Ron L'Heureux

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Ron L'Heureux who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Ron was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Ron knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Ron was born on March 3, 1950 at Brantford Geneal Hospital in Brantford, Ontario. His parents were Victor and Olga L'Heureux. Ron was raised in Brantford, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Ron learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Ron was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Ron was raised with three siblings. He had an older sister Elaine and two younger brothers Rick and Wayne. Ron had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Ron, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Ron's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Ron enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Ron took part in hockey, badminton and water skiing. He was a member of the Catholic Youth Organization basketball team. In his spare time he liked to go fishing and raise pigeons. Ron's memorable achievements included winning third place at a baby show at the age of 3.

      In school, Ron was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Ron was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Ron’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Brantford Collegiate Institute in 1968. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were math and science. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Lewis. He was top student in math.

      Ron’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Ron’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Ron saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of Western Ontario. His favorite courses were Abstract Algebra and Physics.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Ron reveled in the security of his family. On August 15, 1980 Ron exchanged wedding vows with Valerie Meldrum at the Brantford City Hall of Brantford, Ontario. One of Ron’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Ron was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Ron would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Ron was blessed with three children, one son, Andrew and two daughters, Melissa and Ashley. They were also blessed with two granddaughters, Alyvia and Abaigeal.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Ron was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Ron was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Ron upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Assistant Manager of the paint department at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada. He was employed for 13 years by Massey Ferguson and started at TMMC in 1988. Ron was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Ron approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing for bass and doing home renovations. Ron was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Ron to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Ron played badminton and hockey. In his college years, Ron continued to stay active by playing hockey. Recreational sports included fishing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and football.

      Faith was important to Ron. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Basil's Roman Catholic Church. During that time, he was an altar boy.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Ron could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Ron; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included being on the Dean's Honour Roll at University.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Ron used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Ron had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included his two trips to Disney World with his family, cruises with family and friends and his weekend fishing trips.

      Ron was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Ron’s favorites was Tara his Himalayan cat. His family was rounded out by his daughter's dog Ruben and his son's dogs Jenny and Bailey.

      When Ron’s retirement finally arrived in 2004, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in enjoying every day like it was a Saturday. In many ways, Ron loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Ron passed away on July 13, 2012 at at his home in Cambridge, Ontario. Died the way he wanted, peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Valerie and his children Andrew, Melissa and Ashley. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home. Ron was laid to rest in Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge, Ontario.

      All who knew him would agree that Ron was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Ron L'Heureux did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, July 13, 2012, in his 63rd year. Beloved husband of Valerie L'Heureux (nee Meldrum). Loving father of Andrew and his wife Rebecca Whetham of Brantford, Melissa Cranmer and her husband Lee and Ashley, all of Cambridge. Will also be missed by his grand-daughters Aylvia and Abaigeal, and his brothers Richard of Alberta and Wayne and his wife Donna of Brantford and his sister Elaine Bourne and her husband Bill of Brantford. Ron was born in Brantford on March 3, 1950 and has lived in Cambridge since 1988. The family will receive friends at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews St., Cambridge on Monday, July 16, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held from the Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 1 p.m. Interment Parklawn Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.