Ronald James Coles

Beloved husband of Elizabeth Coles (nee Lambertus) for 71 years. Loving father of Debra Coles and Kimberley Coles. Cherished Papa of Kyle, Taylor, Zachary and Joshua. Very proud Great Papa to Colton. He will be missed by his sister Brenda Marshall of St. Mary's.

Dad left us to join his mother, Bertha M. Coles (nee Roney) and father, Joseph H. Coles and the numerous members of the Coles clan and friends with whom he shared many adventures and laughter growing up in the small village of Hockley, Ontario.

Ron loved a good conversation and a good laugh. He cherished connections with family, friends and new acquaintances. He loved life. Raised a farm boy, he grew up in the Hockley Valley and attended a one room school house. He also attended many dances at the town hall. He met his lovely wife Betty(Elizabeth) at a dance in Orangeville. They married in 1955.

He had a wonderful career as an aviation welder at De Havilland Aircraft for over 35 years, retiring in 1988. He worked on the Beaver, Twin Otter and Dash 8. This was a huge source of pride for Ron and he maintained his work friendships long after retiring.

He went on to teach welding at King City Secondary Night School for ten years.

He was an avid golfer, only retiring his clubs in his late 80’s. Anyone who played with Ron knew he was highly competitive and respected the rules of play. He was a member of Westview but played many courses from Myrtle Beach to Bermuda.

Ron and Betty were long time residents and actively involved in the community of King City, moving into their home in 1958. They were members of the Presbyterian Church in King City where Ron was an elder. Ron and Betty were active members of the King Seniors’ Centre, where they met many friends with whom they went on travel excursions through Canada, Europe and the United States.

Ron was recognized for his service to King City for over 55 years with an award and with the naming of Ron Coles Lane in King City. Ron and Betty remained in King City until his passing but moved from their home into the condominium at 80 Burns Blvd. Here they found a new home and many new and old friends that came together to make it a wonderful place to live the later part of their lives.

At the heart of Ron’s life was his family and his beloved wife Betty, which was a bond that lasted 71 years. His daughters Debra and Kimberley never lacked his love and support. He passed on his passionate spirit to live life, and laugh lots and to have a voice advocating for those you love and those in need.

Ron leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of pride and conviction to live life fully in those who knew him.

We will miss him.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday April 10, 2026 from 1-2 pm at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South,Aurora, Ontario L4G 6W8. Reception to follow in the Heritage Room of the funeral home. A Private Burial will take place at King City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 13190 Keele St., King City, ON L7B1J2 or online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/84984