Ronald "Ron" Charles McFee

Ronald Charles McFee passed away unexpectedly with his loving wife Jackie by his side on January 5, 2026 at the age of 79. Ron was born in Chilliwack on July 9, 1946, the fifth child of Donald and Amy McFee. His early years were spent on his parents’ dairy farm on Sumas Prairie, where he developed a love of working with animals. He became a ‘town’ kid in sixth grade when his family relocated to Harrison Street in Chilliwack.

He attended Upper Sumas Superior Elementary school, Chilliwack Central Elementary School and Chilliwack Senior Secondary School. As a young man, he had various jobs from cooking in a logging camp, to picking berries. It was in the berry patch where he met Jackie when he was in grade 12. Ron then spent 4 years at U.B.C. and obtained his B.Sc. in Agriculture. Ron and Jackie were married on August 31st, 1968 and then made their way to Saskatoon where he attended the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1972. These were difficult early years of marriage as Jackie faced some serious health issues but ultimately strengthened their love and faith in God.

He started his veterinary career in Williams Lake and then returned to Chilliwack where Dr. Harry Brewster graciously ushered Ron into Dr. Brewster’s well ordered practice. After a tremendous effort during his early family years in establishing himself in the business from the basement of their family home on Kipp Ave., Ron partnered with Dr. Chris Byra and founded Greenbelt Veterinary Services on June 1, 1982. Many years were spent faithfully serving the many farms in the Fraser Valley. He enjoyed the relational aspect of the job as much as the hands on work.

In 1986, Ron moved the family to 8 acres in Rosedale where he was able to bring his own children up to appreciate rural life as he did when he was younger. There were always things to keep busy including cows, pigs, chickens, raspberries, gardening, haying and trimming. Ron would frequently say in his retirement about his rustic life up the hill, “I’ve worked my whole life, why would I stop now?”

He worked to instill in his family the importance of honest hard work and the beauty of living a simple life with faith in God at the center. Even after retirement he continued to enjoy gardening, hobby farming, and living off the land, though always happy for a trip down the hill with “mama” for a 99 cent frosty. He was regularly involved in his church community and served in various capacities including as an Elder at Cooke’s Presbyterian Church for many years.

Ron was a great host, conversationalist and story teller. His beloved 17 grandchildren loved to hear his imitations, jokes and endless stories from his early years growing up as the youngest of 5 children. He was the ‘rock’ of the extended family and a true joy to be around and was always up for a card or board game or a serious theological discussion or a good debate.

He is predeceased by his parents, Amy (nee Emerson) and Don McFee, infant daughter Leslie, brother Gordon, sister Jean Seraphim, brother-in-law George Klit, and sister-in-law Norma McFee.

Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jackie (nee Ballam), his sister-in-law Joan McFee, brother-in-law Don Seraphim, sister Marion Klit and brother Allen McFee.

He will be deeply missed by his children and grandchildren: son Malcolm (Bobbie-Anne) Daniel, Keith and Allison; daughter Heather (Troy) Libby, Callum, Tully, Evlyn, Macrae, Ewan, Wallace, Mairi, and Flora; and son Colin (Eryn) Elly, Cole, Grayson, Smith and Emmer.

He was also a loving uncle to many nephews and nieces.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at Cooke’s Presbyterian Church (45825 Wellington Ave.) at 11 a.m., Graveside to follow at Chilliwack Cemeteries, reception at Tzeachten Community Hall (45855 Promontory Rd.). The family is being cared for by Henderson Funeral Home