Ronald James Wilson

August 9, 1926 – November 16, 2024

With sadness the family announces that Ron passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the loving care of his beloved wife Christel.

He was truly one of the “Good Guys”. His words were his bond, and he always did what was right rather than what was easy. He led an exemplary life of honour, love and laughter. He made a difference in the world, setting an example for his large extended family on how to lead a good life.

Ron grew up in Central Butte, Saskatchewan, where he and his brother Erle helped with their dad’s International Harvester and GM dealerships, running the grain elevator and working on the farm. After briefly serving in the Canadian Armed Forces near the end of World War Two, he entered the University of Saskatchewan, graduating as a mechanical engineer. In 1955, Ron was registered as a professional engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan. He had a long and successful career and set a high standard with his professionalism, honesty and integrity. He officially retired in 1991 but, always wanting to keep busy, worked for a further two years as a consultant. His work took him all over Canada, as well as to the USA, Australia and Sweden.

At the age of 22, he married Lillian Biggane. They had three children, Sherry, Terry and Bill. In 1960 while visiting Vancouver, Ron was encouraged by Lillian to get a job there. When inquiring about work with MacMillan Bloedel, they jumped at the chance to hire him, saying “Where have you been, we’ve been looking everywhere for someone like you!” And just like that, they packed up their house in Regina and three weeks later were living in Vancouver. They rented for the first year while building a two-family home on Calder Avenue, North Vancouver. Ron then helped his in-laws move out from Saskatoon and four generations moved into the house together.

In 1972 Ron tragically lost his sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Gerard. He and Lillian immediately flew to Santa Cruz California to bring home their three teenage sons. He welcomed the boys into the family with an open heart and raised them as his own. Years later when asked why he did this, his immediate reply was, “Well, it was the right thing to do.” That’s just the kind of man he was.

After Ron and Lillian ended their 30 year marriage, he found a new love with Christel. Following a whirlwind romance they married in 1979. This began a wonderful 45-year marriage filled with love, respect, adventure and travel. Ron gladly helped raise Christel’s three children, Brian, Faye and Harold. As he had done with his children and nephews, he gave them love, security and served as a positive role model on how to lead a good and honourable life.

Some of the “dadisms” Ron shared with his family include:

“This is how the world goes round.” (be realistic)

“Scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” (return the favour)

“Family is important.”

“There is backbone, and then there is wishbone.” (be persistent)

“Five minutes early is on time.” (be punctual)

“Keep busy and you’ll be happy.” All good advice and words he lived by.

Ron enjoyed many sports and could be quite competitive. He played hockey into his 40s and still skated circles around most into his 70s. He enjoyed curling, golf and was a superb dancer. Anyone who saw Christel and him floating around the dance floor would readily agree. Ron was also an avid reader and enjoyed swapping and discussing books with Faye and his sister-in-law Rosie. He loved the water. Sherry fondly remembers his passion for boating, how he loved to water ski, and the many happy hours she, Terry and Bill spent playing Marco Polo with him. He loved to be busy and was never happier than when he had a home project on the go. Such as building Christopher a “Thomas the Tank car” table, which he still has today.

Ron and Christel had many adventures together including a safari to Africa at age 86. A trip to China at 88, and a river cruise from Budapest to Germany at 92. For thirty plus years they made winter get-a-ways to Mexico where they enjoyed the beach, sun and fun times with the many good friends they made there.

Ron is predeceased by his first wife Lillian Neufeld, parents Charlie and Ida Wilson, sister Dorothy (Gerard) Ladner, brother Erle (Dorothy) Wilson, one baby sister and two baby brothers and sister-in-law Rosie Meissner.

Ron is lovingly survived by his wife Christel, daughters Sherry (Alec, predeceased) Wilson-McEwen and Terry Wilson, son Bill (Annelis) Wilson, stepdaughter Faye (Raymon, predeceased) Bustillo, stepsons Harold (Polly) Ekenstam and Brian Ekenstam, nephews Derald (Susan) Ladner, Kevan (Tricia) Ladner, Hildon Ladner, Bruce (Lorrette) Wilson, niece Judy (Tony) Yathan, granddaughters Alina Wilson, Carmen (Jaydn) McGruddy, Christina (A.Z.) Isidro, grandson Christopher Bustillo, great grandchildren Zachary and Charlotte Isidro.

As an expression of sympathy donations in Ron’s name can be made to one of his favourite charities: The Canadian Kidney Society, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC, and the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Foundation. Or alternatively to the charity of your choice.

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations

https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Make-a-Gift

https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/