“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings;”
Ron passed away on February 6, 2026, after a short illness at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He was born July 10, 1943, in St. Boniface, Manitoba son of the late James Ronald and Doris Jessie (Beasant) Mastin.
He served for 34 years in the RCAF/CAF and Air Reserve, first as a Radio Operator and then re-mustering to become an Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (081 Observer / AESOp) and flew on many different aircraft types, serving across the country, on both coasts and travelling to far corners of this world. He retired as Master Warrant Officer (MWO) from 443 (MH) Squadron Esquimalt in 1999. He went on to spend 12 years as a Commissionaire, with most of that time at Butchart Gardens. He was an active and valued member in his community of West Oaks and a Tenor in the Victoria Arion Male Choir. Ron loved to read, sing, and play guitar and piano, and knew the joy that music brings. He was active and enjoyed his daily walks as well as participating in the Terry Fox Run and the Victoria Times Colonist 10K, most recently in April 2025. He was always open to trying something new, whether it was to build our home in Greenwood, NS, acquire a private pilots license, Ski and Windsurfing.
He was predeceased by his older brother Jim and twin sister Dinah; he will be deeply missed by his wife of 59 years, Ollie (Olga), his son Bradley (Sharla) of Calgary, AB, his daughter Leann (Gary) of St. Francois Xavier, MB., his grandchildren Allie, Cassie, Thomas and Hannah. Along with many members of his extended family in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and friends far and wide in Victoria and across the country.
There will be a private family service at a later date.
As Ron used to say “Be grateful for each day and hug your loved ones frequently”.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Mastin” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Stephen Lee
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Carol Bourke Carol Bourke
Deeply saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. As well as my partner working in Security at Butchart Gardens for 10 years, he was a very dear, caring and supportive friend. My sincere condolences to his wife, Ollie, and their family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
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Stan Brygadyr Many condolences to Olga & Family. Ron had a wonderful career in Maritime Air having crewed in all operational aircraft; Tracker, Argus, Aurora and Seaking. His expertise and good nature made him a very valuable crew member in MAG. He will be remembered well as a real stalwart AESOP and contributor to his community and country in so many ways. RIP
Colonel Stan Brygadyr(ret’d)
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Craig Higgins My sincere Empathy to you and your family Ollie.
Take Care
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Dave Gibson Very saddened by this dreadful news. Ron was one of my favourite people ever. Great memories. Especially our trip with 407 Sqn to Australia for Tasmanex ’75. I’m honoured to have known him. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. One of the best RIP
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Dave Andersen Ron always had a smile on his face and I felt his joy was infectious at the VAMC choir. He was kind and friendly, and he loved music. It was my honour to have known him, and he will be missed. Rest in peace.
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Larry Dunlop I’m so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron and I served together in many places. He was always cheerful and ready to tackle anything. He will be missed very much but never forgotten. RIP dear friend RIP.
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Edward J MIller I am so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing.
I was fortunate enough to be on a 407 Sqn Argus crew with Ron in 1979 when we won the honour of representing Canada in the Fincastle ASW competition. In no small part to Ron’s leadership, we won the international competition that year. Flying with Ron, skiing with Ron and on occasion having a few drinks with Ron are part of my favourite memories of those times. (And the blueberry perogies, Ollie)
His great sense of humour, his professional work ethic and his friendship will be remembered by many. It was an honour and privilege to know Ron and his family.
Sincere condolences,
Ed Miller
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Stuart mcAskill I had the distinct pleasure of flying with Ron while we both served on 880 squadron , Shearwater, Nova Scotia in the early 79s. In addition to his recognized skills as an aviation observer specialst, his valued sense of humour and timely wit added to any conversation. A very, very valued team member…. in any life pursuit.
My heartfelt condolences to his Family and Friends.
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Clarence (Sonny) Rose I was going through my OTU as a brand new ABATS student and Ron was my flying partner. His calm demeanour along with his sage advice helped me immensely. His fatherly attitude towards me is something I have never forgotten. True gem…I count myself fortunate to have know him.
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Steve galimore Thanks Ron for all the tight spots you got us out of, with your skills on radar. Hope your future journey is enjoyable and filled with good contacts.
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Jacques Dussault May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Gone but never forgotten. RIP my dear friend. It was a pleasure serving with you.
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Michel "Mike" Bourduas I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ron. I flew with Ron on the Argus in Comox, and we were neighbours in the mobile home park near the base. I offer my deepest condolences to the family. He was a great person.
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Jacques Hardy I had the the pleasure to fly and work at 443 Sqn with Ron!
my sincere condolences to all of you! RIP My friend!
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shannon McDonald We are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend. Always a smiling face around West Oaks. Our sincere condolences to Ollie and the family on the loss of a wonderful man.
Shannon and Lorne
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Joe Seward The comfort of having a friend may be taken away, but not that of having had one.
RIP, my friend.
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Jody Jean My condolences to family and friends. He will be missed.
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Diane Caldwell Dear Ollie & family – It is with great sadness I am writing this. Ron was such a lovely neighbour and friend. I so much enjoyed our recent afternoon and dinner together and was looking forward to more. Dear Ollie my arms are wrapped around you. I will get in touch with you when I get home. Love Diane❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Jim Johnson I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Ron’s family and friends. Singing with Ron over the last six years with the Victoria Arion Male Choir was incredible. . I am deeply saddened by Ron’s passing. We would talk about his time in the Canadian Forces as my dad did years ago. He was gentle, caring man and had a great sense of humor. He spent many happy years singing with the Arion Choir and VAMC. Ron, will be greatly missed by all the guys who have been fortunate to get to know him. I’m sure he is singing with the angels. Rest in Peace Ron.
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Barb Landry Ollie,Brad and Leann,
IIt is with heavy heart that I just heard of Ron’s passing. He was a dear and treasured friend. In our younger years Dave and I had many a wonderful time with Ron and Ollie that I w8ll always hold dear. My heart goes out to all of you. Barb
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Charles O'Neill To Ollie and family, my deepest condolences to you.I first met Ron when I was with VS 880 Sqn in Shearwater and recently in Victoria when I moved there. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and spirit and he will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. God speed Ron as you join “The Delta”, Aye, Chuck O’Neill.
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Hank Fortin RIP Ron
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Marianne Langford Our heart is breaking for your loss, dear Olga, Bradley & LeAnn. Treasure the momories of a life well lived. Love & prayers, Marianne & Jamie Langford.
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Diane Cross-Snook My sincere condolences to Mrs. Mastin, Brad, Leann and their families. So much love sent to you all from Nova Scotia
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Shiara Oliver My sincere condolences to you Ollie, Brad and Leann on the passing of your sweet husband and dad. Hugs to you all. Wishing you all peace and light.
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Ken Rest Easy my dear friend and Brother !
Many fond memories !
It was quite the shock hearing about Ron’s passing. I sang with Ron in the Arion Male Voice Choir and then the Victoria Arion Male Choir. It was my pleasure to have known him and sung with him. He was a steady influence on the choir and served on the Board. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of all the members of the Victoria Arion Male Choir our deepest condolences to Ollie and the family.