Ron will be sadly missed by his wife, Linda; his brothers Desmond and Trevor; 4 sisters-in-law and 1 brother-in-law; his step-daughter, 3 grandchildren and great granddaughter; his much-loved nephews & nieces and great nephews and nieces and their spouses; and many, many friends around the world. He was predeceased by his parents and Margaret, his wife of 33 years.
Ron arrived in Canada 56 years ago at the age of 23, on his way to start a career with Boeing in Washington State – a career that he quickly abandoned when he fell in love with Vancouver. He spent 22 distinguished years working for the Workers’ Compensation Board of B. C. (now WorkSafe BC), and, in 1995, he joined the Mining Association of B. C. as Vice President of Health, Safety and Disability Management. In 2007, Ron’s exemplary 12 years in this role was recognized when he was awarded The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Public Safety.
Ron and Linda married in 2014 and settled into their forever home in Abbotsford 5 years ago. Despite much family teasing, for Ron’s restlessness had resulted in multiple moves over the years, this time he surprised us all and put down roots. Once Ron had the house renovated to his exacting standards, he turned his attention to the garden. There he created an oasis that stands as a memorial to his attention to detail and his love of the outdoors.
Ron greeted everyone with an open heart and a welcoming smile. Friends remember Ron as loyal, hardworking, warm and friendly, with a wicked sense of humour and a willingness to lend a hand with any project. He loved music and photography, and his legendary slide collection documented his love for travel and his family. Ron’s bottomless, joyful laugh was a hallmark of family get-togethers and he loved the craic and a wee dram. Ron was the family patriarch; loving and generous, “our person”, “our everything” and we will cherish the good memories forever.
Ron was a good man who will be missed by everyone who had the fortune to know him.
“A smiling face; a heart of gold
The very best this world could hold
Never selfish, always kind
These are the memories he left behind”
A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held at a later date.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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