Ron left us peacefully on February 23, 2024 having struggled with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of family and friends. He leaves Kathy, wife of 57 years, daughter Lianne Grogan (Chris), son Michael (Sarah DuBois) and 2 grandchildren, and sisters Mary- Lou Brown and Susan Stoneberg.
Born in Vancouver, Ron began square dancing and calling as a teenager. Ron attended UBC, where he met Kathy and graduated Mechanical Engineering. He was a nuclear power plant shift supervisor for Ontario Hydro, in Petawawa and then Kincardine. His favourite activities were gardening and calling/teaching square dancing, including calling at a National Square Dance Convention.
A visit to Salt Spring Island sparked Ron’s dream of making a space for his family in rural, natural surroundings. He designed their new home and undertook most of the construction. Ron changed careers, setting up his own company servicing computer and business equipment. He was treasurer for the United Church for a while and joined the Legion in respect for his father. Ron loved gardening and completed multiple building projects with his son Michael, including a post and beam building.
More recently Ron and Kathy took Ballroom Dancing lessons, the source of great enjoyment and lasting memories. Eventually they taught these skills, sharing their passion with wonderful people in the dance community on Salt Spring and beyond. Ron was proud to have been integral to a group demonstration of Viennese Waltz at Fulford Waltz Night.
Ron was a dear, thoughtful and caring individual. He was well thought of and will be missed by many.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr Kalf and the medical community, including the staff at Lady Minto hospital, for their care and kindness.