Ronald James Watkins

With broken hearts, three distinct families are today grieving the sudden death of Ron Watkins, 70, and with it the loss of a man whose spirit, love of life and good humour were a perennial source of cheer and comfort for everyone he met.

Those who had the singular experience of knowing Ron will remember him as a gregarious, larger-than-life fellow whose infectious laugh and love of family could prevail over even the most daunting challenges, many of which he confronted head-on over the course of his life.

One challenge that never bested Ron was keeping a car on the road, a chore that made him indispensable to countless numbers of us over the years. His passion for auto racing was evident at every turn, whether it was getting up to watch an F1 race — even a qualifying round! — at 3 AM or the story currently making the rounds of family about how he once rebuilt an entire engine block on the kitchen table.

We will forever miss his relentless optimism and sunny disposition, and perhaps even his unwavering fondness of clever puns and Dad jokes — two areas where he clearly had the talents to turn pro, had he so desired.

A cascade of health issues made the last few months especially difficult for Ron, but he was girding for battle and working to get things back on track, with the help and support of his children, when fate decided on a different path.

As our dad was a true cat lover, we know he’d appreciate donations in his name to Cats R Us, the Farley Foundation or your local animal rescue.

Friends and relatives are invited to sign Ron's online book of condolences at: www.needhamfuneralhome.com