January 31, 1924 –
March 13, 2011
Ron Stacey passed away on Sunday, March 13. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; sister Evelyn Campbell (Bill) of Killarney, Manitoba; children Linda Pringle (Jim), Ross (Cathy), Alan (Gina) and Brian (Christine); grandchildren Nicola, Angela, Jocelyn, Michelle, Christine, Christopher and Jordan.
Ron was born January 31, 1924 in Hamiota, Manitoba, and left there after high school grad to ride the rails to Winnipeg, where he enlisted in the RCAF. Trained in England as a navigator, he was the sole survivor of his air crew when shot down over Germany. After two months in hospital, he was transferred to Stalag Luft III, and had his 19th birthday there. He was 98% certain, after returning to England, that on VE Day he danced in the streets of London with the two young princesses.
Back home, he earned a BS at Brandon Collegiate and taught in Manitoba until 1964, when a teaching offer brought him to Salt Spring Island. He taught Sciences and Math until 1984, then retired to his garden and many projects. Ron was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he enjoyed cribbage, bridge and volunteering with friends. He also enjoyed debating a wide variety of issues, and leaves a legacy of “Stacey-isms”.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Woodley and the staff at Lady Minto Hospital for their compassionate care and support. Also, thanks to Island Comfort Quilts, Salt Spring Singers, the Bessie Dane Foundation hospice volunteers, and his comrades at the Legion and their Ladies Auxiliary, and those loyal friends too numerous to mention here.
A memorial tea will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion hall on Saturday, April 9th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Royal Canadian Legion, Lady Minto Hospital, or Salt Spring Food Bank.