I had 78 glorious years. By my good fortune, I was to be born in Ontario to parents, Jane and Don Setterington, who cared deeply for me. They nurtured in me a love of learning, a strong appreciation for family and many other natural gifts. They gave me a brother, Gary (Cathy), who always watched out for me. Gary and I shared many exploits and adventures together. I have been so lucky to have him. I have two nieces Laura and Joanne. I grew up surrounded by the love and laughter of numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. I was especially thankful for my cousin, Doug Taylor, who played music with Gary and I for more than 30 years. I enjoyed all the Taylor, Setterington and Daniels reunions throughout the years where I would get to catch up with cousins spread throughout North America.
I married Marjorie, the girl of my dreams, 52 years ago. The YouTube song by Gene Watson "Because you believed in me" expresses the sentiment of our relationship. I loved Marjorie from the first time I saw her and love her still. I don't know how I got so lucky. We have three wonderful children Jill, Jason and Melissa (Ryan). It was such a privilege to watch them grow. Together our family shared many adventures and found great joy in moments, big and small, that we were able to have together. I don't know what I would do without you. One of my favourite things to do with Marjorie (and sometimes our children) was to travel. We had so many great trips where we made such special memories. Marjorie and I were able to go to Egypt in 2006, which fulfilled one of my life-long dreams. I have two lovely granddaughters- Scarlett and Elis Rose. You will never know how much you mean to me. I am so proud of all that you have accomplished. You will be great. Remember sweet girls how much Poppa has loved you.
I married into the Aird family and celebrated many happy occasions with Muriel and Jack, Nancy, Jim, Ross (Heather), Sandy, Ann, Doris and Don, Todd (Stacey, Brecken, Maeve), Chantel (Jeremy, Taylor, Briley), Luke and Cassie (Mike, Ivy). Marjorie and I took great pleasure in hosting the annual "Aird picnic" for many years at our place so that we could get together with the extensive Aird clan and were always happy to swap stories and give rides to the many cousins on the horses.
The natural gifts I received from my parents and the unwavering support of my wife allowed me to achieve a Ph.D. in Psychology, to become a professor at Trent University and to found Tri-County Community Support Services 40 years ago with the goal of assisting intellectually and developmentally disabled persons. It was my great privilege to work with my friend, Gerry Fucile, and many other wonderful colleagues at TCCSS for many years. I have been a very proud member of the Warsaw and District Lions Club for many years. Marjorie and I have been an active member of the Community of Warsaw since we moved there more than 40 years ago. I am honoured, to call so many there my friends.
(From his Children)
We won the lottery when it came to parents. Our childhood filled with love, laughter and adventure. We loved every minute of it. We have had the great privilege to watch our parent's love story and devotion to one another everyday of our lives. Mom is the girl of Dad's dreams and he is her whole world. Our Dad was truly the best man that we have ever known. We are so grateful that he chose to be ours. He was a pilot, a musician, storyteller, adventurer, jokester, juggler, cowboy, leader and instigator of a great many antics, and so many, many other things. He was our number one cheerleader, our beacon in the darkness: our place of safety, our sunshine and the person who somehow knew how to mend our battered hearts. He is our hero.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson’s or Peterborough Association for Riding Disabled, would be appreciated, as these were both causes near to our Dad's heart.
In memory of our Dad, we would ask that you perform an act of kindness, take time to sit under a tree to enjoy the beauty of the world around you or to appreciate what a privilege it is to have the opportunity to be part of a child's life.
The family will receive friends at Comstock Funeral Home, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. for a celebration of Ronald’s Life. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18