Ron Marsh passed away on April 4, 2024, in Abbotsford BC, Canada. Born in Vancouver, BC May 1947, he was predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Richard “Dick” Marsh. Ron leaves behind his partner Cindy, his three daughters, and their families; Carol (Clint) Connor, Cole, Chris and Deanne (Dan), Tyler, Jacey, Jordan, Hayley, Terralynn, Sasha and Trisha (Lance), Ashleigh, Matt. Ron’s sister Darlene, niece Debbie, nephew Cory, cousins and many other family and friends will miss his enormous heart and constant desire to help others whenever they then needed it.
Ron’s early years were shared with his sister Darlene, creating memories in Burnaby where they lived. A graduate of Burnaby Central secondary school in 1965 where he won many awards in track and field and played other team sports. Initially, Ron wanted to be a gym teacher, until he realized that you also needed to teach other classes and that was not what he wanted! Although Ron’s other choice was to become a surveyor, apprenticeships in that field were not available at the time. However, his dad, Dick who worked for Dominion Bridge knew exactly what to do to ensure Ron had a “backup plan” for his life. And so, Ron began and completed an apprenticeship in 1969 as a steel fabricator at Dominion Bridge where he remained until it became clear that the “back-up plan” was the leading plan when he chose to be his own boss and start a company in 1981. That company was Marsh Steel (and Rigid Erectors). Ron was a businessman, but he was a hard worker at heart. Sneaking into his shop on the weekends just so he could still get his hands on the steel, or going on a trip to the jobsite to shoot the anchors where his steel columns would soon stand was always a fun weekend outing. Standing on the edge of a jobsite, Ron would smile with pride for what his company had built, and his dad Dick would be standing beside him, smiling with pride for his son. The name Marsh was important to Ron and so when he was preparing for retirement, Marsh Steel became Power Steel which was eventually sold to Whitemud in 2008. Ron chose to stay on for a while and eventually he retired in 2010. It was the work ethic that his father instilled into him, which he in turn instilled into his daughters that we hope will never be lost, and always be his legacy.
Over all the years, Ron was a large part of his daughters’ lives. When he wasn’t working, he was either coaching one of the teams or watching one of them play another sport or activity. In the early years, the family spent time together with the cousins and friends down at the small community of Paradise Forest we called “the lot,” about an hour away across the line in the U.S. CB radios were how we communicated between the families at the lot, Ron’s CB handle was Explorer 1 for his favorite truck, and of course the rest of us we Explorer 2, 3, 4 & 5. Many great family memories were made playing games, building card houses and riding bikes along the trails. In the later years, once Ron retired, that just meant more time for his family. He enjoyed supporting his daughters in construction projects that they secretly enjoyed creating for him, just to give him work that he enjoyed doing. Ron’s desire to continue to build and create things never stopped. Ron spent a lot of time at “the cabin” doing whatever he wanted. His construction jobs were epic there and each time he would go to the cabin, he was already considering which jobs would be next. He drilled into his own finger a few times, cut himself multiple times, and many other “incidents” that always ended in dad laughing at himself. After he finished “working,” the following events included drinking beer and eating raw wieners, fishing, quad riding, kayaking, and building a huge campfire. He enjoyed camping at Tunkwa with his family and
going to Black Mountain Ranch to spend time and use his drill and hammer whenever he could. He loved to fish more than just about anything. He would always be sure to have extra lures so when the kids snagged the lines, he would simply laugh, cut the line, and reset the hooks and keep on fishing for as long as they wanted. It did not matter to Dad if we were fishing in the ocean, lakes or rivers, as long as he had a line in the water, beer in his hand and family or friends to laugh with or come up with stories how the big one got away, he would always be having the best time.
Ron was thoughtful, creative, and talented, always with a project on the go, a sketch in the works. He made many beautiful gifts for those he loved – tables, benches, hockey stick coat racks to name a few. Ron was quick-witted and had an amazing sense of humour. The King of Dad jokes had a mischievous grin that would have you wondering what he was up to!
Ron was a great man. He loved his girls more than anything and his grandchildren just a little bit more. He was very proud to be called Papa and Grandpa and each of his grandchildren thought he could do no wrong. He was always sure to be at hockey games, baseball games, soccer games and more, never missing the chance to see his grandchildren doing whatever they loved to do. He would always let everyone know how proud he was of each and every one of them. They all felt his love and pride and each grandchild loved him back with all their heart. He was very much loved.
His daughters are very thankful for the last 18 years Cindy has been a part of his life. Ron had never been so eager to travel and see parts of the world, until he had Cindy to travel with. Simple camping trips to Tunkwa brought him so much joy as long as Cindy was there to fish and play games with him. He loved Cindy very much and was looking forward to the many trips to come.
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Ron was a family man first and foremost, he loved his daughters, sons-in-law’s, grandchildren, sister, niece, and nephew. He was proud of each and every one and talked about what they were doing with their lives and their accomplishments often. I have never met a man who was so well loved by so many people in all aspects of his life. In his professional life Ron made many life-long friends who valued Ron’s intelligence and work ethic as well as his quick sense of humour. I was lucky enough to have some of that love shine on me and I will forever be the better person for it. He loved to take me traveling, camping, fishing and to sporting events. The most special times of my life were spent doing these things with Ron. I will miss his humour and his gentle needling when I made some silly mistake or misstep. Ron has left an empty space in my life and my heart that will never be filled again, but the memories of our time together will always bring me joy and put a smile on my face. I will love you always, until we meet again.
Love, Cindy
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Ron Marsh’s story is one of hard work, dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community. He will be deeply missed, but he imprinted himself in his teachings and the way he loved, he will live in the hearts of those who knew him and will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
A celebration of life for Ron will be held on June 1st, 2024, between 2pm and 5pm at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club, 1284 184th Street, Surrey, BC.
If anyone chooses to donate, please send it to the charity of your choice.
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