Ron "Tierod" Leigh

8/31/1965 - 2/28/2008

Ron (Ronny, as I always called him) was a hero in his own right. At the forefront of his world was his children, whom he put before anyone or anything this world has to offer. He always made a point to take them to every outing he could (and sometimes even couldn't) afford to attend. Difficult times tend to distort reality, especially in a young persons' mind, but Ronnie (Frito), Aaron (Bonehead), and Cassie (Stinkbait, a named you despised, I know), you meant more to your father than you probably realize. I know, because he has not only told me, but showed the world by his actions.

"Tierod" was dubbed as his handle due to the fact that he was always changing tierod ends. He later changed his handle to "General Grievous" in humoring attempts at his constant wheezing and shortness of breath.

Ron and I began working on Neo-CTF servers in the Logansport area in the late 90's or early 2000's with another friend. These servers went straight to the top of Gamespy's hot list. That wasn't enough for us. We wanted the real deal, so in 2003, we ventured into paintball, in the setting of Team Fortress map, 2Fort. This move bonded our families, and eventually led to the physical meeting of the U.S. Dawgs and Team Neo in late 2003.

Ron and I became like brothers, our children like siblings, and the eventual NeoDawgs our family.

Over the course of the past couple of years, our paths parted and became distant. Ron's illness worsened.

On February 28, 2008, his illness took him. Our little buddy with the big heart. The guy that had to sit at the fort during our biggest game in ND history with a broken toe, just so he could be a part of it with his kids. The man that sat there and cried with me after our daughters' accident, and who wouldn't leave my side for (what was it, days?, a week?)

Goodbye's never come easy, and they always seem to take a long time. Especially to one of our own.

Tierod, you will be forever missed by your NeoDawg brothers and sisters, and we will always remember you. Our hearts go to you and your family in this difficult time.

Goodbye, Brother - Archer