More memories of Chuck Ridenour
A Role Model, Mentor, and Friend
By Tim Delauder
I was deeply saddened to hear about Chuck Ridenour’s passing. He was a mentor and a friend and I will always cherish my memories of working with him.
Back in 1984, I was still a senior in high school and covering the Galion Cross Country Invitational as Sports Editor of the Shelby High School Yearbook. The Boys XC team captured the title at the Galion meet that year in their march toward state. I took several photos at the meet and took them to Chuck Ridenour at the Shelby Daily Globe. He published the photos with my name in the credits and much to my surprise let me write the article as well. It was the first time seeing my name in print.
After graduation, I was astonished when Chuck called me and asked if I would like to work as a correspondent covering sporting events on weekends for the Daily Globe. I was planning to major in journalism at Ohio State and jumped at the chance. For the next three years, I worked with Chuck and his brother Carl covering games on the weekends. During this period, Chuck became a role model, mentor, and friend. He was always an excellent storyteller. On those late nights in the newsroom and the afternoons spent at Napoli’s Pizza, Chuck was always good for a story or two.
Although I didn’t continue in Journalism, I still remember several life lessons Chuck taught me. One of the things I learned from Chuck is to find something that works and stick with it. For Chuck that was his trademark 4-color pens, while I will only use my Pilot G2 pens.
After graduating from Ohio State, I lost touch with Chuck and have only seen him a few times since moving to Texas. When my sister messaged me on the 23rd and told me that Chuck had passed away, the memories came flooding back. I found myself fighting back tears all week. I will really miss him.
Chuck was a legend in the community and a giant in Northern Ohio Sports. His commitment to the community for more than four decades is incredible and unparalleled in this day and age. His loss will leave a huge void in Shelby and in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him.
We will miss you, Chuck! Godspeed on your journey.
NCO Soap Box Derby Memories
By Ruth & Russ Kinsey My husband, Russell, and I have been officials with the North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby for many years (Russ got involved in 1958 and I got involved in 1975 when I first moved to Mansfield). We have known Chuck (and his family) for more than 25 years. We first met the Ridenours when Charlie built his first Soap Box Derby car at our Builder’s Day at the then Steve Cobb’s Weidner Motors. Chuck was standing near Charlie’s car holding Brooke in his arms (she would turn a year old later that month). It was truly a family activity and it was clear that Chuck was a family man. Over the years I had the privilege of working very closely with Chuck as he became our derby director. During derby season, we talked at least once a day (sometimes more than once – depending on what was going on). Every time he called and I answered the phone I always heard him say, “Is this Soap Box Derby Headquarters?” He was a great derby director and a pleasure to work with. He enjoyed working with the racers and their families.russell’s memories of Chuck include the times he and Chuck drove to
Akron the days prior our Builders’ Day to pick up supplies. They always went out to eat with The General Manager of the All-american, Jeff Iula. Chuck always enjoyed the stories that Russ and Jeff told about the old, old derby days. Jeff always compared Chuck to Richie Cunningham from Happy Days, because he was such a nice guy. Chuck not only helped his own children build cars to race – he also helped 3 nephews and a niece to race over the years and other Shelby kids. He loved Soap Box Derby. He was also the Akron Assistant Derby Director for Region 6 for several years, traveling all over Ohio helping other derbies run their races.for many years (even after he was no longer our derby director) Chuck and his family returned to help on race day! Unfortunately, the last couple of years his health has prevented him from helping. Last year, he was able to attend and sat with us at the finish line (we run the timers at the bottom of the hill) for a good part of the afternoon. We all enjoyed reminiscing with him during down times that day of memories of our times together in Soap Box Derby. Little did we know it would be our last time together.we will truly miss Chuck in the years to come but take comfort in our wonderful memories of him. The NCO Soap Box Derby will honor his memory with something special this year during the derby in June.