Ronald Henry Waller

WALLER, Ronald Henry. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald (Ron) Waller on Saturday, August 31, 2013. Ron was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on September 22, 1943 to Flora and Harry Waller. During his early years he lived in Nanaimo, Midway and Fruitvale before his parents settled in Robson, BC. He attended school in Trail where he graduated in 1962. In 1965 he married Wendy Wright and they moved to Vancouver where Ron continued his studies at UBC and received his Pharmacy degree in 1968 and his Masters in Community in 1972.

Upon moving to Kelowna in 1969, Ron began working at Gant’s Pharmacy in the Underhill Clinic. In 1973 he bought the store and invited Fred Behrner to join him as a full partner. They changed the name to Lakeside Clinical Pharmacy which it is still called to this day. Over his career Ron was a strong advocate for the profession of Pharmacy and his patients. In addition to working with government to improve healthcare at the pharmacy level, Ron was very active with the B.C. College of Pharmacists, serving as President in 1990-1991. He was recognized for many of his professional accomplishments and in 1997 was the recipient of the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia award in Philadelphia. Ron retired from pharmacy in 2001 leaving the business in the capable hands of his son Chris and his partner Greg Andreen.

In addition to a full and active professional career, Ron shared much of his time and love of sport within the community. Active in minor hockey he spent many years dedicated to sharing his love of the game with Kelowna’s youth. Coaching at some level as many as 5 teams at once. Countless men were touched by his humor and mentorship. Being a member of the Kinsmen Club and later the K40 further demonstrated Ron’s commitment to the community. In retirement, Ron’s love of sport and connectedness continued with an active lifestyle as his loves of family, golf, fishing, camping, skiing and curling.

Throughout his life, Ron had a profound love of family. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Wendy Wright in1965 in Trial, BC. With his life partner, he built a large family of five children that was based on love and taught all who were close to him the importance of the values he held so dear. Ron is survived by his wife Wendy, his children Michael (Lynn), Donald (Karla), Chris (Wendy), Darren (Marnie) and Heather and ten beautiful grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Also surviving him is his brother Lorne. He was predeceased by his mother and father in 2006 and 2007.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, 1297 Glenmore Road, on Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9, Ron’s favorite charity.

The family of Ron wish to extend our sincerest thanks to all of the professionals, R.C.M.P., paramedics and the kind citizen who showed devoted professionalism and kindness during Saturday’s emergency. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299