about your macro work which really inspire me and I am sure many others.
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on August 2, 2010 at 9:27 AM
Ronnie, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The community of nature photographers here at NPN will be much poorer without your continued participation. Thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspirational photography with us all these years.
Posted by Robert Ganz on August 2, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Ronnie, my thoughts and prayers are with you too. Your photos continue to be inspirational and challenge me to do better.
Your long-lens macros set the bar high for me.....
Sincerely wishing you all the best.
Posted by Pat Sampson on August 2, 2010 at 6:14 PM
I'm sorry to hear this Ronnie. I've admired all of your images that I've seen. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Ronnie, I am brand new here, and I just tonight saw the first photograph of yours that I'd seen, linked to me in feedback comments. It is, of course, amazing. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
You mean a lot to many of us on this site.
On a personal note, thanks for your patience and help a few years ago when I was trying to figure out what lenses to buy. My favorite remains the 300 f4.
Your photos are awesome. I was standing on a edge of a cypress swamp on Saturday (Lake Charlotte east of Houston), and I found myself thinking how would Ronnie photograph this?
Prayers on their way,
Posted by Walter Rowe on August 9, 2010 at 11:52 PM
Ronnie is one of the most gifted and friendly photographers I've had the pleasure to meet through NPN. It is with great sadness that I read Jim's message about Ronnie's ALS. I will keep you in my thoughts and in my prayers. Stay strong, Ronnie, keep posting from your incredible archives, and comment on the forums and galleries when you can!
Posted by Angela McCain on August 11, 2010 at 9:18 PM
Ronnie-
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Dottie Short on August 17, 2010 at 3:00 PM
He is one of my favorite photographers on this website. I enjoy his work tremendously. Praying for Ronnie!
Posted by Gary Gulash on August 26, 2010 at 10:17 PM
I am shocked to hear this. It reminds me how precious and fragile good health is. I hope you are receiving good care Ronnie, my thoughts are with you.
I am really sorry to hear this too. Ronnie has been my inspiration over the years.
Posted by William Brozy on September 1, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Ronnie is the best! My words cannot express my friendship and feelings for this great man - I'm pulling for ya 'big buddy'.
Posted by Buck Ward on September 1, 2010 at 10:33 PM
That's not fair. And even more unfair that it steals such skill and talent. I don't know Ronnie, but I've seen and admire his photographs. It's just not fair.
Sorry to hear this, Ronnie. I admire your photography a lot. Your wonderful photographs give me a lot of inspiration. Praying for you...
Posted by scott lanz on September 3, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Just saw this post. Very sorry to hear this news. Best of luck in dealing with your illness. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on September 4, 2010 at 4:04 PM
I know I am only one of so many, but stay strong Ronnie. I have always loved your work and I hope you take much pride in it and that pride bouys you up. My prayers go out to you and your family. Till next post...
The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles.
- Anne Frank
This is such a true statement for me and i hope you remember it Ronnie and visit Nature as often as you can during this difficult time as i truely believe it is very healing. My best wishes to you and your family.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on September 16, 2010 at 5:21 PM
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers Ronnie.
Posted by Ronnie Gaubert on September 22, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Hi Gang,
I greatly appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. This is a difficult illness to come to grips with but with time I've learned to not focus on the illness itself and just try to deal with the symptoms as they appear.
For those interested, here is my current condition after being symptomatic for 2 years and diagnosed for 1 year.
I'm still trucking along. The only thing I can manage with my right hand is to operate the mouse. I had to dissable the right click because when I left clicked many times I would also hit the right click. My index finger on my right hand no longer works so I'm using my middle finger to click the mouse. Lucky that has not changed for several months.
I have great difficulty raising my right arm above my head. My left arm and hand are starting to show some weakness but I still have 100% function. My left leg is fine but having some weakness in my right leg. My right foot is giving me the most problems. It's curving inward and causing me to walk on the outside of my foot. I have an order for a foot brace and will probaby get one next week in Houston.
Nobody can understand my speech so I mainly just type on the computer and let them read it. I have a special laptop sized computer, made by Tobii, that speaks what I type. Don't really use it at home unless I have guest. There is an attachment that allows eye control but won't need the eye control unit until I absolutely have no use of my hands.
Eating has been difficult but that hasn't changed much for the last 3-4 months. I take 2 cans of supplimental nutrient daily through a feeding tube I had surgically installed in February of this year. I pretty much eat anything I want but have to cut meat into small pieces. My doctor in Houston doesn't want me eating for fear of choking and aspirating something into my lungs. If I listen to them I would be an invalid. Us Cajuns are hard headed.
I actually feel good and just deal with my limitations. You just have to know what those limitations are and don't exceed them. I only choked one time in February and have not taken a fall. I'm very careful what I eat and more careful where I walk.
