Ronald J. Kriner, Sr.

Ronnie, “Coyote Spirit,” passed away peacefully at his home in Carlisle at the age of 67 on Sunday, September 24, 2017 with his canine companion, Lakota, by his side. Born to the late Edward Lewis Kriner and Dorothy London Nugent on March 1, 1950, Ronnie had journeyed far in his life, enduring many challenges, to find his place in this world. He was an intelligent and an eccentric man who was very well liked by those who would come to know him. He will be well remembered for his kind and giving ways. Ronnie’s nature was to prefer to give anything that he had to give to others, rather than to keep it for himself.

Ronnie had a love of animals and a sincere respect for Mother Earth. He often shared his particular concern for the future and the safety of our wildlife. It was not unusual for Ronnie to spend a great deal of his time quietly cleaning up local creeks, parks, and hiking paths without any desire for attention or acknowledgement. He pushed himself physically to do so because it was that important to him to respect the Earth and our water preservation. Ronnie had previously volunteered his time and talents at the Wolf Sanctuary, and he had also served as a volunteer at Project Share. He had previously been self employed as a landscaper. He had also worked in the past at Carlisle Syntec, Pennsy Supply, Atlas Moving Company, and the PA Department of Agriculture.

Ronnie was preceded in death by a sister Patricia Holmes. He is survived by sons, Edward Kriner of New Bloomfield and Ronald Kriner, Jr. of Grantville, a daughter, Dodie Kriner Eckenrode of Carlisle, brothers John Holmes of Scottsdale, AZ, Robert Holmes of Winston-Salem, NC, and Josef ”Qajvaniexe Pony Boy” Kriner of Mechanicsburg, a sister Sandy Smith Walling of Summerville, SC, and several grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Ronnie will be greatly missed by his long-time closest friend and spiritual mentor, Brenda Stirling of Carlisle, as well as by his many close friends and confidantes from the rooms of AA where he was actively involved, and by his spiritual brothers whom he knew from the Pennsylvania Pow Wow gatherings, all of whom had influenced Ronnie so that he could find peace and recovery, and now with his passing, a final spiritual home.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Ronnie’s life will be held 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, October 6, 2017 in the gathering room at Carlisle United Methodist Church, 45 S West St, Carlisle, PA 17013. Burial will be in Williamsport Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In Ronnie’s memory, please donate time or money to any charity who assists persons or animals in need.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.