Ronald Bowman Thurston

Ronald Bowman Thurston UE passed away January 21, 2023 in North Vancouver, B.C. He was born October 11, 1930 in Halifax, N.S., the only child of Bowman Corning Thurston and Florence May Cole, both predeceased of Halifax, N.S. He was a proud descendant of Nova Scotia United Empire Loyalists. He was also predeceased by his loving wife, Pauline Joan (Conlin) and his sons Edward and Robert.

Ron is survived by his son William (Carla); his daughter Patricia (Peter) Widdows and their children Michael, Erika; daughter-in-law Isabell (Edward) Thurston and their children Daryll, Simone (Padraig) Byrne and their children Saoirse, Eamon; daughter-in-law Diane (Robert) Thurston and their son Bowman; sisters-in-law Kathleen King, Cena Montague; Nova Scotia cousins, Frieda Perry, Harry Thurston, Gladys Merrigan and many more.

Although Ron was raised in Montreal from 1936, he remained proud of his Nova Scotia heritage, always sporting either a Nova Scotia Tartan scarf around his neck, Nova Scotia pin on his lapel or flag on his scooter.

In 1948 Ron joined The Royal Bank of Canada in Montreal, where he met his wife Pauline. They married in 1953 and together with their children, his career took him to Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Thunder Bay before retiring in 1988 in Vancouver as District Inspector of B.C. and Yukon.

He had a passion for the outdoors and at every opportunity took his family exploring, whether by car, canoe or float plane and after retirement at the cabin in Merritt, B.C.

But his greatest passion was always family. Ron, to many of us and Bubba to the following generations, taught himself computer skills, becoming quite adept with making his own cards which he enjoyed sending to family, both in N.S. and “from away”, to keep in touch and express his love.

Although we grieve in Ron’s passing, may we focus on his love for us all and the memories of him we cherish in our hearts.

Family will attend a private Celebration of Life. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.