Good football Monday night; Saints & 49ers. The 49ers outplayed the saint but it's the final score that counts.
Good to hear from all of you.
I'll keep posting birds that were taken in 2008-2009. I didn't post them here during those two years so I have a large supply of ready to post images..
Thanks a bunch everyone,
Ronnie
Posted by Bill Chambers on September 24, 2010 at 11:17 AM
I cannot even imagine going through what you are going through Ronnie and I certainly cannot imagine staying so strong-minded in spite of it. I admire you greatly for that and wish you strength in body and mind.
Ronnie, know you and your family are included in many prayers from people here.
Thanks for the updates - we care!
Sure looking forward to regular posts of your incredible images!
This month's cover is one of my favorites.
Sandy
Thanks so much for the update, Ronnie! It's nice to know how you are doing, though I for one wish you weren't having so much to deal with. You're a brave man and taking things with a good attitude: respect your limits and do everything you can do! Bravo. You GO! boy, and know that we're with you 100%.
May blessings and peace enfold you and your family.
Posted by David Chauvin on November 8, 2010 at 6:13 PM
Check the weekly challenge gallery for a photo of Ronnie on a morning to remember. The light fog and dead calm made for great conditions and we had a blast along with fellow NPN'er Jude Haase.
Jude and I visited Ronnie last week and though his physical condition is slowly getting worse, he's busy with photo projects. A group of framed prints is being prepared to go on permanent display at the ALS research center in Houston and a DVD of his best work is in production. Keep our "Big Buddy" in your thoughts.
Posted by David Chauvin on November 15, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Jim & Donna,
Thanks so much for the opportunity to get the word out to the members. I'm sure this will help in a great way in meeting the goal.
David
Posted by David Rogers on November 15, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Posted by Steve Balke on November 18, 2010 at 9:09 PM
I'm so very sorry to read this, Ronnie. I've so admired your beautiful images and perceptive, very helpful comments. Thank you so much for your contributions here.
Posted by Howard Cheek on November 19, 2010 at 6:43 AM
Your courage and images inspire, and I've sincerely appreciated your helpful/constructive comments when I've posted here on NPN Ronnie.
My wife has CHF, so I know a little bit of living with a serious health condition.
Be strong. You have everyone here pulling for you, that means a lot..
I will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by Charles Gangas on November 19, 2010 at 5:11 PM
I'm terribly saddened to hear of your condition Ronnie. I, as many, have admired your work and have taken great pleasure in viewing the Natural World as you have seen and presented it to us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ronnie, I'm consistently amazed at the sharpness and clarity of your images. I just learned about your unfortunate circumstance. I know there isn't anything I could write to comfort you, but I hope you can take solace in knowing that there are clearly many, many people (certainly myself included) that admire your vision through your images, as well as your courage in coping with what life has dealt to you. I wish you and your family strength, peace and courage - particularly through the holiday season. Best wishes.
Discussion
54 repliesOur friend Ronnie passed away this evening. Our sincere condolences to his family - he will be sorely missed.
Update Nov. 15, 2010
As many of you know, our friend and long time NPN member Ronnie Gaubert has been stricken with ALS (Lou Gehrig Disease) and his condition is slowly worsening to the point that he can no longer photograph the natural world that he loves. Currently he is working on a couple of photography projects and this is helping in a great way to keep him in a positive state of mind. One project is a group of large framed prints that will be donated to the MDA-ALS research center in Houston which will become a permanent exhibit and the other is a DVD of select images. A group of friends and family is helping to raise money to pay for these projects and I'm hoping the NPN community could also help.
A gallery has been created to offer images selected by Ronnie for sale as prints; View Gallery
I know many people have been touched by his work over the years and would like to own a print and help our Big Buddy at the same time. All profits from sales would go directly to Ronnie's projects. Please keep Ronnie and his family in your thoughts.
Thanks
David Chauvin
_________________________________________________________
Life always presents challenges to us in various ways, but health challenges are among the most difficult. Long time NPN member Ronnie Gaubert has recently become afflicted with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. You can read more about this insidious disease here.
Though Ronnie remains in good spirits and his financial situation is secure, he put down his gear for good in May of 2010 as the disease has taken its toll on his ability to use it. Ronnie is storing the gear with the hopes that one of his sons will take an interest in photography at some point in the future.
Be sure to keep Ronnie in your thoughts and prayers, and most certainly take the time to enjoy his outstanding nature photography, which can be viewed here on NPN and here on PhotoPortfolios.
Ronnie, we’re all pulling for you – our sincere thanks for posting your work on NPN and for the inspiration you have provided to the NPN community!
Pat
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers, for sure. I hope you'll continue to post here, when time allows. Your insight and suggestions for improving images are excellent.
Sandy r
Gail and I both send our prayers and thoughts your way.
