January 25, 1946 – August 1, 2024
Ron was born prematurely on January 25, 1946 in Clonakilty, Ireland and weighed just over 3 pounds.
Family legend has it that he spent the first few weeks in a shoebox being kept warm on the AGA. He was the seventh and final (surviving) child of Patrick Joseph and Mary Imelda (née O'Donnell).
Ron attended De La Salle College in Waterford, Ireland and after graduation went to study at a seminary in Argentina. Legend has it that his brother would send him $50 for his birthday and Ron and his mates would spend a month on holiday, eating and drinking like kings.
After completing the seminary program in Argentina Ron decided not to take his vows and rather than returning to Ireland and face his mother’s wrath he arrived on his brother’s doorstep in Canada, fluent in Spanish but without a collar, in 1972.
Shortly afterwards Ron started working at what would become Com Dev sweeping the floors. Forty-odd years later he was in charge of purchasing at the same firm, retiring in 2015.
Ron was a wonderful and much loved father to Richard (Cherisse Akeung) and Rachael (Adam Allard). He was an incredible, dedicated grandfather to Audrey, Grace and Ella Allard, to whom he devoted much of his retirement to. He spent his time hiking trails with his family and getting a second chance at parenthood with his grandchildren whom he adored immensely.
After retirement Ron also discovered a love of golf, often playing two or three times a week. Despite having only taken up the game later in life he had an incredible drive that could prove otherwise. He enjoyed his time with his friends on the greens and probably even more, a nice cold beer afterwards.
In recent years Ron returned to the church where he attended mass almost daily. He enjoyed reading scripture and his faith brought him comfort. Ron loved his books, his cooking, and his wine.
On August 1st, 2024 Ron suffered a sudden and unexpected medical condition and died shortly afterwards in the presence of his two children. Ron is survived by his two children and three grandchildren as well as two siblings, Dolores and Seamus, many nieces and nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces, and great-grandnephews and great-grandnieces. He was a remarkable man that touched so many people by his kindness, endless generosity, and positivity and will be missed beyond belief.
Arrangements entrusted to Barthel Funeral Home
