Uppity Wisconsin

Ron Domini, who for many years was the political director of Wisconsin AFSCME, died Monday night at Madison Hospice, where his family and political friends had gathered and visited to pay tribute during the last 10 days.

Domini was diagnosed in July with advanced lung cancer, which was complicated by pneumonia.  He was in his early 60s.

Domini, as the public employee union's political guy, had a hand in every major political campaign in Wisconsin for a couple of decades.  Many of those who paid their respects in his last days were younger people he had taught, advised or mentored over the years.

I had lost touch since he left AFSCME perhaps 10 years ago, and didn't know that he had fallen on some very hard times because of personal demons of addiction he had successfully battled for years.  I don't think his familiy would object to me sharing that.

Ron's daughter, Jamie, has kept friends and family updated with daily e-mails since he entered hospice care, and the way the family has handled it has been amazing.  This today from Jamie and her sister, Jackie:

Our father died surrounded by his ladies in waiting, including his favorite hospice nurse, on a beautiful clear and starry night. He was never in pain, except that he looked so sad to go. It is a pity that touches our core, not to see a father, but a fellow human being, have to let go this life.  We are so lucky to have known him and helped him on his way. The only answer to our sadness is to spread his love.

I don't know how long it will stay online, but you can read some of the messages to Ron, from friends across the country, by going to this site and just logging in with a password you create.  Then click on guestbook.  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rondomini 

The family is planning a memorial service and celebration of Ron's life on Nov. 20 at the Holy Wisdom Monastery, which Jamie says is it is a stunning landscape and ""green" building next to a farm field run by a bunch of rebel women who were kicked out of the Catholic church all for standing in solidarity with their protestant sister.  This makes it an absolutely perfect choice for Ron's service."  Details will be forthcoming, and I'm sure you will see obituaries with more information in the Madison newspapers soon.