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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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