Ransom Bernard Green, Jr., award-winning photographer, highly-regarded graphic designer, and all-around subject-matter expert, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023 at 84 years old.  Ron, as he was known, was born and raised in Seattle, WA and, while still a high school student at O’Dea High School, began his career as a freelance news photographer for the Seattle Times.  Following stints as a military policeman in the US Army Reserve and a two-year calling as Brother Rene’ in a religious order of teaching monks, he settled in Portland, OR and began a career as a graphic designer and professional photographer.  

His award-winning photography spanned nearly 70 years and appeared in hundreds of eminent publications, including Life, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Redbook, New York Times Magazine, Southern Accents, and Architectural Record.  He also won many photo and design awards, including Nikon’s International Photo Competition and many others.  Early in his career, Ron helped create a revolution in playground design, and conceptualized a brand of playground equipment, TimberForm, that still flourishes today.  He founded a successful design firm, Graphics Three, and, later in life, became one of the premiere photographers of native Northwest birds (his tagline: “Ron Green shoots birds just for the fun of it”).  He never retired--inquiring about an advertising deadline just hours before his 

death--and never stopped finding humor in the seemingly mundane.  

Ron had an exceptional eye for design and excellent taste in everything, including his many romantic partners.  He especially enjoyed regaling friends about the many smart women with whom he shared his life.  He loved to learn, laugh, wear natty clothing, drink dark beer (while enjoying equally dark humor), bemoan the state of the world, and impart wisdom and knowledge, all with charisma, generosity, optimism, laughter and a glint in his eye.  He loved to ride fast motorcycles and to drive cars fast.  

He is survived by his children, RB, Mike, and Michelle, grandchildren Sara, Luci, and Gabi, and sisters Terri and Shawn.  Please join us for a Celebration of Ron’s Life for his 85th birthday party, January 13, 2024 at noon, at the Kennedy School in Portland.  In lieu of flowers, please buy a round of drinks for everyone at your local bar.