March 18, 1934 – June 5, 2013
Our Ron, devoted husband, beloved dad, brother and Papa is gone but will never be forgotten. He died peacefully with his family close at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital after a short illness.
Ron was a good man and he lived an admirable life. Work and family were at the centre of it. Earning his own way and providing for his family were important to him. Ron was born of modest beginnings in Regina, Saskatchewan. He grew up in the dust bowl and wartime. Ron began work full-time after leaving school in grade 10. He didn’t fully retire until this year.
Ron made a difference.
For more than 50 years Ron worked with the hearing impaired. He started with Beltone Hearing in Regina in 1955. He later took over the business. In 1973 Ron moved to Victoria and expanded Beltone on the Island to a dozen offices. Ron personally helped improve the lives of thousands through better hearing. It was his professional calling. Ron won the BBB’s Torch award for integrity and service and received Beltone’s President’s Cup as outstanding North American provider. Ron’s wife Bobbie, daughter Kathy, and sons Bill and Jeff worked with him at Beltone. Jeff now carries on the work as Ron’s successor.
Ron’s partner in life was Bobbie. Married for 56 years, Ron and Bobbie made every decision together. They had four children and created a home filled with love, humour and music. Their home was a gathering place. Countless feasts were shared there, often ending in sing-alongs around the piano. Bobbie’s beautiful voice joined by Ron’s in harmony. Ron’s mother Grace playing piano elegantly.
Ron is survived by Bobbie (nee Roberts), sister Gloria and brother Brent. Ron and Bobbie have four children, Jeff (Sharon), Bill (Cheryl), Kathy, and Rob (Suzanne). They have six grandchildren, Breanne, Justin, Allison, Kevin, Liam and Lauren. The youngest grandchild, Lauren, aged 12, wrote, “We love you so much Papa. You will always be in our hearts. I promise that I will do my best in life and think of you.”
Rest in peace, Papa. You have earned it.
A memorial tea will be held at McCall’s Reception Centre, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, June 15, at 1:30 pm. Thanks to the caring staff and physicians at RJH Oncology, VGH 7B, and Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Variety, the Children’s Charity, which Ron and Bobbie have supported for many years. Condolences may be offered below.
34 Responses
Ron had a very kind heart. He will be missed.
I had the privilege of meeting Ron a number of years ago and quickly learned that he was a man with caring kindness, courtesy and a professional manner which made me feel like I was someone special. Ron was a hands-on person in the business, clearly very busy but always having time to listen and chat. I feel your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dear Bobbie and Family
We were both shocked and saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. Our very happy memories of the time we all spent together at Sea Esta campground will be even more precious now. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. My late Mom thought the world of both of you. Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss of Ron, a truly wonderful person to have known.
I grew up two houses over from the Germains on Woodlawn Place in Regina … I remember well Ron and Bobbie and their family. And Sugar Brown 🙂 – many fun times with the whole family at their cottages at Regina Beach and listening to Jeff’s band practising in the Germains’ basement. My parents (Ron and Doris) and the Ron and Bobbie drinking coffee at the kitchen table… and yes, I remember Grandma Grace too…
My deepest condolences to Bobbie, Jeff, Bill, Kathie and Rob and their extended family on the loss of Ron.