Ron worked with me for several years as an Assistant Editor on the staff of the Stouffville Tribune. He was an excellent writer and a close friend. He'll always be remembered.  Jim Thomas, Stouffville.

I remember the first day Ron Wallace walked into the Aurora Banner.   He was a couple of years younger than me, but he was full of himself, exuding personality and confidence.   It was as though he was Mr. Aurora from day one.   He was part of the 'Aurora Banner glory days'  under publisher Bob Buchanan.   There will never be another Wallace like him.   Rest in piece old friend.
Barry Wallace

On behalf of Theatre Aurora and our members, the Board of Directors would like to express our condolences, as well as our sincere appreciation for all that Mr. Wallace did for the community.

Dear Pat and Family,
I wish you peace and wonderful memories to help you through such a sad time. Ron was instrumental in my ability to keep Hot Spot running for so many years. I will always remember and thank him for his support.
Wendy Gaertner

Such a fine obituary and tribute for an amazing fellow.  I was always in awe of Mr. Wallace (as I first knew him), whether at his bookstore, or on Council, or through his own paper The Auroran, and was delighted when he found love and joy once again with Patricia.  He did so much for so many and truly deserved to be called Mr. Aurora.  Our very sincere condolences to all his treasured family and many friends.  Rest in peace, Ron.

As a school board employee, I respected and liked Ron, read his newspaper, visited his bookstore and enjoyed his stories. He personified Aurora and did so much for his community.  I am so  sorry to hear about this great loss and I send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  I feel like I grew up in R&R Book bar and I remember Ron fondly. Sending my deepest condolences to friends and family. 

Being the chief photographer at the Etobicoke Guardian for forty years I had the pleasure working with Ron who was my editor for many years, and what fun we had had during our working days. He was one of my favourite editors and I loved listening to his stories of his career as he did mine. I remember giving Ron a fireman’s Axe from a a Welsh fireman I new when my parents lived in North Wales, he was over the moon to receive it for his fireman’s collectables. He will be missed by former colleagues of the Etobicoke Guardian for sure and many people in Etobicoke. My sincere condolences to the Wallace family.
Ian Kelso former chief photographer of the Guardian.

In  my early years as a journalist, Ron was a competitor, but he was always fair and encouraging. He spent many years as editor of The Richmond Hill Liberal, long before I would become editor of that same paper myself. (Photo hopefully attached is the staff photo of The Liberal at its 100th anniversary, Ron is seated at left.) We had many newspaper friends in common. In intervening years, my husband, Jim Robinson and I would chat with him at the R & R Book Bar, and as always, he had his finger on the pulse of Aurora and cared deeply about his community. We were impressed, but not surprised, that he started his own newspaper with The Auroran. He undoubtedly wrote, and published, hundreds, or perhaps thousands of obituaries in his time in the newspaper business. I believe he would have been proud of his own obit – and deservedly so. Godspeed, Mr. Aurora.

My sympathies to the family for the loss of a man who genuinely cared for his community.

Ron, I was saddened to hear of your passing.  You’ve been on my mind ever since I learned the sad news yesterday.  I joined the editorial staff of the Newmarket Era in 1969, the same year you joined the Aurora Banner.  I learned to love the banter we would have when I went to Aurora to photograph an event, that was different when you came to Newmarket.  In Aurora you made me take my pictures over your shoulder.  When you came to Newmarket to take pictures, I couldn’t seem to get in front of you.  I recall when the Aurora Tigers were in the playoff’s vs Streetsville.  At the Streetsville arena you chose to take pictures from the back of the seating while I chose to be down at ice level.  I missed our friendly banter there.  There are many other stories I’d love to tell in the 3 years I spent at The Era.  There isn’t enough space for that here.   In 1972 I left The Era for a 22-year carrier in Law.  We had many good times over those 3 years.  I always enjoyed you company.  Rest In Peace my Man.

Ron Wallace was a fine man.  I will miss him being in the world. 

Dear Patricia and Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear the news that Ron had passed on Sunday. In many ways, Ron was like family. He was very close to my late stepfather Dick Illingworth and his daughter Suzanne. I personally have known him since I was in my late teens while I was a waitress at Nicky’s Place which later became Hotel Aurora. He and Dick would often spend an early evening over a drink discussing politics. I enjoyed many afternoons myself chatting with Ron at both of his bookstores and always appreciated his recommendations! He was a warm, funny, intelligent light and he will be greatly missed! Love Kelly

Ron was my assistant editor at The Stouffville Tribune, possibly his first-time, full-time journalistic experience. While at The Tribune, he focused his writing skills mainly on sports including hockey, baseball and fastball. He also covered general news stories since the paper then had only two reporters on staff.
Ron not only won my respect and the respect of the paper's owner/publisher but the respect of the entire community. His friendly attitude effected everyone with home he worked and played. He was an avid skater and  skier.
Ron's journalistic skills really blossomed when he assumed the position of editor of the Aurora Banner and later initiated a newspaper of his own,  His involvement with the town earned him the title of 'Mr. Aurora'.  My sympathy to his wife; his daughter and sister. To me he was a very special help-mate and friend - Jim Thomas, Stouffville.      

Ron, Mr Aurora. He was that plus more. To me he was a great friend, a fellow Councillor, a great drinking buddy plus so much more. He was a mentor who was always there to help. His famous line to me was, “Don’t worry about what the paper says as long as they spell your name right”.  We spent a week golfing in Virginia Beach, one that I will never forget. When I wanted to raise awareness for the Aurora Food pantry he helped out by putting ads in the Auroran at no charge. We collected 2000 lbs. of food. When I started the Aurora farmers market Ron was there every Saturday. Ron, I will truly miss you. RIP Good  buddy.

So many memories of Ron, starting with Ryerson and journalism classes and Daily Ryersonian assignments.  Then shared accommodation with a bevy of journalism students.  Then first jobs and excitements at being editors of small papers.  I was in Barrie, Ron was in Aurora and we were connected by type and the love of community.
What a great citizen!  We were blessed.  We'll miss you, Ron!

Dear Pat, Aurora and family,
My deepest condolences.
Ron Wallace, best known as Mr. Aurora, was a great friend and loyal supporter to our family, our business ( Jonathan’s Restaurant) and our beautiful town. I will always treasure the many laughs we enjoyed in his company, and his many words of encouragement and wisdom that he delivered with his boyish grin.
As our plethora of memories of Ron come flooding through, we know they will they will remain in our hearts and live on always.
Sincerely,
Mary Georgopoulos 

Pat and family:
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  We go way back to the days of Ron starting out as the editor of the Aurora Banner.  I worked with him and we kept in touch for many years.  My condolences to all of you.
John Archibald  

To Pat, Aurora, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ron.  Ron was a warm hearted, generous man who will be greatly missed.  It was a Saturday routine for David and my children to go to the book store and get the books for the week as well as the telling of numerous jokes and then it was the hockey days. Ron and David spent many hours on the ice together and the stories I would hear as to their daring saves and amazing goals.    I have thought of Ron often in the passing years and it is always with a smile on my face.  May God bless you all and keep you safe.  
Love Johanna

OBITUARY

Ronald Walton Francis Wallace

March 21, 1944 – November 22, 2020

Thompson Funeral Home

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