By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ronald M. McKenney gave much of his time and energy to people involved with heart transplants.

He was the first patient in the region to receive a HeartMate, an artificial heart pump that keeps the patient's heart beating until he can receive a heart transplant.

Mr. McKenney lived with the pump for three months before receiving his new heart in 1997.

He died Wednesday at Mercy Anderson Hospital. A cause of death is to be determined. The Milford resident was 67.

Mr. McKenney and his wife volunteered at Mercy Anderson Hospital and the Life Center, the organ procurement center in the Cincinnati area.

He was president of the Cincinnati Change of Heart support group for heart transplant recipients and those waiting for a transplant. He often visited new patients before and after their transplant for support.

"He and (wife) Esther were very brave volunteers," said Patricia Samson of University Hospital's public relations department. "He was so grateful to get his heart - it meant the world to him."

Dr. Lynne Wagoner, Mr. McKinney's physician and a member of the heart failure and transplant team at University Hospital, said he was instrumental in bringing a positive focus to the heart transplant process.

"He was a tireless and unselfish pioneer," she said. "He gave of himself to anyone who needed his advice or a comforting word."

His wife said she and her husband worked with government officials in support of organ donations.

"He was such a special person," she said.

Mr. McKenney was born in Cincinnati in 1935 to Mildred and Merrell McKenney. He graduated from Mariemont High School in 1953. He studied business at the University of Cincinnati for two years and served in the Naval Reserve.

He married Esther Mormile Cox in 1980 and worked as a pipe fitter for Process Construction Inc. of Cincinnati.

After retirement in 1990, Mr. McKenney and his wife traveled the world, including a trip to British Honduras (Belize) and up the Amazon for alligator "hunting."

In addition to his wife of 22 years, survivors include his daughters, Sue Gerding and Laura Bressert of Union Township and Brenda Burns of Sunman, Ind.; sons Daniel McKenney of Anderson Township and Daniel Cox of Loveland; and nine grandchildren. Another son, Gary Cox, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. today at Milford Church of God, House of Restoration Worship Center, 1487 Ohio 131, Milford. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m. He will be interred at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Greenlawn Cemetery, Milford.

Memorials may be made to Change of Heart Inc., 2602 Canterbury Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237.

Email kandrew@enquirer.com