I hope everyone will click on Ronnie’s portfolio -- the second link in your post. Ronnie has always been a versatile nature photographer, displaying the highest levels of the craft, both artistically and technically. For me, his macro work has always been the highest example of what to strive for. There are no better photographs of dragonflies than his. Ronnie’s work also provides us with another example I think we can all strive to emulate. Whether it’s plants, insects, animals, birds or landscapes, his work clearly show his intimate knowledge of, and close relationship with the habitat where he roams.
Ronnie, Thank you again for your examples of excellence and for the lessons learned. You have made a positive difference in this world. I pray for peace, understanding, and comfort for you and your loved ones.
Your work and critiques are something I wish to judge myself against as I improve. When deciding weather or not to post some of my recent green heron shots all I had to do was look at yours to realize they need to come a long way. As your health allows please keep posting from your vast archives.
Thank you so much for sharing your passion and talent with us here at NPN. I always look for your posts and delight in them. I hope you will still join us here when you can. Either way, we'll be with you in spirit.
Thank you so much for sharing your passion and talent with us here at NPN. I always look for your posts and delight in them. I hope you will still join us here when you can. Either way, we'll be with you in spirit.
Sorry to hear about the turn of events. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Miracles do happen and I seriously wish one would come your way !!!.
Guy
I am very sorry to hear that health issues have taken him away from actively practicing nature photography.
Pete D.
Thank you for all you've done for so many of us.
Your long-lens macros set the bar high for me.....
Sincerely wishing you all the best.
Pat
You mean a lot to many of us on this site.
On a personal note, thanks for your patience and help a few years ago when I was trying to figure out what lenses to buy. My favorite remains the 300 f4.
Your photos are awesome. I was standing on a edge of a cypress swamp on Saturday (Lake Charlotte east of Houston), and I found myself thinking how would Ronnie photograph this?
Prayers on their way,
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles.
- Anne Frank
This is such a true statement for me and i hope you remember it Ronnie and visit Nature as often as you can during this difficult time as i truely believe it is very healing. My best wishes to you and your family.
I greatly appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. This is a difficult illness to come to grips with but with time I've learned to not focus on the illness itself and just try to deal with the symptoms as they appear.
For those interested, here is my current condition after being symptomatic for 2 years and diagnosed for 1 year.
I'm still trucking along. The only thing I can manage with my right hand is to operate the mouse. I had to dissable the right click because when I left clicked many times I would also hit the right click. My index finger on my right hand no longer works so I'm using my middle finger to click the mouse. Lucky that has not changed for several months.
I have great difficulty raising my right arm above my head. My left arm and hand are starting to show some weakness but I still have 100% function. My left leg is fine but having some weakness in my right leg. My right foot is giving me the most problems. It's curving inward and causing me to walk on the outside of my foot. I have an order for a foot brace and will probaby get one next week in Houston.
Nobody can understand my speech so I mainly just type on the computer and let them read it. I have a special laptop sized computer, made by Tobii, that speaks what I type. Don't really use it at home unless I have guest. There is an attachment that allows eye control but won't need the eye control unit until I absolutely have no use of my hands.
Eating has been difficult but that hasn't changed much for the last 3-4 months. I take 2 cans of supplimental nutrient daily through a feeding tube I had surgically installed in February of this year. I pretty much eat anything I want but have to cut meat into small pieces. My doctor in Houston doesn't want me eating for fear of choking and aspirating something into my lungs. If I listen to them I would be an invalid. Us Cajuns are hard headed.
I actually feel good and just deal with my limitations. You just have to know what those limitations are and don't exceed them. I only choked one time in February and have not taken a fall. I'm very careful what I eat and more careful where I walk.
Good football Monday night; Saints & 49ers. The 49ers outplayed the saint but it's the final score that counts.
Good to hear from all of you.
I'll keep posting birds that were taken in 2008-2009. I didn't post them here during those two years so I have a large supply of ready to post images..
Thanks a bunch everyone,
Ronnie
I agree on the 49er game. They played better, but that does not count in the win/loss column.
Hang tough!
Thanks for the updates - we care!
Sure looking forward to regular posts of your incredible images!
This month's cover is one of my favorites.
Sandy
May blessings and peace enfold you and your family.
Big Buddy Photo
Jude and I visited Ronnie last week and though his physical condition is slowly getting worse, he's busy with photo projects. A group of framed prints is being prepared to go on permanent display at the ALS research center in Houston and a DVD of his best work is in production. Keep our "Big Buddy" in your thoughts.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to get the word out to the members. I'm sure this will help in a great way in meeting the goal.
David
I know a lot of people will want prints by Ronnie, a truly exceptional photographer.
Sandy
Monica
My wife has CHF, so I know a little bit of living with a serious health condition.
Be strong. You have everyone here pulling for you, that means a lot..
I will keep you in my prayers.