Ronald Frank Kassell

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful, kind and fun-loving father, Ron Kassell.

Ron passed away peacefully in Hollyburn House in West Vancouver.

Ron was born in Sheffield, England, on May 16, 1929.

At a local dance, he met Marie, the love of his life, and they married shortly after in 1953.

When a work opportunity arose for Ron in 1954, he and Marie chose to cross the Atlantic to Canada. Toronto was the starting point of their Canadian life for 2 years until Ron’s work with the Royal Exchange transferred him to beautiful Vancouver, BC.

Ron and Marie moved to the North Shore in 1957 when they decided to start a family. They resided in North Vancouver before discovering Eagle Harbour in West Vancouver where they raised their 3 daughters.

As an insurance agent, Ron worked in WV at Ker & Ker Ltd., eventually landing at JC Turner, Ltd. in the downtown area. He and his future partner, Alan Sharp, took over the business, renaming it Underwriters Insurance Agencies soon after. They were wise businessmen and expanded their practice by opening a management company in 1973 while acquiring other businesses throughout the years. They gained much success with their offices in Kamloops, Penticton, Powell River, Winnipeg, and Toronto and eventually acquired firms across the border in Irvine and Sacramento, California. In addition to the insurance business, they invested in real estate in Mount Baker, Palm Desert and Gambier Island, including a hotel and pub in Campbell River.

To add to his list of achievements, Ron was president of the BC Agents Association. Ron also played an instrumental role in resurrecting TUTS (Theatre Under The Stars) in 1969. He spent a few decades on the board of directors, rotating his position as president. He retired from his involvement with TUTS in the 90s, receiving the well-deserved title of VIP Lifetime Member. His dedication and knowledge were admirable and invaluable!

Work did not hold him back from exploring the world. Ron and Marie travelled to as many corners of it as possible. Cruising was where they found their true love of travelling, meeting lifelong friends through their unforgettable journeys. Ron and Marie fell in love with Maui where they purchased a condo and enjoyed many unforgettable holidays for a few years. After discovering Palm Desert, they found their home away from home and spent over 20 years travelling back and forth enjoying entertaining and the relaxing energy it brought to them.

Ron also had a great love for golfing and fishing. These were his happy places. He golfed locally as well as travelled with his group of golf buddies to multiple courses around BC and the US.

He looked forward to his annual trips to his favourite fishing lodges in Haida Gwaii with his best friends and family members.

Ron retired at the ripe old age of 87 but was diagnosed with dementia shortly thereafter. He enjoyed a couple of his retirement years in their Ambleside home where he loved stepping out their front door to walk the seawall every morning, then ending it with a coffee at Crema. For their final place of residence, he and Mum moved to Hollyburn House in June 2021.

Ron is predeceased by Marie, his wife of 70 years, and survived by his 3 daughters, Jane Singleton (Rob), Gill Olesen (Mark) and Amanda Kassell; 9 grandchildren, Ashley, Jessica, Ryan, Michael, Kayla, Casey, Myles, Spencer and Tia; and 9 great-grandchildren.

A true gentleman with class and dignity. He had that wickedly dry British sense of humour which kept us in stitches.

We will miss our beloved Daddio, Papa, and great grandpapa, but we feel solace knowing he had an amazing and healthy life and is now with Mum, his love.

Their status has been elevated from first-class passengers to first-class angels. Without a doubt, they are now dancing across their own cloud on a heavenly cruise ship’s dance floor.

Dad, you will live forever in our hearts 💖

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