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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 !
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.
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.