Dr. Ronald C. Couch

Dr. Ronald C. Couch of Chestertown, Maryland passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE. He was 75. Ron was born in the Kentmont Holler Coal Mine Camp where his father became a second generation coal miner. Even with limited resources, he and his sister loved living there because they were such a tight-knit community. Living in the camp, he learned the value of hard work and creativity. At an early age, he acquired his love for learning and valued education. Excelling academically, he was promoted directly to high school from the 6th grade. Never saying no to a challenge, Ron and his friends worked hard to establish the first football team while attending Dilce Combs Memorial High. He worked very hard to purchase his first car by raising gardens and selling produce on the side of the road. He also loved foreign languages and taught himself how to speak both Russian and Latin. After completing a double major in biology and chemistry, he was accepted into a newly established doctoral program in Toxicology at the University of Kentucky, becoming the first student to complete a Ph.D. in the program. He accepted a Postdoc position with Standard Oil of Ohio, subsequently leaving to accept a position with New Mexico State University at the Primate Research Institute (PRI). He established a very successful career in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, publishing many research articles in scientific journals while working at PRI and as President of the Coulston Primate Research Foundation. Later in his career, he became interested in researching infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Monkey Pox, Anthrax, and Hepatitis A & B. Outside of a very prestigious research career, he lived a very private life, was an avid reader, an excellent dancer, loved horses, and loved his family unconditionally. People who met Ron were immediately struck by his exceptional kindness and humility. Ron was also proud of his wife's accomplishments and was always interested in her work and the many challenges that came with it. He was the first person to inspire her to become a school leader and willingly forfeited his time with her so that she could meet the many demands of her job. He was a cheerleader for his wife and always encouraged her to stretch beyond her comfort zone. He was undoubtedly the rock of his family and will be forever missed. Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years: Dr. Karen Couch; children: Dr. Ronald N. Couch, Courtney Couch, Alexia Couch, Monika Couch; grandchildren: Abigail Porcher, Devon Campbell, Gavin Couch, Ainsley Couch; and a sister; Linda Matouk. He was preceeded in death by son, Frank Porcher. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. He became very passionate about the Kent County Public Schools Technology Program, most recently taking it upon himself to learn the programming language, Python. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the KCPS Technology Camp Fund c/o KCPS Board of Education 5608 Boundary Ave. Rock Hall, MD 21661. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home Chestertown, MD www.fhnfuneralhome.com

Dr. Ronald C. Couch

June 19, 1943 - May 11, 2019