Ronald Eldon Achilles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Eldon Achilles, who died peacefully at home on White Moose Road in Sioux Narrows, Ontario, on November 9, 2025, at the age of 86, with family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judi, his children Lisa (Jacques), Ronnie, and Jennifer (Chris), his grandchildren Marc (Katarina) and Cameron (Carenna), his sisters Verna Woodrow and Marlene Ward, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his parents Edward and Della Achilles and his brothers Teddy and Stanley Achilles.

Ron was born at the Achilles farmhouse in Ryland, Ontario, with Judi’s grandmother assisting with his birth. He grew up on the family farm, learning to hunt and trap with his father and helping with the daily chores. Later, the family relocated to the nearby town of Hearst, Ontario, where Ron attended Hearst High School. After leaving school, he worked a variety of jobs before beginning his career in construction with the Department of Highways of Ontario (DHO), a role that took him to many locations throughout Northern Ontario. In 1961, he was transferred to Red Lake, Ontario, where he once again crossed paths with Judi (also from Hearst), who was stationed there for nursing. They married in Hearst in August 1962, and in 1964 they moved to Kenora, where Ron began working with Towland‑Hewitson Construction. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to TransCanada Pipeline, where he continued his work in mechanics, operating heavy equipment, and supervising dig sites and the corrosion control team.

In 1964, Ron and Judi purchased a piece of lakefront property in Sioux Narrows. At the time, all supplies had to be brought in by water until White Moose Road was eventually extended, a project in which Ron played a major role. Over the years, he enjoyed operating his own grader, backhoe, and dump truck, providing services to residents on White Moose Road and throughout the area. He later established Backwoods Grading, expanding his services across the Sioux Narrows region. Operating heavy equipment remained one of his greatest joys throughout his life.

A true outdoorsman, Ron spent many years hunting and ice-fishing, sharing memorable adventures with his best friend Alec in and around the Kenora area. He also enjoyed hobby farming, gardening, picking berries, and showing friends and family the best spots, always happy to share his knowledge of the land. With his dry sense of humour, Ron could always make those around him smile, often with a clever remark or playful joke. He was a lifelong trickster. He made many good friends along White Moose Road and valued all the friendships he built over the years.

Ron’s generosity, humour, knowledge, and love of the outdoors touched everyone who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the friends he made, the work he did, and the family he cherished. His unwavering work ethic was one of his greatest acts of love, and he devoted his life to ensuring his family was cared for—both in the moment and in the future. He will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held next spring at Sioux Narrows Cemetery.

In honour of Ron, donations to one’s charity of choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.