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.
-
Neil Cannon
-
John Hutchinson (Hutch) 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.
-
Heather & Don Sprout 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.
-
Luanne (Jacobson) Nelson 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.
-
Sandra Montague My deepest sympathies to Bobbie and family.I had the pleasure of learning from and working with Ron when I worked at Beltone Canada. I will remember him as a strong leader, a man of integrity with great pride in both his work and his family. May his memory be an abiding blessing for Bobbie and family.
-
Doug Kosior Sorry to here about your loss. I have lots of fond memories from my youth while you were in Regina and especially at Regina Beach. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
-
Carole Didier For 37 consecutive years our group has celebrated the Grey Cup together. There never was a more faithful or dedicated “Rider Fan”. That type of dedication carried through to his work and to his family life. As one friend said “well, he has the best seats in Taylor Field now and is sharing the excitment with a few of his buddies who have gone before!”
Our love to Bobbie and to his whole family.
Carole, Suzanne, Betty, Whitey and Doreen
-
Rick & Bev Holfeld Bobbie and Family, Brent and Gloria, our sincere condolences on the passing of Ron. Ron was one of the nicest, kindest men I’ve ever met and I am so thankful we took the opportunity to visit with Bobbie and Ron shortly before Ron became ill. Ron will always be remembered fondly.
-
James and Joyce Buhr It was always such a great pleasure to see Rons’ smiling face at “the Beltone family ” gatherings. Ron was a man of great integrity , who passed this quality on in the running a successful business. Ron may be gone but he will not be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to Bobbi and her family on the passing of Ron.
James and Joyce Buhr
-
Paul and Laurie Deelman Such a shock for all. Deepest sympathies to the whole family and the “Beltone” family world wide. He will be remembered in all our hearts. Hugs and support to Jeff and Sharon as you carry on the family tradition.
-
Laurie Deelman I was a newbie to the Beltone family in 2009 when I first met Ron and Bobbie while we were all awaiting our plane boarding in Vancouver. The big event was the Beltone anniversary in Chicago. I will never forget the wonderful experiences and laughs we shared during our time there.
It is a sad time as we say goodbye to Ron. My sincere condolences to Bobbie, Jeff and all your family. Remember to continue to share your stories and reminiscing about Ron, with the younger generations. Thinking of you all,
Laurie Deelman
-
Cy and Myrna Dorras Please know that our prayers are with you all.
-
Eva Lorenc and the Beltone staff in New Glasgow, NS Our deepest condolences to Bobbi and the Germain family.
I knew Ron for over 17 years, and he was truly a wonderful man who touched the lives of many. He will be missed from coast to coast.
Eva Lorenc
-
Maria Micic and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Germain Family.
Mr Germain left such a strong yet gentle and caring impression upon my Mum with each visit at Beltone. An incredibly kind man that will be missed.
-
Eileen Hunter There are no words to adequately express the sorrow felt ~ I feel very privileged to be an employee within Ron and Bobbie’s Beltone family. Ron ‘s consistently pleasant nature, kindness, generosity, integrity, patience, high morals and overall ‘goodness’ have meant the world to me and have made a huge difference in my life. I will forever be grateful … My thoughts and prayers are with Bobbie and family.
-
Patricia McEown, Edmonton Condolences to Bobbie and all of you. You have lost a precious one, a wonderful man. He will be missed very much. I worked in the Sidney office and will never forget the kindness of Ron and indeed the whole family and so enjoyed my time with Beltone. You all will have wonderful memories to enjoy.
-
Keith Simpson I was shocked to read of the death of my good friend and hearing specialist, Ron. He has taken excellent care of my hearing problems for 35 years and I know that he intended to do some travelling when he finally retired.
To his wonderful family and all the office staff I wish to extend my sincere condolences.
Keith Simpson, RCMP Veterab
-
Stewart family in Clarksville, Tennessee My dad, also a Beltone President’s Cup winner, spoke highly of Mr. Germain and how much he enjoyed sharing conversation with him at conventions. Our prayers are with your family.
-
Laura Parker I feel fortunate to have worked for and with Ron and to have been part of the Beltone family. He was a kind and caring gentleman whom I greatly admired and respected. He will be missed.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Bobbie and family.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ~Thomas Campbell
Sincerely, Laura Parker
Sidney
-
Lena Bengtsson My sincere condolences the whole Germain family.
