Kentucky Standard publisher Ron Filkins dies

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 1 p.m. -- Kentucky Standard publisher Ron Filkins died this morning at the family's home in the Edgewood neighborhood of Bardstown. The announcement was published on the Kentucky Standard's web site this morning.

As publisher, Filkins was a very active part of the Nelson County community, and always a visible representative of The Kentucky Standard and PLG TV-13. He was a member of a long list of community organizations, and never failed to support a cause or program that he believed would be to the betterment of his adopted community.

While Filkins and this writer seldom agreed on matters political, there's no denying his passion for supporting the Democratic party and the ideals in which he believed. In his columns he supported government action for the common good, and abhorred the divisive nature of partisan politics.

Ron's columns always challenged his readers to rethink their positions, and perhaps take a new look at issues through a different point of view.

This writer found him to warm, genuine and sincere. As a boss he was fair and a straight-shooter. His leadership, his vision and his friendship will be missed.

God speed, Ron.

For a full obituary and complete story on Filkins' life and contributions to our community, see the Friday edition of The Kentucky Standard.