Ron was very dedicated to the hearing profession and a very kind person, I had the pleasure of working with him on the HISSBC Board for a few years, and he also gave me support and advice when I was getting my hearing aid licence many years ago.
-
Jamie Morgan My sincere condolences and “hugs” to Bobby and the entire family. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and be apart of the Beltone Family. Ron taught me so much about hearing care, and the importance of the person. He was honorable, kind, generous and dedicated to the hearing impaired. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him.
-
Edward P Braun I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ron both in the US and Canada for over a 20 year period. What a man! A true leader, and a man of high morals and integrity. One of a kind.
Wonderful husband to his lovely wife Bobbie and father to his family and grandchildren.
Ron was a driving force in shaping the hearing care landscape in Canada. His efforts help make the industry what it is today.
Ron … you will be missed !
-
Mike Jaggernauth It’s with great sadness I learnt of the passing of Ron, my sincere condolences to Bobbie and the entire family. He would be greatly missed by the Beltone family and the hearing care community at large.
Ron was the consummate professional who was dedicated to helping the hearing impaired improve their quality of life. His business insights and guidance was frequently requested by other Beltone hearing care professionals to which he was always ready and willing too share.
Ron was instrumental in helping me to understand the Beltone Business Model and the family camaraderie that came with it. I will forever have fond memories of our time working together.
Rest in peace, my friend.Mike J.
-
Frank Skubski On behalf of Beltone Canada I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Bobbie and the Germain family. Ron was the patriarch of the Beltone Canada family. A mentor, leader and always the voice of reason, it was a privilege to work so closely with Ron over the years. He taught all of us to tackle every task with integrity and passion, his teachings will live on.
-
Diane Waddington Bobbie and family, please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Ron. He was a wonderful man, always had a smile on his face. You are all in my thoughts.
Diane Waddington
-
Jon Cockcroft We are all thinking of you at this time, we were all privileged to have known him. We are sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Jon Cockcroft, Jamie Morgan , Barbara Bass and Paddy Wilson
-
Mike Deveau It is a sad day in the Germain family.. the Beltone family.. indeed the Hearing Health Care family.
Ron was one of the most kind, most honorable men I have ever had the priviledge to know. Always smiling, always kind and thoughtful.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Mike DeVeau, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
-
Brian & Kim Getson Our deepest sympathies to Bobbie and family. Ron was a wonderful mentor to us in the Beltone business. It was a pleasure to be associated with such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobbie and family.
Brian and Kim Getson
Saskatoon, SK
-
Michael Moore The loss to the hearing industry will only be surpassed by the loss to his family…Ron Germain was an honest, straightforward, all around great guy. He broke me in as young sales manager at Beltone and gave me great advice when it was needed. My condolences to the whole family on your loss.
Mike
-
Jacques & Rebecca Van Laethem Our most sincere condolences to Ron’s family. You’ve lost a most beloved father and grandfather, and we pray that you will find comfort in treasured memories of times past.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers,
Jacques & Rebecca
-
George & Claire Poitras The sadness after hearing of Ron’s passing leaves us with an emptiness created by those large footprints this gebtleman leaves behind. To Bobbie and the the children our heartfelt sympathies. Ron supported me personally when I was a rookie in the hearing field. That kind of support can neither be repaid or expressed in graditude.
God bless you my friend and may your soul rest in peace.
George & Claire Poitras Kelowna,BC
-
larry cavanagh so sad to see about ron—we worked together many years ago—and I had the privilege of knowing billy and jeff –on our hockey team and in scouting [ ron was always a big help in those events]–my deepest sympathies to bobbie and family—larry Cavanagh-regina
-
Brian and Ruby Getson As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honouring the memory of Ron.
He was a wonderful man.
With loving thoughts
Brian and Ruby Getson
Saskatoon SK
-
Heather Hill My deepest sympathies to Bobbie and family. Ron was a kind and generous man I had the pleasure of dealing with when I worked at Beltone Canada. He always had a kind word and showed genuine care for everyone he dealt with.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Heather Hill
Ron had a very kind heart. He will be missed.